BY SACNILK

Bengaluru, August 15 - The unpredictability of the box office has thrown another big surprise to provide some relief to Kannada cinema, which has been bleeding this year with failure after failure. The industry gets a much-needed breather as actor-producer Raj B. Shetty's comedy-drama Su From So has stunned the trade by emerging as a true-blue blockbuster. ## Directed by J. P. Thuminad, the film released on July 25 to limited pre-release buzz but has defied all expectations. As of now, it has grossed approximately 98 crores worldwide, including 85+ crores gross in India, in just 22 days, and has crossed 100 crores worldwide today as I type this. ## This achievement will not only make it the highest-grossing Kannada film of 2025, but also a rare box office phenomenon in a year that has otherwise seen Kannada films underperform massively. The domestic collection of the film includes around 76 crores gross from the home state, Karnataka alone. ## Produced by Shashidhar Shetty Baroda, Ravi Rai Kalasa, and Raj B. Shetty under the Lighter Buddha Films banner, the film features an ensemble cast including Shaneel Gautham, J. P. Thuminad, Sandhya Arakere, Prakash Thuminad, Deepak Rai Panaje, Mime Ramdas, and Raj B. Shetty himself. The team's grounded approach to storytelling and authentic depiction of local culture has been widely praised.## Set in the coastal village of Marlur linked to Someshwara, the story of the movie follows Ashoka, a carefree young man whose innocent crush spirals into rumours of possession by a ghost named Sulochana, upending village life through a cascade of comedic supernatural events. ## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Chennai, August 15 - In the race to emerge as the king of Tamil cinema, superstar Rajinikanth's gangster action drama Coolie has beaten Thalapathy Vijay's LCU blockbuster Leo, and become the biggest opener ever for a Tamil title, at the domestic and worldwide box office. Released on August 14, just ahead of the Independence Day holiday, Coolie began its run with record-breaking pre-sales of over 100 crore. Despite facing mixed reviews and a direct clash with Yash Raj Films' high-octane spy thriller War 2, Lokesh Kanagaraj's directorial drew huge spot bookings, turning the film's opening into a box office triumph. While final numbers are still coming, estimates indicate that Coolie has grossed over 150 crore worldwide on its first day, overtaking Leo's 143 crore debut. This achievement makes it the biggest Tamil opener of all time, and only the third Tamil film in history to open with more than 100 crore globally. On the domestic front, Coolie raked in around 78 crore gross, setting a new benchmark for Tamil films and surpassing the previous record held by Rajinikanth's 2.0 and Vijay's Leo, which grossed around 76.50 crores. International markets also responded with blockbuster enthusiasm, contributing an estimated 75 crore gross, a new overseas record, beating Leo's 66 crore. Both Coolie and Leo, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, have been the most hyped Tamil films in recent times. Even the opening day advances for both titles were almost in the same range, but experts attribute Coolie's record opening to the perfect combination of Rajinikanth's mass appeal, Lokesh Kanagaraj's brand value post-Vikram and Leo, and the holiday weekend. With these opening day numbers, Coolie has set the tone for a potentially record-breaking lifetime run for Tamil cinema. If the film manages to win over mixed word of mouth, through the holiday period and maintains decent weekday holds, it could challenge 2.0's lifetime worldwide gross of around 700 crores. Have A Look At The Opening Day State-Wise Box Office Comparison of Coolie and LeoRegion/StateLeo Day 1 GBOCCoolie Day 1 GBOCTamil Nadu₹30.20 Cr₹29.00 CrKarnataka₹14.10 Cr₹14.00 CrAP/TG₹15.40 Cr₹17.00 CrKerala₹12.00 Cr₹9.50 CrRest of India₹4.50 Cr₹7.25 CrOverseas₹66.50 Cr₹75.00 CrTotal₹142.70 Cr₹151.75 Cr Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Chennai, August 15 - Superstar Rajinikanth's gangster action drama Coolie has taken an earth-shattering opening at the domestic as well as the worldwide box office, setting new records for Tamil cinema. Lokesh Kanagaraj's directorial has performed beyond already sky-high expectations, and brought in sensational numbers on the opening day. Coolie stormed into cinemas on August 14, 2025, riding on patriotic fervour and sky-high anticipation. The film amassed an impressive over 80+ crore gross collection in India on day one (final number awaited), making it Rajinikanth’s biggest domestic opening ever. Worldwide, it grossed an estimated 150+ crore, thanks to strong performances across both traditional Tamil markets and new territories. The previous biggest domestic opener of Rajinikanth was 2.0. The sci-fi extravaganza, directed by Shankar and co-starring Akshay Kumar, saw Rajinikanth reprise his dual roles with Akshay Kumar as the antagonist and Amy Jackson in a key role. On its first day, 2.0 amassed approximately 75+ crore gross in India, ranking as the second-highest opening behind Baahubali 2 at the time. The film went on to become the biggest Tamil grosser with around 700 crores worldwide; however, it is considered an average affair due to its high budget. 2.0 stood as the most expensive Indian film ever made at the time of its release, with an estimated production budget of around 500 crore. The film's groundbreaking visual spectacle was powered by world-renowned VFX studios like Legacy Effects, under the supervision of acclaimed VFX expert V. Srinivas Mohan. Breaking away from conventional practices, 2.0 became the first Indian film to be shot entirely with native 3D camera setups rather than relying on post-production conversions—a bold Even before release, 2.0 was making history. The teaser amassed an astounding 32 million views within just 24 hours, while the full trailer soared past 140 million views, setting unprecedented digital engagement records for Indian cinema. The marketing campaign, equally ambitious, spanned continents—hot-air balloons adorned with 2.0 imagery floated over global landmarks such as the Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles, as well as in London, Dubai, and across Southeast Asia, amplifying the film’s presence on a truly international scale. While 2.0 set a towering benchmark, Coolie enters the fray backed by Rajinikanth's unmatched charisma, a gripping mass-action storyline, and massive pre-release buzz. The true measure of this face-off will lie in whether Coolie can match or surpass the monumental opening of 2.0, further cementing Thalaivar’s dominance across eras in Tamil cinema history. Have A Look At The Opening Day State-Wise Box Office Comparison of Coolie and 2.0Region (State)2.0 Day 1 GBOCCoolie Day 1 GBOCTamil Nadu₹20.00 Cr₹29.00 CrKarnataka₹10.00 Cr₹14.00 CrAP/TG₹19.00 Cr₹17.00 CrKerala₹5.00 Cr₹9.50 CrRest of India₹22.50 Cr₹7.25 CrTotal₹76.60 Cr₹76.75 Cr Note: *estimated Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Chennai, August 15 - Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and starring Rajinikanth, unfolds as an action-packed gangster drama. The film follows the story of Deva, who uncovers the mystery surrounding his friend's death. It serves as a standalone narrative outside the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU). ## There has been a massive demand for movie tickets, not just in India but also internationally. The ticket prices surged dramatically, reaching as high as 4,500 in Chennai, while Singapore even granted paid leave for fans wanting to watch Coolie on opening day. A viral video by the Singapore Police featuring the film’s soundtrack added to the global excitement. ## Coolie launched with enormous pre-release hype, already breaking 100 crore in advance bookings and setting massive expectations. Trade analysts estimate it needs around 600 crore worldwide to be considered a hit. The film broke opening day records for a Tamil title, emerging as the all-time biggest Tamil opener. (final number awaited)## Rajinikanth's previous biggest opener was action drama Jailer, helmed by Nelson Dilipkumar. It featured Rajinikanth as a retired jailer determined to rescue his missing son and take down an eccentric idol-smuggler. It was released in August 2023 and proved to be the superstar's comeback vehicle that shattered records, grossing around 605 crores, becoming the second-highest-grossing Tamil film ever at that time. ## Jailer premiered on over 7,000 screens worldwide, with 3,000 additional screens in international markets, a remarkable distribution scale for Tamil cinema. During its box office run, the film created new milestones for Tamil cinema, such as becoming the biggest Tamil grosser in Kerala at the time, and also did wonders in the Telugu states, apart from the record-breaking run at the home turf, Tamil Nadu. ## Have A Look At The Opening Day State-Wise Box Office Comparison of Coolie and JailerRegion (State)Jailer Day 1 GBOCCoolie Day 1 GBOCTamil Nadu₹23.40 Cr₹29.00 CrKarnataka₹11.80 Cr₹14.00 CrAP/TG₹12.50 Cr₹17.00 CrKerala₹5.90 Cr₹9.50 CrRest of India₹3.00 Cr₹7.25 CrTotal₹56.60 Cr₹76.75 Cr## Note: *estimated ## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Chennai, August 15 - Born Shivaji Rao Gaekwad on December 12, 1950, in Bangalore, Rajinikanth's journey to cinematic superstardom is the stuff of legend. Raised in a modest Maharashtrian family, he worked a series of jobs, including as a bus conductor, before his passion for acting led him to the Madras Film Institute in the early 1970s. There, his raw talent and magnetic presence caught the attention of celebrated director K. Balachander, who gave him his debut in Apoorva Raagangal (1975). Though a small role, it announced the arrival of a unique screen presence.## Initially cast in intense, often antagonistic roles, Rajinikanth quickly transformed into a leading man with films like Mullum Malarum (1978) and Bhuvana Oru Kelvi Kuri (1977). By the early 1980s, his charisma, trademark style, and mass connect had turned him into Tamil cinema's biggest draw. Billa (1980) was a turning point, redefining the industry's commercial scale with a gross of over ₹10 crore worldwide among the first Tamil films and introducing the "Superstar" title that has stayed with him ever since.## What followed was an era of dominance that few actors in world cinema can match. Through the 1980s and 1990s, Rajinikanth delivered a string of historic hits, Annamalai (1992), Baashha (1995), and Padayappa (1999), each smashing box office records and running for extraordinary durations. His films weren't just theatrical releases; they were cultural events, celebrated with towering cutouts, dawn shows, and international premieres. Over the decades, Rajinikanth has continually adapted to changing cinematic landscapes, from the record-breaking Chandramukhi (2005) and Sivaji (2007) to the sci-fi spectacle Enthiran (2010), the global blockbuster Kabali (2016), and the mega-hit Jailer (2023). Across generations, his ability to command the box office remains unmatched—a legacy built on charisma, versatility, and an unbreakable bond with his audience. ## During Rajinikanth's Golden Era of the 1990s, the following films stood out not only for their mass appeal but also for the records they set at the box office. Thalapathi (1991), directed by Mani Ratnam and co-starring Mammootty, with music composed by Ilaiyaraaja, drew inspiration from the friendship between Karna and Duryodhana in the Mahabharata, reimagined in a modern-day gangster backdrop. The film opened to massive box office success in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, enjoying runs of over 200 days in several theatres.## Annamalai (1992) emerged as the highest-grossing Tamil film of its time, reportedly earning around 12.5 crore, a staggering figure for the early 90s, cementing the Superstar's bankability. Just three years later, Baashha (1995) shattered that record with an unprecedented run of nearly 15 months in theatres, though exact figures remain undocumented in verified public sources. By the decade's close, Padayappa (1999) had taken the crown as Tamil cinema's highest-grossing film of its time, combining record-breaking openings with long-running popularity. These three titles not only ruled the box office but also solidified Rajinikanth's status as a pan-India phenomenon.## ## The wave continued with Muthu (1995), a Diwali release that became a silver-jubilee hit in Tamil Nadu. Its Japanese dub, Muthu: The Dancing Maharaja (1998), grossed about ~US$3.06 million and stood as the highest-grossing Indian film in Japan for 24 years, opening an overseas fanbase few regional stars had enjoyed then. ## 2000s – Crossing the 100 Crore Frontier ## The 2000s marked a new phase in Rajinikanth’s career, where he not only maintained his dominance but also redefined commercial milestones. Chandramukhi (2005) became the longest-running Tamil film in history, with an extraordinary 890+ days in theatres, and significantly boosted its overseas presence. Just two years later, Sivaji: The Boss (2007) created history by becoming the first Tamil film to gross over 100 crore worldwide, setting a new benchmark for budgets, promotions, and box office potential in the industry. This decade firmly established Rajinikanth as a star who could deliver unprecedented numbers while continually expanding Tamil cinema's reach. ## 2010s – Pan-India & Global Stardom ## The 2010s cemented Rajinikanth's stature as a true pan-India and global superstar, with his films achieving unprecedented reach and revenue. Enthiran (2010), a groundbreaking sci-fi spectacle, became one of the highest-grossing Indian films of its time, earning over 291 crore worldwide and setting new technical benchmarks. Kabali (2016) followed with record-smashing pre-release business and a staggering 200+ crore opening weekend globally, proving Rajinikanth's unmatched pull across markets. Then came 2.0 (2018), the most expensive Indian film ever made at 500+ crore, which went on to gross around 700 crore worldwide, further solidifying his position as a box office phenomenon who could command massive budgets and deliver equally massive returns. ## (Worldwide collection)## ## The 2020s showcased Rajinikanth's enduring box office power, proving that even after decades at the top, his star appeal remains unshakable. Annaatthe (2021), released during the pandemic, defied restrictions to emerge as a major Diwali season winner, drawing massive crowds in Tamil Nadu and strong overseas numbers. But it was Jailer (2023) that truly reaffirmed his dominance, grossing over 600 crore worldwide and becoming one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of all time. With its phenomenal reception in Malaysia, Singapore, and the Gulf, Jailer demonstrated Rajinikanth's unmatched ability to unite audiences across borders. ## Now, Coolie (2025) has already sparked historic pre-release records, from crossing $2 million in North American premiere pre-sales to notching over 100 crore in advance bookings, setting the stage for another monumental box office run and continuing the superstar’s legacy into yet another decade. ## Rajinikanth's box office dominance isn't just about earnings; it's about the cultural experience. From fan rituals and overseas premieres to unprecedented opening-day sales, every release is a festival. His appeal spans generations, languages, and continents-making him a unique figure in Indian cinema history. And with Coolie, the question isn't whether Rajinikanth will break records, it's how many more he'll set. From his humble debut in Apoorva Raagangal to ruling screens across continents, Rajinikanth's journey is more than just a string of blockbusters — it's the story of an icon who became a cultural phenomenon. ## His films have not only shattered box office records but also united audiences across generations, languages, and borders. As the Superstar marks 50 years in cinema, his legacy continues to inspire, proving that true stardom isn't measured by numbers alone, but by the hearts won along the way. And if history has shown us anything, it's that Rajinikanth's reign at the box office is far from over. ## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Chennai, August 14 - Superstar Rajinikanth has stormed the box office with his latest gangster action drama Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. As far as the opening is concerned, the film has lived up to its massive pre-release hype by delivering a sensational collection. ## According to early estimates, the film has registered the biggest opening ever for a Tamil film, with historic numbers across key markets. In Tamil Nadu, Coolie dominated with an estimated around 28-30 crore gross, which is one of the biggest starts in the state. ## The buzz extended beyond the home turf, with the film scoring big in other southern territories as early estimates suggest 16-18 crore gross in Andhra Pradesh/Telangana, 14-15 crore gross in Karnataka, and around 10 crore gross in Kerala. ## Coolie is one of the rare Tamil movies which managed to make a mark in the Hindi belt. Outside South Indian states, the Rest of India opening day collection is estimated to be around 7-8 crore gross, driven mainly by the Hindi belt, which saw good occupancy in metro cities. ## Overall, Coolie has scored an estimated 75-80+ crores gross on its first day in India. Thalapathy Vijay's Leo is currently the record Tamil opener domestically with around 76 crores gross. At the overseas box office, early estimates suggest 75+ crores opening for Coolie, making it a 150+ crores worldwide debut, which is a record for Tamil cinema. ## Trade experts believe that the Independence Day holiday and positive audience reception will help Coolie maintain this momentum; however, poor critics' reviews and the mixed audience reception might spoil the party, which needs to be seen. ## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, August 14 - Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR-fronted spy action thriller has opened to lower-than-expected numbers in the Hindi version, and is in real danger of scoring the lowest opening of YRF's Spy Universe, according to early estimates. ## Despite massive buzz, a holiday period, and being part of YRF's successful Spy Universe, the film is estimated to have collected 29-31 crore net in Hindi on its opening day. If the estimates hold, it will be the lowest debut in Spy Universe, behind Ek Tha Tiger, which opened to around 33 crores net in 2012.## Trade analysts were expecting the film to debut closer to the last Spy Universe film, Tiger 3 (43 crores net) or even higher, given the scale, star power, and pre-release marketing push. However, mixed factors such as competition from Rajinikanth's Coolie in southern markets, and slightly cautious audience reception seem to have impacted its performance. ## While the Hindi version has underperformed compared to expectations, the film is seemingly performing much stronger in the Telugu version, thanks to Jr. NTR's massive fan base. The total India gross for Day 1 is expected to be higher once all language versions are accounted for, as estimates suggest 60+ crores gross. ## With the Independence Day holiday boost and the weekend ahead, War 2 still has a chance to recover ground. Interestingly, the film has much better ratings than Coolie on BookMyShow and Google, so the hope is still there for a turnaround if those ratings turn into footfalls. ## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Chennai, August 14 - The D-day is here as superstar Rajinikanth's much-awaited gangster action drama Coolie hits the big screens amid huge hype. The film has set the Tamil film industry buzzing with its historic advance booking numbers for the opening day. ## Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, Coolie will start the day with 100+ crores already in the bag as it has shattered all previous opening day pre-sales records for the Tamil cinema, cementing its place as a monumental box office force.## As per the final tracked booking, Coolie has scored a massive 108+ crores for the opening day, including around 50 crores in India and 58 crores overseas, for the opening day. This makes it the highest first-day booking ever for a Tamil film, surpassing the previous benchmark set by Leo in single-day ticket sales (100+ crores). ## However, when looking at the overall opening weekend bookings, Coolie (183 crores) fell a little short of Thalapathy Vijay's Leo, which still holds the crown with 188 crores worldwide. While Coolie dominated with unprecedented Day 1 momentum, it fell slightly short of Leo’s cumulative opening pre-sales record. ## Still, the feat is nothing short of spectacular for Rajinikanth, whose box office pull remains unmatched after decades in the industry. With Coolie releasing amid huge anticipation and clashing with Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR's War 2, all eyes are now on how the film converts its massive pre-sales into record-shattering collections once the final numbers roll in. ## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Chennai, August 14 - Coolie is an action thriller directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, featuring a star-studded cast including Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna, Soubin Shahir, Upendra, Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, and Aamir Khan. The film runs for approximately 170 minutes and is primarily in Tamil. With a hefty budget estimated between ₹350 to ₹400 crore, it was released on August 14, 2025, under the banner of Sun Pictures. ## Director Lokesh Kanagaraj, renowned for his work on films like "Kaithi" and "Vikram," brings his distinctive storytelling approach to "Coolie," delivering intense narratives that strongly connect with audiences. "Coolie" had achieved remarkable pre-release milestones, with worldwide advance bookings totalling over ₹100 crores gross worldwide for the opening day. In North America, pre-sales reached $2.75 million (approximately ₹24 crore), surpassing the lifetime earnings of Rajinikanth’s previous hit "Petta" in the region. ## Additionally, the film set a new record for Tamil cinema on BookMyShow by selling 2.50+ million tickets in advance. Rajinikanth's lasting popularity plays a crucial role in the film's pre-sales, with his 50th year in Indian cinema adding a special emotional significance that draws in both longtime fans and new viewers. The release date, August 14, 2025, strategically aligns with the Independence Day weekend, optimising viewer turnout. Despite the film’s 'A' certification, audience enthusiasm remains high, reflecting robust engagement from adult viewers. ## Coolie has shattered conventional expectations and redefined the marketing landscape for Tamil cinema. With record-breaking advance bookings and unprecedented pre-sale numbers, the film is on a clear path to joining the biggest Tamil grossers of all time. Its massive buzz and strategic release timing position Coolie as a formidable competitor against upcoming releases, setting new benchmarks for box office success in the industry. ## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, August 14 - From the emotional depth of Kaabil to the mathematical genius of Super 30, the high-octane thrills of War, the layered storytelling of Vikram Vedha, and the groundbreaking aerial spectacle of Fighter, Hrithik Roshan's filmography over the past decade showcases a rare blend of versatility and star power. Each project has expanded his range — from intense drama to big-budget action — while strengthening his position as one of Indian cinema's most bankable and ambitious actors. With War 2 on the horizon, uniting him with director Ayan Mukerji in YRF's spy universe, the stage is set for yet another milestone in a career that continues to balance mass appeal with memorable performances. ## Kaabil (2017) ## Directed by Sanjay Gupta and produced by Rakesh Roshan, Kaabil is a romantic action thriller starring Hrithik Roshan and Yami Gautam, alongside Ronit Roy, Rohit Roy, and Narendra Jha. It tells the story of a visually impaired couple whose life is shattered after Supriya is assaulted; when the legal system fails them, Rohan meticulously hunts down those responsible. Hrithik prepared for the role by isolating himself for days to inhabit the character’s mindset. ## Released in early 2017, the film drew praise for Hrithik's blend of vulnerability and vengeance, with Rajesh Roshan’s music and Salim–Sulaiman’s background score amplifying the emotional intensity. Notably, on February 2, 2017, Kaabil became the first Indian film to release in Pakistan after the lifting of the ban on Indian films following the 2016 Uri attack. In a gesture of admiration, Rakesh Roshan arranged a special screening of Kaabil for the legendary actor Rajinikanth, who praised both the trailer and Hrithik’s performance. At the box office, it recorded ₹104.34 crore India net, ₹145.8 crore India gross, and ₹32.3 crore overseas, for a worldwide total of ₹178.1 crore. ## Super 30 (2019) ## Directed by Vikas Bahl and written by Sanjeev Dutta, this biographical drama stars Hrithik Roshan as mathematician Anand Kumar, alongside Mrunal Thakur, Nandish Sandhu, and Pankaj Tripathi. It was the last movie produced by Phantom Films before the company disbanded amid internal controversies. The film tells the true story of Anand Kumar’s program training 30 underprivileged students for the IIT entrance exam. ## It was filmed in Patna-inspired sets at Ramnagar Fort and at Banaras Hindu University, the first Hindi film to shoot there. Over 15,000 young actors were auditioned to portray the students. Just three days after its release, Super 30 was declared tax-free in Bihar, a gesture aimed at promoting its educational message. Subsequently, a record eight Indian states granted tax-free status—an exceptional feat for a commercial Bollywood film. The film grossed over ₹147.39 crore in India net, ₹171 crore in India gross, and ₹39 crore overseas, for a worldwide total of ₹210 crore, becoming the 12th highest-grossing Hindi film of 2019. ## War (2019) ## A Yash Raj Films production directed by Siddharth Anand, this action spectacle stars Hrithik Roshan as Kabir and Tiger Shroff as Khalid, with Vaani Kapoor, Ashutosh Rana, and Anupriya Goenka in supporting roles. The story follows Khalid, a loyal soldier, tasked with eliminating his former mentor Kabir, who has gone rogue. War was one of the most expensive Indian films ever made, featuring globe-trotting chase sequences and razor-sharp action that stood toe-to-toe with Hollywood standards. ## Filmed across India and exotic locations in Portugal, Italy, Finland, Sweden, Georgia, and Australia, it famously became the first Indian film to shoot an action climax on the Arctic Circle, requiring a five-month wait for shooting permission. The production crew took three months to prep, and actual filming lasted six days. The movie emerged as the biggest blockbuster of the lot with ₹318.01 crore India net, ₹375 crore India gross, ₹96 crore overseas, and a worldwide total of ₹471 crore, making it the highest-grossing Bollywood film of 2019, noted for its breathtaking stunts, global scale, and slick choreography. ## Vikram Vedha (2022) ## This Hindi remake of the acclaimed Tamil film is directed by Pushkar–Gayathri and stars Hrithik Roshan as gangster Vedha and Saif Ali Khan as police officer Vikram, with Radhika Apte, Rohit Saraf, Yogita Bihani, and Sharib Hashmi in pivotal roles. The narrative follows Vikram’s pursuit of Vedha, who surrenders voluntarily and narrates morally complex stories that challenge Vikram’s black-and-white worldview. Shot across Abu Dhabi and Lucknow, the film blends neo-noir and thriller elements, with early casting rumours once linking Shah Rukh Khan to Vedha’s role. The movie fared moderately at the box office by wrapping its theatrical run with an India net collection of ₹78.90 Cr, an India gross collection of ₹93.10 Cr, and an overseas total of ₹42.34 Cr, resulting in a worldwide cumulative of ₹135.44 Cr. ## Fighter (2024) ## Starring Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone and Anil Kapoor, along with Karan Singh Grover, Akshay Oberoi, and Rishabh Sawhney, the film follows an elite Indian Air Force squadron, "Air Dragons", assembled to counter a terrorist threat led by Azhar Akhtar. Mixing high-octane aerial combat with personal arcs and romance. The project was first revealed by Hrithik Roshan himself on his birthday, 10 January 2021, building early buzz. Directed by Siddharth Anand, Blending themes of patriotism and camaraderie, the film, originally slated for September 2022, was released on Republic Day 2024, marking Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone’s first on-screen pairing in a feature film and showcasing some of the most ambitious VFX-driven aerial sequences ever seen in Indian cinema. ## The film premiered on Republic Day weekend (25 January 2024), marking Deepika Padukone’s fourth release aligned with the national celebration—after Race 2 (2013), Padmaavat (2018), and Pathaan (2023). The movie solidified the third collaboration between Hrithik Roshan and director Siddharth Anand, each instalment spaced exactly five years apart: Bang Bang! (2014), War (2019), and now Fighter (2024). Fighter earned ₹212.75 crore in India net, ₹255 crore India gross, and ₹104 crore overseas, bringing its worldwide total to ₹359 crore. ## War 2 (2025) ## War 2 is the official sequel to the 2019 blockbuster War and the sixth instalment in the Yash Raj Films (YRF) Spy Universe. Directed by Ayan Mukerji and produced by Aditya Chopra, the film marked a notable shift in creative direction from the original's director, Siddharth Anand. Filming commenced in early 2024, covering multiple countries including Spain, Italy, Abu Dhabi, Japan, Russia, and India, with a projected budget nearing ₹400 crores. War 2 stakes its claim as one of the most expensive Indian spy thrillers ever made. The teaser dropped on Jr NTR’s birthday, highlighting a high-voltage face-off between Hrithik and Jr NTR, garnering significant social media buzz. The release also represented a cultural moment: not just Jr NTR's Bollywood debut but also a symbolic introduction of Hrithik to Telugu audiences.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Chennai, August 13 - Superstar Rajinikanth is displaying the might of his raw stardom and is proving once again why he is called the Thalaivar (leader) of Indian cinema with his upcoming gangster action drama Coolie, which has smashed all records for a Tamil cinema in advance booking. ## The Lokesh Kanagaraj directorial has crossed 100 crores gross collection worldwide on the opening day through pre-sales only. With this, it has reportedly become the biggest pre-sales grosser for a Tamil movie of all time for the first day, beating Thalapathy Vijay's Leo. ## According to the latest update, Coolie has grossed 45+ crores pre-sales in India and 55+ crores overseas, for the worldwide cume total of 100+ crores for the first day. With this, the movie is expected to score the biggest opening ever for a Tamil title, and if it happens, Thalapathy Vijay's Leo (143 crores gross) record will be broken. ## Interestingly, Coolie opens on the same weekend as Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR's biggie War 2, leading to one of the most high-profile box office clashes in recent years. Despite the competition, Coolie is heading towards emerging as a bigger opener by a long margin, thanks to Rajinikanth's unmatched pull in the South and abroad. ## Produced by Sun Pictures, Coolie is releasing on August 14 in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and Kannada. ## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Chennai, August 13 - Superstar Rajinikanth's gangster action drama Coolie is yet to hit the big screen, and even before that, it has shattered the opening day record for an Indian movie of 2025 at the worldwide box office by beating Ram Charan's Game Changer. ## Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, Coolie has smashed over 80+ crores in advance bookings collection with still a day left, for the opening day, which is enough to eclipse Ram Charan's Game Changer, which debuted earlier this year with an 80 crore worldwide opening. ## Coolie has locked in over 35 crore gross in India and more than 45 crore overseas so far for the opening day, marching towards 100 crores advance booking gross at the end of the day. For the opening weekend, the film has already crossed 100 crores bookings, which is the highest of the year and one of the highest of all-time. ## Coolie is produced by Sun Pictures and is set to release on August 14, taking advantage of the extended Independence Day weekend, despite clashing with Yash Raj Films' War 2. The combination of Rajinikanth’s unmatched star power, Lokesh Kanagaraj’s action-packed storytelling, and a holiday release is expected to give Coolie a record-breaking opening for a Tamil title. ## Stay tuned...