The theatrical release film Coolie premiered on 14 August 2025, delivering a high-voltage action thriller experience. Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, it stars Rajinikanth in a gritty turn as Deva, weaving a revenge-driven storyline around crime syndicates and personal loss. This marks one of the most awaited releases of 2025, generating massive buzz for both its theatrical and OTT prospects.
Series Metadata
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Platform/Theater | Theatrical |
| Release Date | 14 August 2025 (Independence Day weekend) |
| Format | Film |
| Runtime | 170 minutes |
| Language | Tamil (dubbed in Telugu, Hindi, Kannada) |
| Genre | Action, Thriller |
| Director/Creator | Lokesh Kanagaraj |
| Age Rating | A (Adults only) – Rajinikanth’s first A-certified film in 36 years |
| Budget | ₹350–400 crore |
| Filming Locations | Chennai, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Jaipur, Bangkok |
Box Office Collection
| Timeframe | Collection & Highlights |
|---|---|
| Opening Day | Estimated ₹150 crore+ globally. The Coolie day 1 collection is among the biggest openings in Tamil cinema. |
| Overview & Outlook | Mixed critical reception and strong fan presence; needs ₹600 crore worldwide to be a hit. Coolie collection is being tracked globally. |
| Verdict | Still in play — trending, but full performance TBD. Coolie box office numbers continue to grow. |
OTT Release Details
Coolie OTT rights were acquired by Amazon Prime Video, making headlines in the industry. This marks one of the biggest digital deals for a Tamil film, with a reported price tag of around ₹120 crore.
As for the Coolie OTT release date, the movie is expected to start streaming around 14 October 2025, approximately eight weeks after its theatrical debut. Fans frequently ask, "Coolie OTT which platform?" and "Coolie OTT who bought it?" the answer is Amazon Prime Video, though an official confirmation from the platform is still awaited.
Storyline: What to Expect
Set against a backdrop of gold smuggling and crime syndicates, the story follows Devaraj 'Deva', who ventures beyond his quiet boarding-house life to unravel the suspicious death of his friend Rajasekhar. His investigation entangles him in dangerous alliances, coded crimes, and old rivalries.
Key Arcs:
- Arc 1: Deva’s transition from pacifist to seeker of vengeance.
- Arc 2: The hidden gold-smuggling syndicate and the high-stakes power struggle.
- Arc 3: Masala-packed showdown with explosive payoffs.
Fans are speculating whether Coolie is part of the LCU (Lokesh Cinematic Universe), fueling even more hype.
Cast & Crew
Primary & Ensemble Cast:
- Rajinikanth as Deva
- Nagarjuna as Simon
- Soubin Shahir as Dayal
- Upendra as Kaleesha
- Shruti Haasan as Preethi
- Sathyaraj as Rajasekhar
- Rachita Ram, Kanna Ravi, and others
- Aamir Khan in a special cameo as Dahaa
Crew:
- Director & Screenplay: Lokesh Kanagaraj
- Music: Anirudh Ravichander
- Cinematography: Girish Gangadharan
- Editing: Philomin Raj
Production Status
Filming for Coolie wrapped by mid‑March 2025. Post-production work, including extensive VFX and music scoring, concluded by 10 August 2025. The film received an A certificate from the CBFC, making it the first adult-rated Rajinikanth movie in 36 years adding intrigue to the Coolie movie rating.
Highlights
- A star-studded ensemble with pan-Indian appeal.
- Stylized action choreography, paying homage to retro Rajni mass moments.
- Energetic soundtrack including chartbusters like “Chikitu,” “Monica,” and “Powerhouse.”
- Huge fanfare with celebrations at theaters, with massive bookings on BookMyShow.
- Lokesh Kanagaraj’s direction brings raw intensity, solidifying Coolie as a festival release.
Public Reactions
- Fans: Coolie movie reviews from fans across regions have been overwhelmingly celebratory. Tamil Nadu theaters witnessed milk abhishekams and firecrackers, while the Coolie review USA trend showcased global interest.
- Critics: While the movie got a 3.5/5 from Times of India, opinions vary. Some call it Rajinikanth's most energetic performance in years, while others mention the film’s pace issues. Coolie reviews in Telugu, Hindi, and Tamil offer a broad spectrum of reactions.
- Taran Adarsh, known for his precise box office analysis, called it a strong mass entertainer.
Final Verdict
Coolie is a fiery, nostalgia-packed celebration of Rajinikanth. With power-packed direction from Lokesh Kanagaraj, solid performances, and stylish visuals, it checks all the boxes for a festival blockbuster. Whether you're tracking Coolie vs War 2 or watching the Coolie box office collection worldwide, this film is a major event in Indian cinema for 2025.
Watch in theaters now!
Box Office: ₹150+ crore opening
Streaming on Prime Video: Expected by 14 October 2025
Note for Families: Since it is certified as 'A', children below 18 are strictly not allowed to watch this movie in theaters. Family audiences are advised to avoid bringing minors, as entry may be denied at screens to ensure compliance.
