The Independence Eve of 2025 witnessed a major box office clash between two highly anticipated films: ‘War 2,’ starring Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR, and Rajinikanth’s ‘Coolie.’ Both movies generated significant buzz and impressive opening weekend numbers, marking them as two of the year’s most prominent releases. However, as the first weekdays commenced, both ‘War 2’ and ‘Coolie’ experienced a noticeable downturn in their box office collections.
‘War 2’ had a strong start, with Day 1 (Thursday) earnings of Rs 52 crore. Hindi-speaking regions contributed Rs 29 crore, Telugu-speaking regions Rs 22.75 crore, and Tamil-speaking regions approximately Rs 0.25 crore. Day 2 (Friday) saw the film collect Rs 57.35 crore, reflecting a 10.29% increase from its opening day. The Hindi market remained dominant with Rs 44.5 crore, followed by Telugu at Rs 12.5 crore, and Tamil at Rs 0.35 crore. Over the weekend, the collections dipped to Rs 33.25 crore on Day 3 (Saturday), a 42.02% decrease, and Rs 32.15 crore on Day 4 (Sunday), a 3.31% drop.
On Day 5 (Monday), a substantial decline was observed, with early estimates indicating only Rs 8.50 crore. Despite the sharp decrease, ‘War 2’ has amassed a total of Rs 183.25 crore within its initial five days.
‘War 2,’ a sequel to the 2019 blockbuster ‘War,’ premiered on August 14, 2025. It features Hrithik Roshan reprising his role as Agent Kabir after a six-year hiatus. NTR Jr. joins the cast as Agent Vikram, with Anil Kapoor and Ashutosh Rana in supporting roles.
Rajinikanth’s ‘Coolie’ also opened strongly. On Day 1 (Thursday), the film earned Rs 65 crore, with Tamil contributing Rs 44.5 crore, Hindi Rs 4.5 crore, Telugu Rs 15.5 crore, and Kannada approximately Rs 0.5 crore. Day 2 (Friday) saw the film collect Rs 54.75 crore, a 15.77% decrease from its opening day, with Tamil at Rs 34.45 crore, Hindi Rs 6.3 crore, Telugu Rs 13.5 crore, and Kannada Rs 0.5 crore. Day 4 (Sunday) earning Rs 35.25 crore.
However, a significant drop occurred on Monday, with early estimates reporting Rs 12 crore. In its first five days, ‘Coolie’ has grossed a total of Rs 206.50 crore.
The plot of ‘Coolie’ centers on Deva, a former gold smuggler now working as a coolie. He aims to regain his past glory by reviving his old gang using stolen technology hidden in vintage golden watches, leading to unforeseen consequences. The film also features Soubin Shahir, Upendra, Sathyaraj, Shruti Haasan, Rachita Ram, Reba Monica John, Junior MGR, Kanna Ravi, Monisha Blessy and Kaali Venkat, with Aamir Khan in a cameo role. It is produced by Kalanithi Maran under Sun Pictures.