Ernakulam, Kerala – The cinematic landscape witnessed an unprecedented surge of excitement on Thursday, August 14, 2025, as Tamil cinema icon Rajinikanth’s 171st movie, “Coolie,” directed by the acclaimed Lokesh Kanagaraj, premiered to a roaring reception. This release holds particular significance, marking Rajinikanth’s golden jubilee in the film industry, a milestone celebrated with a box office performance that has quickly become the top news in entertainment circles. The anticipation had been building for months, culminating in a spectacular opening that few films ever achieve.
From the moment advance bookings opened, the anticipation for “Coolie” reached unprecedented highs, with online portals and physical counters reporting instant sell-outs. The demand was palpable, with tickets for early morning shows vanishing within minutes, signaling the extraordinary pull of the Superstar’s latest venture. This fervent scramble for tickets across various booking platforms underscored the film’s status as a pre-release juggernaut, setting the stage for the monumental success of its opening day and foreshadowing the box office triumph that followed.
Ernakulam’s Unprecedented Frenzy
The city of Ernakulam became the undisputed epicenter of a cinematic phenomenon on opening day, transforming multiplexes and standalone theatres into bustling hubs of fan activity. Moviegoers, many of whom had queued for hours, some even overnight, filled auditoriums for nearly 350 houseful shows scheduled across an astounding 32 theatres and multiplex screens. The sheer volume of screenings was a testament to the film’s immense draw, with showtimes commencing as early as 6 a.m. and continuing relentlessly until midnight, accommodating the unyielding demand. This non-stop screening schedule underscored the extraordinary pull of Rajinikanth, placing “Coolie” firmly in the spotlight as one of the year’s most highly anticipated releases. The atmosphere outside and inside these cinemas was electric, charged with the collective anticipation of witnessing the Superstar on screen, a veritable carnival of celebration.
The Viral Spark: ‘Monica…’ Sets the Stage
The widespread excitement wasn’t solely built on Rajinikanth’s legendary star power; a significant portion of the pre-release fervor was generated by a catchy song from the movie. The track, ‘Monica…’, had already gone viral across social media platforms, its infectious beat and visuals dominating discussions. Adding to its immense appeal, the song featured a dynamic dance sequence by popular Malayalam actor Soubin Shahir, whose distinctive style further amplified the buzz and made the track an instant sensation. This particular song became a trending phenomenon, its reach extending far beyond traditional fan bases, serving as a powerful catalyst that significantly heightened the anticipation among fans and casual moviegoers alike. The continuous loops of ‘Monica…’ on various platforms kept “Coolie” firmly in public consciousness, making its debut a truly hyped event and drawing in a diverse audience.
A Golden Jubilee Roar: Fan Enthusiasm and Industry Acclaim
Inside the packed theatres, the moment the iconic ‘Superstar Rajinikanth’ title card blazed across the screen was met with an explosion of collective wolf-whistles and thunderous applause – a raw, unadulterated display of adoration for the actor. This passionate response was a clear indicator of Rajinikanth’s enduring connection with his audience, solidifying his status as a cinematic legend.
Adding authoritative weight to the film’s extraordinary performance, K. Vijayakumar, president of the Film Exhibitors United Organization of Kerala (FEUOK), offered a ringing endorsement. “This is undoubtedly one of the biggest openings for a movie we have witnessed in recent times,” Vijayakumar stated, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of the film’s theatrical run. He further highlighted the intensity of the demand, noting, “Screens are running shows without any breaks,” a clear deviation from typical film schedules and a testament to the relentless flow of audiences.
“Coolie”‘s opening day success in Ernakulam, marked by its astonishing number of houseful shows and continuous screenings, not only celebrates Rajinikanth’s golden jubilee in cinema but also sets a formidable new benchmark for film releases. The film’s early performance firmly establishes it as a major cultural event, underscoring the undiminished power of the Superstar and the collective enthusiasm of his dedicated fanbase. With its groundbreaking opening, “Coolie” has not just begun its theatrical run; it has roared into the annals of cinematic history, setting a formidable new benchmark for film releases and reaffirming Rajinikanth’s unparalleled reign at the box office. The news of its record-breaking debut has reverberated throughout the industry, signaling a triumphant moment for Indian cinema and a jubilant start to Rajinikanth’s golden jubilee celebrations.
