BY SACNILK TEAM

Chennai, August 15 - Born Shivaji Rao Gaekwad on December 12, 1950, in Bangalore, Rajinikanth's journey to cinematic superstardom is the stuff of legend. Raised in a modest Maharashtrian family, he worked a series of jobs, including as a bus conductor, before his passion for acting led him to the Madras Film Institute in the early 1970s. There, his raw talent and magnetic presence caught the attention of celebrated director K. Balachander, who gave him his debut in Apoorva Raagangal (1975). Though a small role, it announced the arrival of a unique screen presence.## Initially cast in intense, often antagonistic roles, Rajinikanth quickly transformed into a leading man with films like Mullum Malarum (1978) and Bhuvana Oru Kelvi Kuri (1977). By the early 1980s, his charisma, trademark style, and mass connect had turned him into Tamil cinema's biggest draw. Billa (1980) was a turning point, redefining the industry's commercial scale with a gross of over ₹10 crore worldwide among the first Tamil films and introducing the "Superstar" title that has stayed with him ever since.## What followed was an era of dominance that few actors in world cinema can match. Through the 1980s and 1990s, Rajinikanth delivered a string of historic hits, Annamalai (1992), Baashha (1995), and Padayappa (1999), each smashing box office records and running for extraordinary durations. His films weren't just theatrical releases; they were cultural events, celebrated with towering cutouts, dawn shows, and international premieres. Over the decades, Rajinikanth has continually adapted to changing cinematic landscapes, from the record-breaking Chandramukhi (2005) and Sivaji (2007) to the sci-fi spectacle Enthiran (2010), the global blockbuster Kabali (2016), and the mega-hit Jailer (2023). Across generations, his ability to command the box office remains unmatched—a legacy built on charisma, versatility, and an unbreakable bond with his audience. ## During Rajinikanth's Golden Era of the 1990s, the following films stood out not only for their mass appeal but also for the records they set at the box office. Thalapathi (1991), directed by Mani Ratnam and co-starring Mammootty, with music composed by Ilaiyaraaja, drew inspiration from the friendship between Karna and Duryodhana in the Mahabharata, reimagined in a modern-day gangster backdrop. The film opened to massive box office success in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, enjoying runs of over 200 days in several theatres.## Annamalai (1992) emerged as the highest-grossing Tamil film of its time, reportedly earning around 12.5 crore, a staggering figure for the early 90s, cementing the Superstar's bankability. Just three years later, Baashha (1995) shattered that record with an unprecedented run of nearly 15 months in theatres, though exact figures remain undocumented in verified public sources. By the decade's close, Padayappa (1999) had taken the crown as Tamil cinema's highest-grossing film of its time, combining record-breaking openings with long-running popularity. These three titles not only ruled the box office but also solidified Rajinikanth's status as a pan-India phenomenon.## ## The wave continued with Muthu (1995), a Diwali release that became a silver-jubilee hit in Tamil Nadu. Its Japanese dub, Muthu: The Dancing Maharaja (1998), grossed about ~US$3.06 million and stood as the highest-grossing Indian film in Japan for 24 years, opening an overseas fanbase few regional stars had enjoyed then. ## 2000s – Crossing the 100 Crore Frontier ## The 2000s marked a new phase in Rajinikanth’s career, where he not only maintained his dominance but also redefined commercial milestones. Chandramukhi (2005) became the longest-running Tamil film in history, with an extraordinary 890+ days in theatres, and significantly boosted its overseas presence. Just two years later, Sivaji: The Boss (2007) created history by becoming the first Tamil film to gross over 100 crore worldwide, setting a new benchmark for budgets, promotions, and box office potential in the industry. This decade firmly established Rajinikanth as a star who could deliver unprecedented numbers while continually expanding Tamil cinema's reach. ## 2010s – Pan-India & Global Stardom ## The 2010s cemented Rajinikanth's stature as a true pan-India and global superstar, with his films achieving unprecedented reach and revenue. Enthiran (2010), a groundbreaking sci-fi spectacle, became one of the highest-grossing Indian films of its time, earning over 291 crore worldwide and setting new technical benchmarks. Kabali (2016) followed with record-smashing pre-release business and a staggering 200+ crore opening weekend globally, proving Rajinikanth's unmatched pull across markets. Then came 2.0 (2018), the most expensive Indian film ever made at 500+ crore, which went on to gross around 700 crore worldwide, further solidifying his position as a box office phenomenon who could command massive budgets and deliver equally massive returns. ## (Worldwide collection)## ## The 2020s showcased Rajinikanth's enduring box office power, proving that even after decades at the top, his star appeal remains unshakable. Annaatthe (2021), released during the pandemic, defied restrictions to emerge as a major Diwali season winner, drawing massive crowds in Tamil Nadu and strong overseas numbers. But it was Jailer (2023) that truly reaffirmed his dominance, grossing over 600 crore worldwide and becoming one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of all time. With its phenomenal reception in Malaysia, Singapore, and the Gulf, Jailer demonstrated Rajinikanth's unmatched ability to unite audiences across borders. ## Now, Coolie (2025) has already sparked historic pre-release records, from crossing $2 million in North American premiere pre-sales to notching over 100 crore in advance bookings, setting the stage for another monumental box office run and continuing the superstar’s legacy into yet another decade. ## Rajinikanth's box office dominance isn't just about earnings; it's about the cultural experience. From fan rituals and overseas premieres to unprecedented opening-day sales, every release is a festival. His appeal spans generations, languages, and continents-making him a unique figure in Indian cinema history. And with Coolie, the question isn't whether Rajinikanth will break records, it's how many more he'll set. From his humble debut in Apoorva Raagangal to ruling screens across continents, Rajinikanth's journey is more than just a string of blockbusters — it's the story of an icon who became a cultural phenomenon. ## His films have not only shattered box office records but also united audiences across generations, languages, and borders. As the Superstar marks 50 years in cinema, his legacy continues to inspire, proving that true stardom isn't measured by numbers alone, but by the hearts won along the way. And if history has shown us anything, it's that Rajinikanth's reign at the box office is far from over. ## Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Chennai, August 14 - Superstar Rajinikanth has stormed the box office with his latest gangster action drama Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. As far as the opening is concerned, the film has lived up to its massive pre-release hype by delivering a sensational collection. ## According to early estimates, the film has registered the biggest opening ever for a Tamil film, with historic numbers across key markets. In Tamil Nadu, Coolie dominated with an estimated around 28-30 crore gross, which is one of the biggest starts in the state. ## The buzz extended beyond the home turf, with the film scoring big in other southern territories as early estimates suggest 16-18 crore gross in Andhra Pradesh/Telangana, 14-15 crore gross in Karnataka, and around 10 crore gross in Kerala. ## Coolie is one of the rare Tamil movies which managed to make a mark in the Hindi belt. Outside South Indian states, the Rest of India opening day collection is estimated to be around 7-8 crore gross, driven mainly by the Hindi belt, which saw good occupancy in metro cities. ## Overall, Coolie has scored an estimated 75-80+ crores gross on its first day in India. Thalapathy Vijay's Leo is currently the record Tamil opener domestically with around 76 crores gross. At the overseas box office, early estimates suggest 75+ crores opening for Coolie, making it a 150+ crores worldwide debut, which is a record for Tamil cinema. ## Trade experts believe that the Independence Day holiday and positive audience reception will help Coolie maintain this momentum; however, poor critics' reviews and the mixed audience reception might spoil the party, which needs to be seen. ## Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, August 14 - Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR-fronted spy action thriller has opened to lower-than-expected numbers in the Hindi version, and is in real danger of scoring the lowest opening of YRF's Spy Universe, according to early estimates. ## Despite massive buzz, a holiday period, and being part of YRF's successful Spy Universe, the film is estimated to have collected 29-31 crore net in Hindi on its opening day. If the estimates hold, it will be the lowest debut in Spy Universe, behind Ek Tha Tiger, which opened to around 33 crores net in 2012.## Trade analysts were expecting the film to debut closer to the last Spy Universe film, Tiger 3 (43 crores net) or even higher, given the scale, star power, and pre-release marketing push. However, mixed factors such as competition from Rajinikanth's Coolie in southern markets, and slightly cautious audience reception seem to have impacted its performance. ## While the Hindi version has underperformed compared to expectations, the film is seemingly performing much stronger in the Telugu version, thanks to Jr. NTR's massive fan base. The total India gross for Day 1 is expected to be higher once all language versions are accounted for, as estimates suggest 60+ crores gross. ## With the Independence Day holiday boost and the weekend ahead, War 2 still has a chance to recover ground. Interestingly, the film has much better ratings than Coolie on BookMyShow and Google, so the hope is still there for a turnaround if those ratings turn into footfalls. ## Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, August 14 - Two of the biggest movies of the year, YRF's spy action thriller War 2 and Sun Pictures' gangster action drama Coolie finally hit the big screens on August 14 amid huge fanfare and buzz. Before debuting, it was Coolie which was single-handedly dominating War 2 in pre-sales, but things might change going forward. ## The highly anticipated box office clash between Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR-starrer and Rajinikanth-fronted have taken an intriguing turn. While critics' reviews for both titles are poor, the audience reception is not aligning with them, at least, as far as ratings are concerned. ## If Coolie dominated the pre-sales, things have taken an intriguing turn, with early audience ratings showing a surprising lead for the YRF Spy Universe entry. On Google reviews, War 2 has emerged as the early favourite, securing an impressive 4.6/5 rating from around 13K votes, while Coolie, has opened to a respectable but lower 4.1/5 rating from nearly 8K votes.## A similar trend is visible on BookMyShow, where War 2 currently boasts an 8.8/10 audience score from 24K votes, edging out Coolie's 7.8/10 from 33K votes. The higher word-of-mouth index for War 2 indicates that early viewers are responding strongly to the action-packed spy thriller's scale, visuals, and the powerhouse pairing of Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR. ## While Coolie has been breaking advance booking records for Tamil cinema, these early rating numbers suggest that War 2 might have the upper hand in the post-release perception battle. However, with both films riding on massive star power and fan bases, the real test will unfold over the extended Independence Day weekend, when walk-in audiences and repeat viewers could shift the momentum. ## Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, August 14 - One of the most-anticipated romantic films of the year, starring Kartik Aaryan and Sreeleela in the leading roles, has locked its release date. The untitled film is directed by Anurag Basu and produced by Bhushan Kumar of T-Series. ## According to the latest report by Bollywood Hungama, the musical love story will be hitting worldwide theatres on December 25, 2025, on the occasion of Christmas. With this, it has confirmed a clash with Alia Bhatt and Sharvari Wagh's spy action thriller Alpha, which is slated to release on the same day. ## While the plot details of the movie are kept under wraps, the report hints at a narrative that combines strong drama with Anurag Basu's signature blend of whimsy and human connection. The production is already being touted as a large-scale, big-screen experience with music and visuals crafted to match the grandeur of its release window. ## It will be Kartik's immediate next after the superhit Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, which was released in November last year. The movie was supposed to be released on Diwali, in a clash with Maddock Films' Thama, but due to a delay in the shoot, it will now be released on Christmas. ## Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Chennai, August 14 - The D-day is here as superstar Rajinikanth's much-awaited gangster action drama Coolie hits the big screens amid huge hype. The film has set the Tamil film industry buzzing with its historic advance booking numbers for the opening day. ## Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, Coolie will start the day with 100+ crores already in the bag as it has shattered all previous opening day pre-sales records for the Tamil cinema, cementing its place as a monumental box office force.## As per the final tracked booking, Coolie has scored a massive 108+ crores for the opening day, including around 50 crores in India and 58 crores overseas, for the opening day. This makes it the highest first-day booking ever for a Tamil film, surpassing the previous benchmark set by Leo in single-day ticket sales (100+ crores). ## However, when looking at the overall opening weekend bookings, Coolie (183 crores) fell a little short of Thalapathy Vijay's Leo, which still holds the crown with 188 crores worldwide. While Coolie dominated with unprecedented Day 1 momentum, it fell slightly short of Leo’s cumulative opening pre-sales record. ## Still, the feat is nothing short of spectacular for Rajinikanth, whose box office pull remains unmatched after decades in the industry. With Coolie releasing amid huge anticipation and clashing with Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR's War 2, all eyes are now on how the film converts its massive pre-sales into record-shattering collections once the final numbers roll in. ## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK TEAM

Chennai, August 14 - In theatres right now is Coolie, the latest Rajinikanth-starrer action spectacle directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, which follows hot on the heels of the superstar's previous outing, Vettaiyan, brought to life by T.J. Gnanavel. While both films showcase the actor's unmatched screen presence, they differ in tone, style, and box office performance. ## Vettaiyan was released on October 10, 2024, marking a compelling departure for Rajinikanth, portraying an encounter specialist navigating the murky world of crime and justice. Directed by T. J. Gnanavel and produced under Lyca Productions, the film assembled a powerhouse cast including Amitabh Bachchan as Rajinikanth's superior, along with Fahadh Faasil, Rana Daggubati, Manju Warrier, Ritika Singh, Dushara Vijayan, and more. ## The Film was set against the social backdrop of encounter killings, the screenplay by B. Kiruthika captured the moral complexities faced by law enforcers, urging reform over retaliation. Anirudh Ravichander’s music, most notably the single "Manasilaayo", featuring a rare on-screen dance moment by Rajinikanth and Manju Warrier, injected both energy and emotional resonance into the film. The movie had a promising opening, but a mixed reception didn't help it in the long run, and at the end of 2024, the movie amassed around ₹250 crores worldwide, securing a respectable third place among the highest-grossing Tamil films of the year. ## Vettaiyan features a rare and powerful reunion of cinematic legends, Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan, sharing the screen again after 33 years, following their iconic collaboration in Hum (1991). Strategically planned for a pan-Indian release, Vettaiyan was simultaneously launched in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and Kannada, expanding its reach beyond traditional Tamil cinema audiences. The movie received a mixed-to-positive response from critics, with many praising Rajinikanth's commanding presence and the film's socially relevant theme, while pointing out issues in pacing and storytelling.## Vettaiyan emerged as a bold yet imperfect attempt to blend mass appeal with social messaging. Rajinikanth’s charisma remained its strongest asset, while its commercial appeal carried it to solid box office numbers despite narrative inconsistencies. Gnanavel’s film invited praise for its purpose and intention, even if not entirely successful in execution. ## Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, marks a grand comeback for Rajinikanth, celebrating both his 171st film and a 50-year cinematic legacy. Rajinikanth headlines as Deva, reportedly a former gang leader entangled in complex socio-political dynamics. The ensemble includes Nagarjuna, Shruti Haasan, Soubin Shahir, Upendra, Sathyaraj, Pooja Hegde, and Soubin Shahir, among others. Aamir Khan appears in a high-impact cameo, including a dramatic 15-minute confrontation with Rajinikanth. Anirudh Ravichander scores the soundtrack—his fourth collaboration with Lokesh and fifth with Rajinikanth. ## The album, released August 2, 2025, includes hit singles like "Monica," which sparked a viral dance trend. Strategically positioned for a pan-India release in over 100 countries, the film is poised to become one of Tamil cinema's most widely distributed titles. Coolie had achieved remarkable pre-release milestones, with worldwide bookings totalling over ₹100 crores for the opening day. In North America, pre-sales reached $2.75 million, surpassing the lifetime earnings of Rajinikanth’s previous hit "Petta" in the region. ## Additionally, the film set a new record for Tamil cinema on BookMyShow by selling 2.5+ million tickets in advance. The film received an 'A' certification, making it Rajinikanth’s first adult-only release in 36 years, a testament to its intense action and mature themes. Coolie is shaping up to be more than just another film; it's becoming a cultural milestone. With Rajinikanth's legendary screen presence, a visionary director, a powerhouse ensemble cast, and music by Anirudh Ravichander, it promises to be a cinematic event of the year. From record-setting bookings to global reach across 100+ countries, the film’s launch on Independence Day weekend sets it up for box office dominance. ## While comparisons are inevitable, industry analysts believe Coolie and Vettaiyan represent two sides of Rajinikanth's cinematic persona — the larger-than-life superstar and the seasoned actor. Whether it's at the ticket counters or in the hearts of fans, both films reinforce why Rajinikanth remains Tamil cinema's undisputed king. ## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK TEAM

Chennai, August 14 - Coolie is an action thriller directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, featuring a star-studded cast including Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna, Soubin Shahir, Upendra, Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, and Aamir Khan. The film runs for approximately 170 minutes and is primarily in Tamil. With a hefty budget estimated between ₹350 to ₹400 crore, it was released on August 14, 2025, under the banner of Sun Pictures. ## Director Lokesh Kanagaraj, renowned for his work on films like "Kaithi" and "Vikram," brings his distinctive storytelling approach to "Coolie," delivering intense narratives that strongly connect with audiences. "Coolie" had achieved remarkable pre-release milestones, with worldwide advance bookings totalling over ₹100 crores gross worldwide for the opening day. In North America, pre-sales reached $2.75 million (approximately ₹24 crore), surpassing the lifetime earnings of Rajinikanth’s previous hit "Petta" in the region. ## Additionally, the film set a new record for Tamil cinema on BookMyShow by selling 2.50+ million tickets in advance. Rajinikanth's lasting popularity plays a crucial role in the film's pre-sales, with his 50th year in Indian cinema adding a special emotional significance that draws in both longtime fans and new viewers. The release date, August 14, 2025, strategically aligns with the Independence Day weekend, optimising viewer turnout. Despite the film’s 'A' certification, audience enthusiasm remains high, reflecting robust engagement from adult viewers. ## Coolie has shattered conventional expectations and redefined the marketing landscape for Tamil cinema. With record-breaking advance bookings and unprecedented pre-sale numbers, the film is on a clear path to joining the biggest Tamil grossers of all time. Its massive buzz and strategic release timing position Coolie as a formidable competitor against upcoming releases, setting new benchmarks for box office success in the industry. ## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK TEAM

Mumbai, August 14 - From the emotional depth of Kaabil to the mathematical genius of Super 30, the high-octane thrills of War, the layered storytelling of Vikram Vedha, and the groundbreaking aerial spectacle of Fighter, Hrithik Roshan's filmography over the past decade showcases a rare blend of versatility and star power. Each project has expanded his range — from intense drama to big-budget action — while strengthening his position as one of Indian cinema's most bankable and ambitious actors. With War 2 on the horizon, uniting him with director Ayan Mukerji in YRF's spy universe, the stage is set for yet another milestone in a career that continues to balance mass appeal with memorable performances. ## Kaabil (2017) ## Directed by Sanjay Gupta and produced by Rakesh Roshan, Kaabil is a romantic action thriller starring Hrithik Roshan and Yami Gautam, alongside Ronit Roy, Rohit Roy, and Narendra Jha. It tells the story of a visually impaired couple whose life is shattered after Supriya is assaulted; when the legal system fails them, Rohan meticulously hunts down those responsible. Hrithik prepared for the role by isolating himself for days to inhabit the character’s mindset. ## Released in early 2017, the film drew praise for Hrithik's blend of vulnerability and vengeance, with Rajesh Roshan’s music and Salim–Sulaiman’s background score amplifying the emotional intensity. Notably, on February 2, 2017, Kaabil became the first Indian film to release in Pakistan after the lifting of the ban on Indian films following the 2016 Uri attack. In a gesture of admiration, Rakesh Roshan arranged a special screening of Kaabil for the legendary actor Rajinikanth, who praised both the trailer and Hrithik’s performance. At the box office, it recorded ₹104.34 crore India net, ₹145.8 crore India gross, and ₹32.3 crore overseas, for a worldwide total of ₹178.1 crore. ## Super 30 (2019) ## Directed by Vikas Bahl and written by Sanjeev Dutta, this biographical drama stars Hrithik Roshan as mathematician Anand Kumar, alongside Mrunal Thakur, Nandish Sandhu, and Pankaj Tripathi. It was the last movie produced by Phantom Films before the company disbanded amid internal controversies. The film tells the true story of Anand Kumar’s program training 30 underprivileged students for the IIT entrance exam. ## It was filmed in Patna-inspired sets at Ramnagar Fort and at Banaras Hindu University, the first Hindi film to shoot there. Over 15,000 young actors were auditioned to portray the students. Just three days after its release, Super 30 was declared tax-free in Bihar, a gesture aimed at promoting its educational message. Subsequently, a record eight Indian states granted tax-free status—an exceptional feat for a commercial Bollywood film. The film grossed over ₹147.39 crore in India net, ₹171 crore in India gross, and ₹39 crore overseas, for a worldwide total of ₹210 crore, becoming the 12th highest-grossing Hindi film of 2019. ## War (2019) ## A Yash Raj Films production directed by Siddharth Anand, this action spectacle stars Hrithik Roshan as Kabir and Tiger Shroff as Khalid, with Vaani Kapoor, Ashutosh Rana, and Anupriya Goenka in supporting roles. The story follows Khalid, a loyal soldier, tasked with eliminating his former mentor Kabir, who has gone rogue. War was one of the most expensive Indian films ever made, featuring globe-trotting chase sequences and razor-sharp action that stood toe-to-toe with Hollywood standards. ## Filmed across India and exotic locations in Portugal, Italy, Finland, Sweden, Georgia, and Australia, it famously became the first Indian film to shoot an action climax on the Arctic Circle, requiring a five-month wait for shooting permission. The production crew took three months to prep, and actual filming lasted six days. The movie emerged as the biggest blockbuster of the lot with ₹318.01 crore India net, ₹375 crore India gross, ₹96 crore overseas, and a worldwide total of ₹471 crore, making it the highest-grossing Bollywood film of 2019, noted for its breathtaking stunts, global scale, and slick choreography. ## Vikram Vedha (2022) ## This Hindi remake of the acclaimed Tamil film is directed by Pushkar–Gayathri and stars Hrithik Roshan as gangster Vedha and Saif Ali Khan as police officer Vikram, with Radhika Apte, Rohit Saraf, Yogita Bihani, and Sharib Hashmi in pivotal roles. The narrative follows Vikram’s pursuit of Vedha, who surrenders voluntarily and narrates morally complex stories that challenge Vikram’s black-and-white worldview. Shot across Abu Dhabi and Lucknow, the film blends neo-noir and thriller elements, with early casting rumours once linking Shah Rukh Khan to Vedha’s role. The movie fared moderately at the box office by wrapping its theatrical run with an India net collection of ₹78.90 Cr, an India gross collection of ₹93.10 Cr, and an overseas total of ₹42.34 Cr, resulting in a worldwide cumulative of ₹135.44 Cr. ## Fighter (2024) ## Starring Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone and Anil Kapoor, along with Karan Singh Grover, Akshay Oberoi, and Rishabh Sawhney, the film follows an elite Indian Air Force squadron, "Air Dragons", assembled to counter a terrorist threat led by Azhar Akhtar. Mixing high-octane aerial combat with personal arcs and romance. The project was first revealed by Hrithik Roshan himself on his birthday, 10 January 2021, building early buzz. Directed by Siddharth Anand, Blending themes of patriotism and camaraderie, the film, originally slated for September 2022, was released on Republic Day 2024, marking Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone’s first on-screen pairing in a feature film and showcasing some of the most ambitious VFX-driven aerial sequences ever seen in Indian cinema. ## The film premiered on Republic Day weekend (25 January 2024), marking Deepika Padukone’s fourth release aligned with the national celebration—after Race 2 (2013), Padmaavat (2018), and Pathaan (2023). The movie solidified the third collaboration between Hrithik Roshan and director Siddharth Anand, each instalment spaced exactly five years apart: Bang Bang! (2014), War (2019), and now Fighter (2024). Fighter earned ₹212.75 crore in India net, ₹255 crore India gross, and ₹104 crore overseas, bringing its worldwide total to ₹359 crore. ## War 2 (2025) ## War 2 is the official sequel to the 2019 blockbuster War and the sixth instalment in the Yash Raj Films (YRF) Spy Universe. Directed by Ayan Mukerji and produced by Aditya Chopra, the film marked a notable shift in creative direction from the original's director, Siddharth Anand. Filming commenced in early 2024, covering multiple countries including Spain, Italy, Abu Dhabi, Japan, Russia, and India, with a projected budget nearing ₹400 crores. War 2 stakes its claim as one of the most expensive Indian spy thrillers ever made. The teaser dropped on Jr NTR’s birthday, highlighting a high-voltage face-off between Hrithik and Jr NTR, garnering significant social media buzz. The release also represented a cultural moment: not just Jr NTR's Bollywood debut but also a symbolic introduction of Hrithik to Telugu audiences.## Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, August 13 - The Spy Universe from Aditya Chopra's Yash Raj Films has completed over a decade with five blockbuster titles during this time. The studio has delivered many iconic blockbusters, from romantic to family dramas, and action entertainers, but Spy Universe is a whole new world altogether, with some of the biggest blockbusters coming from it. ## The YRF Spy Universe has delivered some of Bollywood's biggest opening days, and with the upcoming War 2, starring Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR, the franchise is once again in the spotlight. The film has generated significant attention as it marks the first collaboration between North and South in the spy universe. ## Despite the powerhouse collaboration, the film opened lower than initial expectations. The opening of this spy action thriller is still big enough to set the base for an excellent Independence Day opening weekend (if WOM is positive), but as far as Spy Universe is concerned, War 2 debuted lower than Salman Khan's Ek Tha Tiger, making it the lowest opener in the spy universe. ## Have A Look At The Opening Day India Net Collection of Spy Universe Films (Hindi)Movie TitleYearDay 1 CollectionChange (%) From Last FilmEk Tha Tiger2012₹ 32.93 Cr-Tiger Zinda Hai2017₹ 34.10 Cr+3.55%War2019₹ 51.60 Cr+51.32%Pathaan2023₹ 55.00 Cr+6.59%Tiger 32023₹ 43.00 Cr-21.82%War 22025₹ 29.00 Cr-32.56%## Since its inception with Ek Tha Tiger in 2012, the franchise has steadily grown in scale and box office impact. Tiger Zinda Hai in 2017 slightly upped the game with the bigger opening, but the real jump came in 2019 when War, featuring Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff, exploded with 50+ crore debut, setting a new record. ## In 2023, Shah Rukh Khan's Pathaan pushed the ceiling even higher by becoming the biggest opener in the Spy Universe. Later that same year, Tiger 3 also made a strong impact, but failed to beat Pathaan and War. Against this backdrop, War 2 (2025) was expected to open around 35 crore net in India, but it failed to do so. ## The road to record-breaking glory is not without hurdles. The film faces stiff competition from Rajinikanth's Coolie, which dominated pre-release hype and advance sales. Additionally, while Jr. NTR's inclusion has boosted appeal in Telugu-speaking markets; the Hindi belt response has been more measured compared to past Spy Universe entries. ## Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Chennai, August 13 - Superstar Rajinikanth is displaying the might of his raw stardom and is proving once again why he is called the Thalaivar (leader) of Indian cinema with his upcoming gangster action drama Coolie, which has smashed all records for a Tamil cinema in advance booking. ## The Lokesh Kanagaraj directorial has crossed 100 crores gross collection worldwide on the opening day through pre-sales only. With this, it has reportedly become the biggest pre-sales grosser for a Tamil movie of all time for the first day, beating Thalapathy Vijay's Leo. ## According to the latest update, Coolie has grossed 45+ crores pre-sales in India and 55+ crores overseas, for the worldwide cume total of 100+ crores for the first day. With this, the movie is expected to score the biggest opening ever for a Tamil title, and if it happens, Thalapathy Vijay's Leo (143 crores gross) record will be broken. ## Interestingly, Coolie opens on the same weekend as Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR's biggie War 2, leading to one of the most high-profile box office clashes in recent years. Despite the competition, Coolie is heading towards emerging as a bigger opener by a long margin, thanks to Rajinikanth's unmatched pull in the South and abroad. ## Produced by Sun Pictures, Coolie is releasing on August 14 in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and Kannada. ## Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, August 13 - The teaser of Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi-fronted courtroom comedy drama Jolly LLB 3 has taken the internet by storm with huge viewership. Directed by Subhash Kapoor, the teaser was launched on April 12 and got a unanimous positive reception. ## Star Studios announced that the teaser of Jolly LLB 3 has generated massive viewership of 100+ million across YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X in the first 24 hours, making it one of the most-watched Bollywood film teasers of all time. ## On YouTube, the teaser scored 20 million views with nearly 300K likes and just 1% dislikes in the first 24 hours. Reportedly, it is the 10th most-watched Bollywood teaser on YouTube in the first full day, just behind Kalank and Bharat. Prabhas' Adipurush remains the most-watched with 69 million views. ## The blockbuster response to the teaser has amplified the buzz for the film, which is already among the most-awaited Bollywood titles of the year. The humorous tone with courtroom drama has been the highlight of the franchise, and the teaser of the upcoming instalment is in sync with what previous movies offered. ## Produced by Star Studio18 and Kangra Talkies, Jolly LLB 3 brings both Jollys (Akshay and Arshad) together for the first time after headlining the first two films separately. It also stars Amrita Rao, Huma Qureshi, Saurabh Shukla, and Annu Kapoor, who reprise their roles from the previous films, while Gajraj Rao, Tej Sapru, and Sharat Saxena are the new cast members. ## Jolly LLB 3 is scheduled to release on September 19. ## Dono Jollys’ aur Judge Sahab ko itna pyaar dene ke liye shukriya! ❤️#JollyLLB3Teaser out now: https://t.co/d2DLO0ocYc #JollyVsJolly #JollyLLB3 in cinemas 19th September pic.twitter.com/VDmDrr6Shn— Star Studios (@starstudios_) August 13, 2025 ## Stay tuned...