Priyanka Tiwari
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Suspense crime, Digital Desk : Get ready, India, because one of the most eagerly anticipated cinematic events is on the horizon! "Coolie," helmed by the acclaimed Lokesh Kanagaraj and starring the one and only superstar Rajinikanth, is already generating massive buzz. And it's not just Thalaivar; the film boasts a powerhouse cast including Aamir Khan, Nagarjuna, Upendra, and Pooja Hegde, making it a truly pan-Indian spectacle. Produced by the renowned Sun Pictures, "Coolie" is set to hit screens in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and other Indian languages on August 14, 2025.
Now, let's talk numbers, because they're staggering! Reports suggest "Coolie" is being made on a jaw-dropping total budget of Rs 375 crore. A significant chunk of this, a cool Rs 150 crore, is reportedly Rajinikanth's remuneration, placing him firmly among India's highest-paid actors. Director Lokesh Kanagaraj isn't far behind, apparently commanding Rs 50 crore – a record fee for an Indian filmmaker. The remaining Rs 150 crore is allocated for the actual production costs and the fees for the rest of the stellar cast and crew. On top of all this, an extra Rs 25 crore has been earmarked just for marketing and promotions to ensure everyone knows "Coolie" is coming.
Despite this colossal investment, the makers at Sun Pictures have already played some smart moves. Before a single ticket is sold, they've reportedly raked in a whopping Rs 240 crore! This impressive sum comes from selling the digital rights for Rs 130 crore, satellite rights for Rs 90 crore, and music rights for a solid Rs 20 crore. This savvy pre-release business means they now "only" need to earn Rs 135 crore from theatrical collections worldwide to break even – a much more manageable target.
To hit that Rs 135 crore net from theaters, "Coolie" will likely need to achieve a worldwide gross of at least Rs 400 crore (after distributor shares etc.). While this isn't a walk in the park, the immense hype surrounding the movie and Rajinikanth's legendary fan following make it a distinct possibility. The real test, however, will be its performance in the Telugu and Hindi markets, which are crucial for any film aspiring to national success. If the Telugu version can pull in around Rs 60 crore and the Hindi belt contributes Rs 30–40 crore, "Coolie" has a strong chance of being a resounding hit.
Interestingly, while the dream of joining the elusive Rs 1000-crore club (and potentially becoming the first Tamil film to do so) is undoubtedly there, the team is now publicly setting a more grounded expectation of Rs 400 crore. This shift suggests the makers are being strategically cautious, managing expectations smartly.
All eyes will be glued to the box office come August 14, 2025. "Coolie's" journey will be fascinating to watch, not just for its star power and massive budget, but also because it's set for a thrilling clash with Yash Raj Films' highly anticipated “WAR 2.”
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