Rajinikanth mania rocks North America! Coolie advance booking crosses $128,000 as 4,570+ tickets get sold for premiere shows across the US & Canada.
When it comes to box office supremacy, there is only one name that continues to transcend generations and geographies—Rajinikanth. With his latest film Coolie, the Superstar is again making box office history, and this time it is the North American box office that is cooking.
In the few hours since the tickets went on sale, Coolie has ignited a record-breaking advance booking firestorm in the USA and Canada! And the early numbers are not just very impressive—they are historic for a South Indian film, and it showcases Rajini’s unparalleled international reach.

Hype at full throttle: advance booking numbers that speak for themselves
As Business Today reports, Rajinikanth’s Coolie did the following:
Over 4,570 tickets sold for premiere shows in North America
$128,000+ in gross advance sales
240 premiere shows across the USA and Canada
Think about that, $128K in advance sales, and we have days to go before the actual premiere!
Why these numbers matter
These advance ticket sales place Coolie among the top-grossing Tamil films in the North American market, a market that has historically catered to Telugu and Hindi films. And what is potentially more gratifying to the industry is that this is largely organic buzz, thanks to Rajinikanth’s star power, fan club activations, and impressive promotional activations by the producers.
Rajinikanth: Beyond Borders
From a Regional Star to a Global Icon
Rajinikanth is no longer only a regional star. He is a pan-Indian brand and an international brand. His mass appeal detains everyone, regardless of language, generation, and continent. Kabali and 2.0 attracted much overseas attention. Coolie is certainly following the same pattern.
Real-World Example: Kabali’s craze in the US
In 2016, Kabali was released in 400 screens in the US. Kabali became the highest-grossing Indian movie in North America for a short period. Coolie is gaining similar traction, with even more aggressive strategies and digital reach.
The ‘Coolie’ X-Factor: Why is there such mad love for this advance booking number from overseas?
So, what would then explain the massive advance booking numbers for Coolie?
1. Rajinikanth is Timeless
Rajini’s style, delivery, and action scenes are not just loved; they are adored. Rajini’s fan base comes to watch Rajini. His energy is intoxicating, and we are talking about fans across the globe.
2. Mass-Commercial with a Desi Twist
If we go by the teasers and promotional content, Coolie looks like it has all and more, which the Rajini fan would ever want from:
A classic Rajinikanth get-up like Baasha
Larger-than-life action
High-octane drama
An inspiring underdog story
3. Aamir Khan’s Strategic Inclusion

In what many may see as an unexpected move, Coolie features soon-to-be Bollywood mega-star Aamir Khan, which positions it well to perform among Hindi-speaking audiences in India and North America. Cross-industry collaboration is not something that happens by chance – it is a master plan.
4. Marketing Savvy & Fan Power
The Coolie team is wisely relying on:
Regional fan clubs in the USA
Timing teaser drops
Targeted engagement via social media
Rajinikanth’s USA fan pages on Facebook and Instagram have been surfed with watch parties, giveaway swag from their site, contests for fans – all to continue to build pre-release excitement.
Outlook Box Office India – Tough Road Ahead?
Despite (or in spite of) high volume overseas, Coolie may have a rocky road ahead, particularly in India, since it releases on the same date as Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR’s “War 2.”
Coolie versus War 2
“War 2” is high-octane action with the YRF Spy Universe!
Rajinikanth’s Coolie has mass appeal value, but it is a tougher pitch in the Hindi belt region to compete with “War 2.”
However, with Aamir Khan in Coolie, it gives this film a fighting chance in Hindi-speaking regions like UP, Bihar, and Delhi NCR.
What This Means For the International Reach of Indian Cinema
The advance booking success of Coolie is more than a one-off moment—it is a sign of Indian films’ increasing presence in international markets, in particular, the South Indian market.
What We Learned:
Language barriers are gone.
International release strategies do matter.
A Landmark Opening in Sight
Coolie’s advance booking record in North America is not only a testament to Rajinikanth’s star power, but a way of showing the growing power of South Indian cinema around the world. On the eve of the premiere day, the market’s attention turns towards how this film performs in all markets—and if it can get beyond the superstar expectations.
FAQs
1. When will Coolie release in the USA?
Coolie will be released around the USA and Canada at over 240 shows. A tentative release date should be the same as the Indian release, potentially starting the day earlier.
2. What was special about Coolie compared to Rajinikanth’s classics?
The vintage look, mass action treatment, and the addition of Aamir Khan have given Coolie a unique edge, as opposed to Rajini’s recent offerings.
3. Can Coolie still be a box office success in India despite War 2?
It will depend on how both movies are received by the audience on the opening weekend; however, Rajinikanth’s mass appeal in Tamil Nadu and southern markets offers Coolie a great advantage.
4. Where do I book tickets for Coolie in the USA?
Tickets are available for booking on Fandango, Atom Tickets, or the local South Indian cinema communities.
5. What is the runtime of the movie?
As of yet, there has been no official information regarding the actual runtime; however, early information suggests a runtime of approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.
6. Who is the director of Coolie?
Coolie is directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, who is known for his stylish action films, Vikram, and Kaithi.