The box office is gearing up for one of the biggest cinematic clashes of the year, as two high-profile films — Rajinikanth’s Coolie and Hrithik Roshan–Jr NTR’s War 2 — prepare to hit theatres. While both movies have generated massive buzz among fans, early figures from advance bookings suggest that the Thalaivar storm is currently sweeping ahead in the race.
Industry trackers report that Coolie, Rajinikanth’s much-awaited mass entertainer, has taken a commanding lead in advance ticket sales across several major markets. In key territories like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and parts of Karnataka, the film’s bookings opened to an almost instant sell-out for prime shows, with additional screenings being added to meet the extraordinary demand. Multiplexes and single-screen theatres alike have reported houseful signs for opening weekend, many days ahead of the release.
On the other hand, War 2 — the big-budget action sequel from YRF Spy Universe, pairing Hrithik Roshan with Telugu superstar Jr NTR for the first time — is seeing strong pre-release traction in Hindi-speaking regions and overseas markets. However, its advance sales in South Indian states are comparatively lower than Coolie’s thunderous numbers, which is not surprising given Rajinikanth’s unmatched fan following in the region.
Trade analysts point out that this difference is more a reflection of regional dominance than overall popularity. “Rajinikanth is a cultural phenomenon in the South. His films are not just releases; they are celebrations. In North India and overseas Hindi belts, War 2 is still holding its own and could close the gap closer to release,” said a senior trade source.
The advance booking battle has also sparked lively debates on social media, with fans of both camps posting ticket screenshots, fan-made posters, and celebratory videos. Rajinikanth’s admirers have been flooding Twitter (now X) with messages of pride, pointing to the star’s enduring box office pull even after decades in the industry. Meanwhile, War 2 supporters highlight that the YRF action spectacle is expected to open to colossal numbers globally, especially given the unprecedented pairing of Hrithik and Jr NTR.
Interestingly, distributors believe the true test will come during the extended opening weekend. While Coolie’s pre-release momentum gives it a head start, War 2’s appeal to a broader pan-India audience, coupled with its slick action and star power, could even the playing field once word-of-mouth kicks in.
Both films are set to enjoy massive releases, with Coolie targeting over 4,000 screens across India and War 2 securing a similar or slightly larger count, thanks to its simultaneous multi-language release. The clash is being billed as a “festival for cinephiles,” with audiences in many cities planning double-features to catch both blockbusters.
As things stand, Rajinikanth’s Coolie has an undeniable edge in early sales — but with War 2’s marketing blitz about to peak, the box office race is far from over. One thing is certain: whichever film emerges victorious, Indian cinema fans are in for an adrenaline-charged showdown.
