Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and starring superstar Rajinikanth, is one of India’s most anticipated films. The cast includes big names like Aamir Khan, Nagarjuna, Upendra, and Pooja Hegde. Produced by Sun Pictures, the movie is scheduled for release on August 14, 2025, in multiple Indian languages including Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi.
High Production Costs
The film’s budget is estimated at a staggering Rs 375 crore. Rajinikanth is reportedly paid Rs 150 crore, making him one of the highest-paid actors in the country. Director Lokesh Kanagaraj earns Rs 50 crore, setting a new record for Indian filmmakers. The remaining Rs 150 crore is allocated to production expenses and the rest of the cast and crew. An additional Rs 25 crore is reserved for marketing and promotions.
Pre-Release Revenue and Break-Even Point
Before its release, Coolie has already generated Rs 240 crore through the sale of digital rights (Rs 130 crore), satellite rights (Rs 90 crore), and music rights (Rs 20 crore). This means the makers need to earn Rs 135 crore from theatre ticket sales to recover the full investment.
To break even, the movie must gross approximately Rs 400 crore worldwide. Given the excitement around the film and Rajinikanth’s large fanbase, this target is considered achievable.
Key Market Challenges
Success in the Telugu and Hindi film markets is critical. The Telugu version is expected to earn around Rs 60 crore, and the Hindi version could bring in Rs 30-40 crore. Strong performance in these regions will significantly boost the movie’s chances of becoming a blockbuster.
Cast and Future Projects
Alongside Rajinikanth, the movie features Nagarjuna, Aamir Khan, Upendra, and Shruti Haasan in important roles. Following Coolie, Rajinikanth is set to work on Jailer 2, directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, which is expected to release next year.
