Actor Akkineni Nagarjuna has described the success of Coolie as ‘historic’, after the film registered record-breaking collections worldwide. The action thriller, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and starring Superstar Rajinikanth, has become the highest-grossing Tamil film on its opening day, with earnings exceeding ₹151 crore globally.
Nagarjuna, who plays the antagonist Simon in the film, has received wide praise for his performance. Critics have commended his commanding presence and noted the strong on-screen chemistry in his confrontations with Rajinikanth.
Speaking about the response, Nagarjuna said: “The affection shown to Coolie across the world is truly historic. Working with Rajinikanth on a film of this scale was unforgettable. When two different journeys meet on screen, there is a special energy. We believed the film would be extraordinary, and the audience response confirms this. The love for my role has been overwhelming. From the sets to the theatres, Coolie has been a celebration of legacy and reinvention. Records had to break, and they did.”
While the film was made in Tamil, its Telugu versions have contributed significantly to its earnings. On release day, the dubbed versions grossed more than ₹17 crore in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Overseas, Telugu audiences also responded strongly. In North America, the Telugu version alone collected $1.3 million of the film’s $3.9 million day-one total, surpassing the previous benchmark set by War 2.
The film’s remarkable performance underlines both Rajinikanth’s enduring appeal and Nagarjuna’s continued popularity across regions. The latter has been enjoying a successful year at the box office, with Coolie following the success of his earlier release Kuberaa.
Looking ahead, Nagarjuna’s landmark Telugu film Siva is set for a grand re-release in cinemas. The 1989 classic, which marked his breakthrough in the industry, has been restored in 4K quality with Dolby Atmos sound and will return to theatres soon.
