Article Today, Hyderabad: The upcoming film Coolie, starring superstar Rajinikanth and directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, has emerged as one of the biggest talking points in Indian cinema. Even before its release, the film is setting unprecedented records. The combination of Rajinikanth’s mass appeal and Lokesh Kanagaraj’s hit-making reputation has sent fans into a frenzy.
Massive Pay Packages for Star Cast
While daily wage workers earn in hundreds, this ‘Coolie’ has commanded a staggering Rs.150 crore as remuneration — the amount reportedly paid to Rajinikanth for the film. The big-budget project, estimated at Rs.375 crore, has also paid director Lokesh Kanagaraj Rs.50 crore. This means over half the budget has gone to the lead actor and the director. Actor Nagarjuna, who plays the villain, is said to have received around Rs.30 crore. In a surprise gesture, Aamir Khan is reported to have acted in the film without charging a fee, purely out of admiration for Rajinikanth.
Companies Declare Holiday for Release Day
Coolie is set to release on 14th,August. In Chennai and Bengaluru, some software companies have declared a holiday for employees on the day. ‘Uno Aqua Care’, a tech firm, announced the move to meet employees’ requests. Marking Rajinikanth’s 50 years in cinema, the company also plans to distribute sweets at orphanages and old-age homes. Meanwhile, advance booking queues are forming outside theatres. In Kerala, crowds have thronged ticket counters, with videos of the rush going viral on social media.
Strong Business Before Release
The film has already recovered a significant share of its investment through pre-release business. Out of its Rs.375 crore budget, nearly Rs.250 crore — about 66 per cent — has been earned before release. This revenue comes from overseas rights, digital streaming deals, music, and satellite rights. Overseas rights alone fetched Rs.60 crore. Advance bookings abroad have crossed the one-million-dollar mark. In Kerala and Tamil Nadu, pre-release bookings have touched Rs.40 crore. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana bookings are yet to open, making the early figures even more remarkable.
Rajinikanth’s Enduring Box Office Power
At over seventy years of age, Rajinikanth continues to create box office tsunamis. The frenzy surrounding Coolie is breaking records, and industry watchers say the film is poised for a historic opening. Fans, producers, and distributors alike are bracing for what could be one of Indian cinema’s biggest releases of the year.
