The box office war has begun, and Rajinikanth has already fired the first shot. With just 9 days left before the big release weekend, Coolie has taken a massive lead over War 2 in the US advance bookings—and not just by a little. We’re talking a 6X lead, which has left fans and trade experts stunned.
If you’re wondering how a Tamil film has taken such a commanding position in a market usually dominated by Telugu films, especially when War 2 features big names like Hrithik Roshan and NTR Jr., you’re not alone.
The Numbers Speak Loud: $1.2M vs $205K
Let’s get straight to the numbers. Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Coolie has already clocked in $1.2 million in advance bookings in the US market. On the other hand, War 2, part of the successful YRF Spy Universe, stands at just $205K combined from both its Hindi and Telugu versions.
Breaking it down further:
- Coolie (Telugu dubbed): $200K
- War 2 (Telugu): $155K
- War 2 (Hindi): $50K
Yes, you read that right—Coolie’s Telugu dubbed version has outsold War 2 in its original Telugu language in a market known for its massive Telugu audience. That’s a huge upset, considering the star power behind War 2.
Why Is Coolie Winning?
There’s no denying Rajinikanth’s hold over the global South Indian audience. But what’s surprising here is the scale of dominance in a region traditionally known to lean toward Telugu blockbusters. So why is Coolie leading so massively?
- Fan Frenzy: Rajinikanth’s fandom knows no borders. Whether it’s the US or Australia, fans are turning out in large numbers for Coolie.
- Lokesh Kanagaraj Factor: The director has a consistent hit record and a unique storytelling style that appeals to audiences beyond language lines.
- Better Pre-Release Buzz: While War 2 is a part of a known franchise, it seems Coolie has generated more hype in these overseas markets with teasers, posters, and aggressive fan campaigns.
In contrast, War 2 is still warming up. It may boast of a bigger budget and a franchise tag, but clearly, that hasn’t translated into early ticket sales yet.
War 2 Still Has a Fighting Chance
Now, while Coolie is clearly in the lead right now, don’t write off War 2 just yet. Here’s why:
- There’s still time. 9 days can make a big difference in film promotions and ticket pushes.
- Once the full trailer drops and more screens open, War 2 might gain serious momentum.
- Word of mouth will play a huge role after release, and if War 2 lives up to the Spy Universe’s expectations, it can still bounce back.
Also, with Hrithik Roshan and NTR Jr. sharing screen space for the first time, there’s still a lot of curiosity around the film. But clearly, the team will have to step up their game to catch up.
The Real Battle Begins After Release
This US box office face-off between Coolie and War 2 is heating up fast. Right now, Rajinikanth’s fans are running the show. But the next 9 days are crucial for War 2. From now till release day, it’s all about aggressive marketing, fan engagement, and turning up the volume on buzz.
