In a major cinematic achievement, Superstar Rajinikanth’s latest film Coolie (2025), directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, has crossed the ₹500 crore worldwide gross threshold, cementing its place in the elite club of Tamil and Indian film box‐office successes.
Here’s a detailed look at what this milestone means — for the film, for Rajinikanth, and for Tamil cinema at large.
Milestones & numbers
- According to multiple trade trackers, Coolie amassed around ₹504 crore worldwide by Day 18 of its release.
- The film achieved the mark following a strong opening and overseas performance, with some reports highlighting notable earnings from key international markets.
- With this achievement, Rajinikanth becomes the only Tamil actor to have three films that have crossed the ₹500 crore threshold globally (alongside 2.0 and Jailer).
- Coolie now ranks among the highest-grossing Tamil films of all time.
Why Coolie resonated
Several factors helped propel Coolie to this landmark:
- Rajinikanth’s enduring mass appeal, especially across Tamil-speaking markets and among the diaspora.
- The film’s release timing (coinciding with August holiday weekend) maximised theatrical footfall.
- A robust overseas release strategy, which enabled markets outside India to contribute significantly.
- Hype and anticipation built through star casting, music and marketing propelled strong opening numbers.
What this means for Tamil cinema
- The achievement reinforces the global reach of Tamil films and their increasing viability in international markets.
- Rajinikanth’s triple-entry into the ₹500-crore club raises the bar and sets a new benchmark for stars and studios in the industry.
- It may encourage larger investments and wider distribution plans for Tamil-language films aiming for pan-India and overseas success.
A caveat & outlook
While crossing ₹500 crore is a major win, analysts note that sustaining box-office momentum beyond the initial weeks remains challenging. For Coolie, the later weeks saw a slower growth rate. That said, the milestone itself is a significant victory and will likely benefit the film’s aftermarket (OTT, satellite rights, etc.).
Going forward, the question on many lips is whether Coolie can continue to climb and challenge the lifetime grosses of all-time Indian and Tamil cinema-heavyweights.
Final word
With Coolie crossing ₹500 crore worldwide, Rajinikanth has once again proved his star power. This milestone is not just a win for one film — it marks a moment of validation for Tamil cinema’s global ambitions. As the theatrical run continues and revenue streams expand, the full impact of Coolie is still unfolding.