Superstar Rajinikanth is set to light up the big screen once again with Coolie, a grand-scale action entertainer directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. Slated for release on August 14, the film boasts an ensemble cast that includes Aamir Khan, Nagarjuna, Upendra and Shruti Haasan. Backed by Sun Pictures, Coolie has been produced with an enormous budget of Rs. 375 crore, marking it as one of the most ambitious projects of Indian cinema this year.
A significant portion of the budget has gone to the leading man himself. Rajinikanth is reported to have received a whopping Rs. 150 crore as his upfront fee, placing him among the highest paid actors in the Indian film history. Director Lokesh Kanagaraj was also handsomely rewarded with Rs. 50 crore, a record figure for a filmmaker. The remaining budget was allocated for production costs and star cast salaries, while Rs. 25 crore has been set aside for promotions.
Even before its release, Coolie has already made impressive business. The film has secured Rs. 130 crore from digital streaming rights, Rs. 90 crore from satellite deals and Rs. 20 crore from music sales, bringing its total pre-release earnings to Rs. 240 crore. This means the producers only need to recover Rs. 135 crore from theatrical collections, a feat that seems well within reach given the film’s hype and Rajinikanth’s immense popularity.
Rajinikanth, a living legend of South Indian cinema, continues to command attention and admiration with every role. His unmatched charisma, commanding presence and loyal fan following make every release an event in itself. With Coolie, he not only proves his enduring star power but also reinforces his position as a titan of Indian cinema.
The film’s release in multiple languages including Tamil, Telugu and Hindi is strategically planned to maximize its pan-India appeal. As it gears up to clash with War 2 starring Hrithik Roshan, Jr NTR and Kiara Advani, Coolie is expected to lead the box office race with its mass appeal and star-studded lineup.
