The stage is set for one of the biggest box office clashes of the year as Rajinikanth’s Coolie gears up to take on Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR’s War 2. However, if early ticket sales are anything to go by, the superstar from Tamil Nadu is already running miles ahead.
According to trade sources, Coolie has raked in ₹32 crore gross from advance bookings for its opening weekend, compared to War 2’s ₹19 crore gross. These numbers have sent shockwaves through the industry, proving once again the unmatched pre-release pull of Rajinikanth in southern markets.
Regional Breakdown of Advance Sales
Tamil Nadu – Coolie is running at 95% advance booking capacity for the first two days. Multiple single-screen theatres have declared houseful status.
Karnataka – Bengaluru and Mysuru are reporting over 85% occupancy in advance.
Kerala – Coolie shows have been sold out in major cities like Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram.
Telugu States – While War 2 has star Jr NTR on its side, Coolie’s nostalgic mass appeal is keeping it ahead.
Hindi Belt – War 2 is stronger in Delhi-NCR and Mumbai multiplexes but lags behind overall.
Why Coolie is Outperforming War 2 in Advance Bookings
Rajinikanth’s Loyal Fanbase – His films often turn into festival-like celebrations in the south, with fans booking multiple shows.
Content Positioning – Coolie has been marketed as a mass entertainer with humor, action, and family sentiment, widening its target audience.
Release Strategy – The film hits cinemas during a long weekend in several states, giving it a bigger opening window.
Emotional Connect – Early promotional content has tapped into Rajini nostalgia, reminding fans of his 90s-era charm.
War 2: The Big Bollywood Counterattack
While Coolie dominates the pre-release buzz, War 2 isn’t without strengths. As the sequel to the 2019 blockbuster War, it boasts high-octane action, a star-studded cast including Hrithik Roshan, Jr NTR, and Kiara Advani, and the backing of Yash Raj Films.
However, its comparatively lower advance bookings may be due to:
Late promotional push compared to Coolie’s early hype.
Urban multiplex audience waiting for reviews before committing.
A direct clash limiting screen share in southern states.
Box Office Predictions
Coolie
Opening Day (India Net): ₹38–42 crore
Weekend Collection Estimate: ₹115–125 crore
War 2
Opening Day (India Net): ₹25–28 crore
Weekend Collection Estimate: ₹75–85 crore
Industry experts believe War 2 could pick up momentum after release if reviews are positive, but Coolie is expected to lead for at least the first three days.
Fan Reactions
Social media platforms are flooded with videos of fans performing palabhishekam (milk anointing) on Rajinikanth’s posters, dancing outside theatres, and organizing early morning shows as early as 4 AM.
War 2 fans, especially Jr NTR’s supporters in Telugu states, are pushing hard for mass bookings, but the gap remains significant.
FAQ – Coolie vs War 2 Advance Bookings
Q1. Which film has higher advance bookings right now?
Rajinikanth’s Coolie is leading with a ₹13 crore higher gross than War 2 for the opening weekend.
Q2. What’s driving Coolie’s huge pre-release sales?
Rajinikanth’s massive southern fanbase, strong marketing, nostalgic appeal, and favorable release timing.
Q3. Will War 2 recover after release?
Yes, especially in metro cities and the Hindi belt if the film garners good reviews and strong word-of-mouth.
Q4. Which regions are War 2’s strongholds?
Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, and certain multiplex hubs are showing stronger early trends for War 2 compared to southern markets.
Q5. Are both films releasing on the same date?
Yes, both hit theatres this Friday, creating a direct box office clash.
Published on : 11th August
Published by : SMITA
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