Rajinikanth’s ‘Coolie’ Crosses ₹269 Crore in 15 Days, Box Office Response Remains Mixed

Rajinikanth’s latest film ‘Coolie’ has completed two weeks at the box office, collecting over ₹269 crore worldwide. Despite the superstar’s unmatched fan following, the film has seen a mixed performance, performing strongly in its initial days but slowing down as new releases entered the market. The numbers reflect both the power of Rajinikanth’s brand and the challenges even big-budget films face in sustaining momentum.

‘Coolie’ opened to packed theatres, especially in Tamil Nadu and South Indian markets, where Rajinikanth’s films traditionally enjoy massive fanfare. The festive release timing also boosted collections in the first week. However, as word of mouth spread, reviews were divided, with some praising the action and Rajinikanth’s presence while others felt the storyline lacked freshness. This mixed response has kept the film from breaking into the higher league of his earlier blockbusters.

In North India and Tier 2 cities, the performance has been steady but not extraordinary. While Rajinikanth’s name alone drew audiences to theatres, the film faced tough competition from other big releases across Hindi and Telugu cinema. Multiplex audiences showed moderate interest compared to the more enthusiastic single-screen crowds in South India.

For the Indian box office, especially in smaller cities, the film highlights how star power can ensure strong openings but not necessarily guarantee long-term success. Today’s audience is increasingly selective, and films are judged on content as much as celebrity pull. This shift has become more visible in Tier 2 markets, where viewers are willing to spend only if the story resonates.

As ‘Coolie’ continues its run, trade experts believe the film will remain a commercial success but may not achieve record-breaking status. Rajinikanth’s charisma continues to draw fans in large numbers, yet the film’s overall reception shows that even legends must rely on strong storytelling to maintain momentum in a competitive industry.

In the end, ‘Coolie’ reinforces a simple truth: Rajinikanth can still command the box office, but the audience now expects more than just star power to keep them hooked.