Rajinikanth’s ‘Coolie’ Outpaces Hrithik Roshan’s ‘War 2’ in Epic Independence Day Box Office Clash

The Indian Independence Day weekend has set the stage for an epic box office battle between two cinematic heavyweights: Rajinikanth’s ‘Coolie’ and Hrithik Roshan’s ‘War 2’. Both films are slated for release on August 14, 2025, and early indicators suggest a thrilling contest for dominance in theaters. While the star power of both films is undeniable, the numbers tell a compelling story of how this clash is shaping up.

‘Coolie’ Takes a Commanding Lead in Advance Bookings

Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and starring Rajinikanth in the lead role, ‘Coolie’ has taken a commanding lead in advance ticket sales. According to The Times of India, the film has already amassed Rs 26.55 crore in advance bookings, which climbs to Rs 34.89 crore when blocked seats are included. The Tamil version of the film has been a major driver of this success, contributing Rs 22.70 crore, while the Telugu, Hindi, and Kannada versions trail significantly behind.

The ensemble cast of ‘Coolie’ includes notable stars such as Nagarjuna Akkineni, Shruti Haasan, and Aamir Khan, making it one of the most anticipated films of the year. The multilingual release strategy has also widened its appeal, though its dominance remains firmly rooted in the Tamil-speaking market.

‘War 2’ Struggles to Keep Up

In contrast, ‘War 2’, directed by Ayan Mukerji and featuring Hrithik Roshan, Jr NTR, and Kiara Advani, has had a slower start. The film has generated Rs 9.47 crore in advance bookings and Rs 17.66 crore when blocked seats are factored in. While the Hindi-speaking market remains its stronghold, it has struggled to gain traction in other regions.

According to Mashable India, ‘War 2’ has also undergone significant edits following a review by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Over six minutes of runtime were trimmed, including modifications to 28 scenes and the removal of certain dialogues and gestures deemed inappropriate. Despite these changes, the film retains its core narrative, which pits Hrithik’s Major Kabir Dhaliwal against Jr NTR’s Vikram in a gripping spy thriller.

Shared History Between the Stars

Adding an emotional layer to this rivalry is the shared history between the two lead actors. As reported by The Economic Times, Hrithik Roshan made his acting debut as a child alongside Rajinikanth in the 1986 film ‘Bhagwaan Dada’. Hrithik has often spoken about the kindness and mentorship he received from Rajinikanth during those early days. On August 13, Hrithik took to social media to congratulate Rajinikanth on completing 50 years in the film industry, calling him an inspiration and a mentor.

This warm camaraderie stands in stark contrast to the heated competition at the box office. While both stars command massive fan followings, their films cater to different audiences, making the clash even more intriguing.

A Combined Box Office Bonanza

Despite the rivalry, the combined advance sales of ‘Coolie’ and ‘War 2’ have already crossed Rs 52.55 crore, setting the stage for a blockbuster weekend. With one full day of bookings left, industry analysts predict even higher numbers, potentially breaking records for an Independence Day release.

While ‘Coolie’ appears to have the upper hand, ‘War 2’ could still surprise audiences with its gripping storyline and action-packed sequences. Ultimately, the success of both films will depend on audience reception and word-of-mouth reviews in the coming days.

As the curtains rise on this cinematic showdown, one thing is clear: Indian cinema is set to deliver an unforgettable Independence Day weekend.