The Independence Day weekend has delivered one of the biggest box office clashes in Indian cinema history. “Coolie,” starring Rajinikanth, and “War 2,” featuring Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR, both released on August 14, 2025 — and their collections are breaking records across regions.
Day-Wise Collections (India)
- Day 1: “Coolie” – ₹65 crore net “War 2” – ₹52.25 crore net
- Day 2: “Coolie” – ₹44.8 crore net “War 2” – ₹55.79 crore net
Two-day totals: “Coolie” – ₹109.8 crore “War 2” – ₹108.04 crore
Language-Wise Breakdown (India)
“Coolie” Day 1:
- Tamil – ₹45 crore
- Telugu – ₹15 crore
- Hindi – ₹4.5 crore
- Kannada – ₹0.5 crore
“War 2” Day 1:
- Hindi – ₹38 crore
- Telugu – ₹10 crore
- Tamil – ₹4.25 crore
On Day 2, “War 2” saw a rise in Hindi and Telugu regions, while “Coolie” maintained strong Tamil occupancy.
Country-Wise Performance (Overseas)
Superstar Rajinikanth The Record Maker & Record Breaker 🔥🔥🔥#Coolie becomes the Highest ever Day 1 worldwide gross for a Tamil film with 151 Crores+#Coolie in theatres worldwide🌟@rajinikanth @Dir_Lokesh @anirudhofficial #AamirKhan @iamnagarjuna @nimmaupendra #SathyaRaj… pic.twitter.com/k3wLtIMqPn
— Sun Pictures (@sunpictures) August 15, 2025
“Coolie” Overseas (Day 1):
- North America – $3.04 million
- UK – £124K
- Australia – A$535K
- UAE – $1.1 million
“War 2” Overseas (Day 1):
- North America – $1.8 million
- UAE – $950K
- Australia – A$410K
“Coolie” leads globally with ₹151 crore on Day 1, while “War 2” is gaining ground in Hindi-speaking regions. With just ₹1.76 crore separating the two after two days, the weekend will decide the ultimate winner.
Total Worldwide Collections (2 Days)
- “Coolie” – ₹215 crore gross worldwide
- “War 2” – ₹190 crore gross worldwide
As one analyst noted, “This clash isn’t just about stars — it’s about language, loyalty, and pan-India reach.”
War 2 public opinion
War 2, starring Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR, aimed to expand YRF’s spy universe with high-octane action and cross-regional star power.
The film opened strong in metro cities and Telugu-speaking regions, with audiences praising the chemistry between the leads and the adrenaline-fueled set pieces.
Jr NTR’s entry into Bollywood was widely celebrated, and Hrithik’s suave performance added to the film’s appeal. The climax sequence, in particular, sparked online debates and fan theories.
#OneWordReview…#War2: DISAPPOINTING.
Rating: ⭐½
Weakest film in #YRFSpyUniverse… Has star power, scale, style, stunts – but lacks soul… Writing is the biggest culprit here… Not even #HrithikRoshan and #NTR can save this royal mess! #War2Review pic.twitter.com/4cgJEq0Ljp— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) August 14, 2025
Yet, not all feedback was glowing. Critics pointed to a predictable plot and underwhelming VFX, especially when compared to War (2019). Some fans defended the film, urging viewers to “watch with an open mind,” while others felt it lacked the emotional weight and freshness of its predecessor.
Despite mixed reviews, War 2 held its ground at the box office, especially in Hindi and Telugu circuits, proving the power of star-driven spectacle.
Coolie public review
Rajinikanth’s Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, ignited massive excitement across South India and overseas markets. The film’s opening weekend saw packed theatres, with fans celebrating like it was a festival.
Rajinikanth’s magnetic screen presence and vintage style drew applause, while Nagarjuna and Soubin Shahir added depth with their intense performances. The film’s mass appeal was undeniable, especially in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, where it dominated regional box office charts.
However, critical reception was more tempered. While fans praised the action and nostalgia, some reviewers found the screenplay uneven and emotionally thin.
The trailer, though widely viewed, was criticized for lacking punch compared to Lokesh’s previous works. Despite this, Coolie maintained strong momentum thanks to fan loyalty and social media buzz, with many calling it a “mass monster” and a return to Rajinikanth’s vintage form.
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