Rajinikanth’s ‘Coolie’ Beats Lokesh Kanagaraj–Thalapathy Vijay Collaboration at the Box Office
Superstar Rajinikanth has once again proven why he’s regarded as the ultimate box office king. His latest action-packed entertainer, ‘Coolie’, has surged past expectations and even outperformed one of the most anticipated projects of the year — the much-hyped collaboration between director Lokesh Kanagaraj and actor Thalapathy Vijay.
Released amidst massive fanfare and industry buzz, Coolie stormed into cinemas with explosive opening day numbers, collecting over ₹70 crore globally. With its mix of mass appeal, retro-styled action, and Rajinikanth’s vintage charisma, the film quickly gained momentum, outpacing the Lokesh-Vijay film within its first two weeks.
The Lokesh-Vijay project, which had generated enormous excitement given the success of their previous film Master, opened well but couldn’t sustain the same pace. Despite a strong first weekend, it gradually saw a decline in footfall due to mixed word-of-mouth and tough competition from Coolie. While the Lokesh-Vijay film focused on a dark, gritty narrative, Coolie brought back the essence of commercial cinema — flashy dialogues, whistle-worthy moments, and a larger-than-life hero who commands the screen.
Directed by Karthik Subbaraj, Coolie sees Rajinikanth in a role reminiscent of his 80s and 90s avatars — a blue-collar hero with style, swagger, and social commentary. The story, set against the backdrop of labor struggles and corporate exploitation, struck a chord with the masses. Critics lauded Rajinikanth’s energetic performance, calling it his “most entertaining act in years,” and praised the film’s ability to blend nostalgia with contemporary relevance.
Music by Anirudh Ravichander played a pivotal role in Coolie‘s success. Tracks like “Thalaivar Returns” and “Kooli Anthem” became chart-toppers even before the film’s release. The background score added punch to key sequences, enhancing the theatrical experience that fans crave.
Industry analysts point out that Coolie‘s smart release timing, aggressive marketing, and Rajinikanth’s enduring fanbase gave it an edge. Trade expert Ramesh Bala noted, “While both films had strong buzz, Coolie capitalized better on audience expectations. Rajinikanth’s mass appeal remains unmatched, especially in Tamil Nadu and overseas markets like Malaysia, Singapore, and the Gulf.”
As of the latest box office update, Coolie has earned over ₹410 crore globally, surpassing the Lokesh-Vijay film, which stands around ₹355 crore. This performance not only reaffirms Rajinikanth’s pull at the box office but also sends a message — well-crafted commercial cinema with a beloved star can still dominate, even amid newer, edgier narratives.
While the Lokesh-Vijay collaboration was no flop by any means, it couldn’t maintain the long legs at the box office that Coolie managed. Fans of both stars continue to engage in passionate debates online, but the numbers tell a clear story: Rajinikanth’s magic is far from fading.
With Coolie, Rajinikanth has once again delivered a blockbuster that crosses generations, proving that when the superstar steps into his element, there’s simply no stopping him — not even by Tamil cinema’s newest power duo.
