The stage is set for one of the biggest box office clashes of the year, as YRF’s spy thriller War 2 goes head-to-head with Lokesh Kanagaraj’s gangster epic Coolie. With both films scheduled for an August 14 release, the advance booking data is pouring in, and a clear trend has emerged in the crucial Hindi-speaking belt.
While Rajinikanth‘s Coolie is a phenomenon in its own right, the Hindi market is overwhelmingly favoring the homegrown action spectacle led by Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR.
War 2 Establishes Clear Domination
According to the latest reports tracking sales as of Tuesday afternoon, War 2 has established a commanding lead. The Ayan Mukerji directorial has sold over 67,000 tickets in the top three national multiplex chains (PVR, INOX, and Cinepolis) alone. In stark contrast, the Hindi version of Coolie has recorded approximately 14,000 ticket sales in the same circuits.
This gives War 2 a staggering lead of more than 53,000 tickets, firmly positioning it as the primary choice for audiences in North India. The film’s significantly wider screen count in the Hindi belt is also playing a major role in its dominant performance, making it clear that there is little direct competition between the two in this specific market.
Coolie Holds Its Own As A Dubbed Film
While the numbers show a one-sided contest, Coolie‘s performance is still being hailed as impressive for a dubbed film. Despite a limited release in the North, its advance booking figures are considered reasonably good and hint at an encouraging opening day. Based on current trends, Coolie is on track to secure the second-biggest opening for a Tamil film in the Hindi market, proving the star power of Rajinikanth and the appeal of director Lokesh Kanagaraj.
A Win-Win Weekend For Cinemas?
Trade experts suggest that both films can thrive simultaneously as they cater to different audience bases. The word-of-mouth will be crucial for both films post-release. Projections indicate that War 2‘s opening day collection in Hindi could be five to six times higher than that of Coolie. With the massive Independence Day holiday on Friday, a positive audience response could lead to huge growth for both films over the weekend, making it a celebratory and profitable period for the Indian film industry.
About War 2
War 2 is the sixth film in the YRF Spy Universe, directed by Ayan Mukerji. The action-thriller stars Hrithik Roshan, Jr NTR, and Kiara Advani and releases on August 14, 2025.
About Coolie
Coolie is a Tamil action-thriller directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. The film stars superstar Rajinikanth in the lead, alongside a large ensemble cast, and is set to release on August 14, 2025.
(Also read: War 2 Final Runtime Locked – Hrithik Roshan And Jr NTR Starrer Is Now SHORTER BY 6 MINUTES)
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