Bollywood

28 days ago

3860 views

Pan-India Power Report 2025: Kantara Ch 1 Mints 223 Cr in Hindi; A Reality Check for Southern Dubs in 2025

2025 has been the year of the Pan India Reality Check. The Hindi audience has become ruthless embracing authentic rooted stories like Kantara with open arms while coldly rejecting generic mass actioners, even those starring heavyweights like Pawan Kalyan and Kamal Haasan. While Rishab Shetty emerged as the undisputed king of the Hindi box office this year, other highly anticipated projects like Lokesh Kanagaraj's Coolie and Suriya's Retro posted numbers that fell short of their astronomical pre release hype.From folklore to gangster dramas, here is the ultimate report card of how South Indian films performed in the Hindi belt this year. Movie Industry Hindi Net Collection Kantara: Chapter 1 Sandalwood ₹223.79 Cr Coolie Kollywood ₹37.23 Cr Game Changer Tollywood ₹32.93 Cr Mirai Tollywood ₹16.86 Cr Baahubali: The Epic Animation ₹6.94 Cr HIT: The Third Case Tollywood ₹4.11 Cr Kannappa Tollywood ₹3.98 Cr Lokah: Chapter 1 Mollywood ₹3.78 Cr They Call Him OG Tollywood ₹3.36 Cr L2: Empuraan Mollywood ₹2.59 Cr Thug Life Kollywood ₹1.70 Cr The Girlfriend Tollywood ₹ 0.60 Cr Madharasi Kollywood ₹0.50 Cr Retro Kollywood ₹ 0.49 Cr Daaku Maharaaj Tollywood ₹ 0.40 Cr Hari Hara Veera Mallu Tollywood ₹ 0.33 Cr Bad Girl Kollywood ₹0.06 Cr 1. Kantara:Chapter 1 Industry:Sandalwood (Kannada) Director:Rishab Shetty Star Cast:Rishab Shetty,Rukmini Vasanth
 The prequel to the 2022 divine blockbuster Kantara shattered ceilings. Delving deeper into the origins of the Panjurli Daiva during the Kadamba era, the film offered a visual spectacle that was both raw and grandiose. The Divine climax once again became a cultural talking point, driving repeat audiences in Maharashtra and the Hindi belt. It stands as the only true All Time Blockbuster from the South in Hindi this year. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) 2. Coolie Industry:Kollywood (Tamil) Director:Lokesh Kanagaraj Star Cast:Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna, Shruti Haasan, Soubin Shahir.
 The union of Thalaivar Rajinikanth and director Lokesh Kanagaraj was expected to set the screens on fire. A stylish gangster drama involving a gold-smuggling syndicate, the film had massive hype. However, the Hindi numbers (₹ 37.23 Cr) suggest it played more to the gallery of existing fans rather than breaking out to the neutral Hindi audience like Vikram or Jailer. 3.Game Changer Industry:Tollywood (Telugu) Director:S. Shankar Star Cast:Ram Charan, Kiara Advani.
 Coming off the global high of RRR, Ram Charan teamed up with the showman Shankar. While the film's political theme resonated in the South, the Hindi audience found the narrative slightly dated. ₹ 32.93 Cr is a respectable total but falls short of the expectations set for a Ram Charan and Shankar collaboration. 4.Mirai Industry:Tollywood (Telugu) Director:Karthik Ghattamaneni Star Cast:Teja Sajja, Ritika Nayak. 
The surprise package of the year. After HanuMan, Teja Sajja cemented his position with Mirai. Based on the legend of Ashoka's 9 secret books, this Super Yodha film connected well with kids and families, earning nearly ₹ 17 Cr purely on concept strength without a Tier-1 star. 5. Baahubali:The Epic Industry:Pan India (Re-release/Edit) Director:S.S. Rajamouli Star Cast:Prabhas,Anushka Shetty
 To celebrate the franchise's legacy, the makers released a special Single Film edit of the two part saga with remastered visuals.While die hard fans turned up, the ₹ 6.95 Cr collection proves that the audience prefers new content over nostalgia trips in theaters. 6. HIT:The Third Case Industry:Tollywood (Telugu) Director:Sailesh Kolanu Star Cast:Nani, Srinidhi Shetty.
 Nani entered the HIT universe as Arjun Sarkar. While the film was a critical success in Telugu, the dark, gritty thriller genre has a limited ceiling in the Hindi dubbed market unless backed by massive marketing, reflected in its niche ₹ 4.11 Cr collection. 7. Kannappa Industry:Tollywood (Telugu) Director:Mukesh Kumar Singh Star Cast:Vishnu Manchu,Preity Mukhundhan (Cameos: Prabhas, Akshay Kumar, Mohanlal).
 Despite a star-studded lineup of cameos including Prabhas and Akshay Kumar, this mythological drama starring Vishnu Manchu failed to generate buzz in the Hindi belt, collecting a meager ₹ 3.98 Cr. 8. Lokah:Chapter 1 - Chandra Industry:Mollywood(Malayalam) Director:Dominic Arun Star Cast:Kalyani Priyadarshan, Naslen, Sandy. 
Malayalam cinema's ambitious entry into the superhero genre! Starring Kalyani Priyadarshan, the film was praised for its VFX and unique world-building. For a Malayalam film without a traditional Mass Hero, earning ₹ 3.78 Cr in Hindi is a positive sign of growth. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) 9.They Call Him OG Industry:Tollywood (Telugu) Director:Sujeeth Star Cast:Pawan Kalyan, Priyanka Mohan.
 The biggest shocker of the list. Pawan Kalyan's gangster drama, despite featuring Emraan Hashmi as the antagonist, crashed in Hindi with just ₹ 3.36 Cr. It highlights that Pawan Kalyan's stardom is still strictly regional compared to peers like Prabhas or Allu Arjun. 10. L2:Empuraan Industry:Mollywood (Malayalam) Director:Prithviraj Sukumaran Star Cast:Mohanlal, Manju Warrier,Prithviraj. The sequel to Lucifer. While a massive blockbuster in Kerala, the complex political drama of Empuraan proved too dense for the mass Hindi audience, collecting just ₹ 2.59 Cr. 11. Thug Life Industry:Kollywood (Tamil) Director:Mani Ratnam Star Cast:Kamal Haasan, Trisha Krishnan,Silambarasan TR.
 The reunion of legends Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan after decades was a cinematic event, but sadly, only for Tamil Nadu. The Hindi version was a non-starter (₹ 1.7 Cr), proving that Class Classics rarely translate to Mass Hindi Box Office. 12.The Girlfriend
 Industry:Tollywood (Telugu)
 Director:Rahul Ravindran
 Star Cast:Rashmika Mandanna, Dheekshith Shetty.
 
A solo lead thriller by Rashmika Mandanna. While she is a National Crush, the film's niche subject matter restricted its appeal, leading to a washout in the Hindi dubbed version.
 13.Madharasi
 Director:A.R.Murugadoss
 Star Cast:Sivakarthikeyan, Vidyut Jammwal.
 
Despite being directed by A.R.Murugadoss (known for Ghajini) and starring Vidyut Jammwal (a known face in Hindi), this film was a disaster in Hindi. It seems the audience has moved past the 2000s style of commercial filmmaking.
 14.Retro Industry:Kollywood (Tamil) Director:Karthik Subbaraj Star Cast:Suriya, Pooja Hegde.
 Also known as Suriya 44, this stylish actioner by Karthik Subbaraj was expected to be Suriya's big theatrical comeback in Hindi. The shocking collection of less than ₹ 50 Lakhs indicates a complete failure in marketing or release strategy in the North. 15.Daaku Maharaaj
 Industry:Tollywood (Telugu)
 Director:Bobby Kolli
 Star Cast:Nandamuri Balakrishna, Bobby Deol

 Even the presence of Bobby Deol (fresh off Animal fame) couldn't save this Balakrishna mass entertainer in Hindi. The over the top action style of NBK clearly has zero takers in the Hindi belt in 2025.
 16. Hari Hara Veera Mallu
 Industry:Tollywood (Telugu)
 Director:Krish Jagarlamudi,Jyoti Krishna
 Star Cast:Pawan Kalyan, Bobby Deol.
 
A delayed period drama that felt stale upon arrival. With collections of just ₹33 Lakhs, it stands as a significant commercial underperformer for a star of Pawan Kalyan's stature.
 (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) 17.Bad Girl Industry:Kollywood (Tamil) Director:Varsha Bharath Star Cast:Anjali Sivaraman.
 A small budget coming of age drama produced by heavyweights like Vetrimaaran. While critically acclaimed in festivals, it was virtually non-existent at the Hindi box office. Ultimately, 2025 will be remembered as the year the Hindi market transitioned from being a star reliant territory to a landscape defined by audience discernment. The staggering gap between Kantara (₹223 Cr) and generic mass entertainers highlights a significant shift in viewer preferences. When highly anticipated projects featuring legends struggle to gain traction while a rooted folklore thriller creates history, the trend is undeniable.The era of blind loyalty to formulaic tropes is fading, making way for a new chapter of content supremacy.

Kollywood

37 days ago

5963 views

Year Ender 2025: Top 10 Kollywood Films by Box Office Performance

It's a wrap on 2025, and the Kollywood box office has set new benchmarks with a HUGE cumulative total from its top contenders. The ten highest-grossing films of the year alone have raked in over ₹ 1600 crores worldwide, signaling a massively successful run for the industry. While Coolie led this charge with a historic ₹ 518 Cr, the year also saw a healthy number of films crossing the coveted ₹ 100 crore milestone, including GoodBadUgly, Dragon, Vidaamuyarchi and Dude. From big-ticket action extravaganzas to unique concepts, the audience has given a clear verdict. Here's a deep dive into the top 10 Tamil films that made the biggest impact at the box office in 2025. table td { word-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word; } @media (max-width: 480px) { table td:first-child { width: 40% !important; /* give more breathing room */ } } Coolie Director Lokesh Kanagaraj Lead Cast Superstar Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna Akkineni, Soubin Shahir, Upendra, Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, Aamir Khan Worldwide Gross ₹ 518 Cr Verdict Commercial Success Check Out the Day-Wise Box Office Breakdown → When his friend is murdered by a ruthless smuggling syndicate, a former union leader named Deva is forced to confront his violent past and infiltrate the gang to protect his friend's daughter and expose a global human trafficking ring. The story of Coolie's box office is one of two halves. The primary driver for its No. 1 spot was the explosive combination of Rajinikanth's unparalleled star power and Lokesh Kanagaraj's modern filmmaking style, which guaranteed a historic opening weekend. However, the film's biggest hurdle was its own monumental budget. A collection of ₹518 Cr, while huge, was not enough to generate the theatrical profits needed for a clean Hit or Blockbuster tag. In essence, Coolie was a front-loaded success—a commercial win for its producers thanks to pre-release deals, but a theatrical performer that couldn't fully outrun its massive cost. Good Bad Ugly Director Adhik Ravichandran Lead Cast Ajith Kumar, Arjun Das, Trisha Krishnan Worldwide Gross ₹ 248.25 Cr Verdict Hit Check Out the Day-Wise Box Office Breakdown → The plot centers on Ajith Kumar, a retired and notorious gangster known as Red Dragon, who is forced to return to his violent past after his son is wrongfully framed and arrested in Spain. The film's impressive ₹250 Cr worldwide collection stands as a strong testament to Ajith Kumar’s enduring star power. His ability to pull massive audiences ensured the film debuted high on the year-end charts. Powered by solid pre-release buzz and a strong fan following, the movie enjoyed a successful overall run and is regarded as a clear hit. Dragon Director Ashwath Marimuthu Lead Cast Pradeep Ranganathan, Anupama Parameswaran, Kayadu Lohar Worldwide Gross ₹ 150.52 Cr Verdict Blockbuster Check Out the Day-Wise Box Office Breakdown → After being branded a failure by his ex-girlfriend, Ragavan uses forged documents to secure a high-paying job. This deception allows him to live a seemingly successful life until his actions lead to a former classmate's misfortune. Overwhelmed by guilt, Ragavan confesses the truth, goes to prison, and upon release, rebuilds his life honestly as a food delivery agent, ultimately finding redemption and true love. While the top two spots on the list are held by industry titans, the story of the year's most profitable and resounding success belongs to Dragon. Collecting over four times its budget, the film is a bonafide Blockbuster. Vidaamuyarchi Director Magizh Thirumeni Lead Cast Ajith Kumar, Trisha Krishnan, Arjun Sarja, Regina Cassandra Worldwide Gross ₹ 135.65 Cr Verdict Flop Check Out the Day-Wise Box Office Breakdown → Vidaamuyarchi is a thriller about a couple, Arjun and Kayal, whose road trip in Azerbaijan to visit Kayal's parents turns terrifying when she is abducted after a car breakdown. The film follows Arjun as he navigates a dangerous journey to rescue his wife, facing deception and a ruthless gang along the way. While Vidaamuyarchi landed in the year's top 5 thanks to Ajith Kumar's massive opening, it was a significant commercial failure. Its colossal budget of over ₹225 Cr dwarfed its final ₹135.65 Cr collection, leading to substantial losses. The film failed to sustain its run beyond the initial fan-fueled weekend, as negative word-of-mouth about a convoluted screenplay halted its momentum. Dude Director Keerthiswaran Lead Cast Pradeep Ranganathan, Mamitha Baiju, R. Sarathkumar Worldwide Gross ₹ 113.25 Cr Verdict Blockbuster Check Out the Day-Wise Box Office Breakdown → Dude is a romantic comedy about cousins Agan and Kural, whose relationship is complicated when Agan confesses his love for Kural, but then an arranged marriage for Kural with someone else throws their lives into chaos. Agan must then decide between his own love for Kural and Kural's happiness. The year 2025 will be remembered for the phenomenal rise of Pradeep Ranganathan, and Dude is the film that cemented his status as the industry's new golden boy. Following the massive success of Dragon, this film proved his box office draw was no fluke. Collecting nearly four times its modest budget, Dude is another resounding Blockbuster, making Pradeep the only actor of the year to deliver two such profitable ventures. Madharaasi Director A. R. Murugadoss Lead Cast Sivakarthikeyan, Rukmini Vasanth, Vidyut Jammwal Worldwide Gross ₹ 98.48 Cr Verdict Flop Check Out the Day-Wise Box Office Breakdown → An NIA officer recruits Raghuram, a suicidal man suffering from Fregoli delusion, to infiltrate a gun-smuggling syndicate. The film blends high-octane action with Raghuram's psychological struggle as he is manipulated into stopping a dangerous crime lord. Despite the powerhouse combo of A.R. Murugadoss and Sivakarthikeyan, Madharaasi collapsed under its massive ₹180 Cr budget. Failing to cross even the ₹100 Cr mark, it stands as a major commercial disaster, proving that big names cannot save a project when the costs outweigh the content's appeal. Thug Life Director Mani Ratnam Lead Cast Kamal Haasan, Silambarasan TR, Trisha Krishnan Worldwide Gross ₹ 97.25 Cr Verdict Flop Check Out the Day-Wise Box Office Breakdown → Presumed dead, notorious mafia kingpin Rangaraya Sakthivel returns to confront a violent past involving his brother and his adopted son, Amar. The narrative explores a complex father-son dynamic driven by power, betrayal, and revenge. The highly anticipated reunion of the Nayakan duo, Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan, turned into a colossal box office disaster. Burdened by an astronomical ₹250 Cr budget, the film failed to cross even the ₹100 Cr mark. Despite a star-studded cast including Simbu and Trisha, the film faced outright rejection from the audience. Idly Kadai Director Dhanush Lead Cast Dhanush, Nithya Menen, Arun Vijay, Shalini Pandey Worldwide Gross ₹ 71.86 Cr Verdict Hit Check Out the Day-Wise Box Office Breakdown → Murugan, a third-generation vendor, fights to protect his family's humble legacy, Sivanesan's Idli Kadai, when a corporate gourmet chain opens across the street. It is a battle of tradition and dignity against aggressive commercialism in a small hill town. Dhanush's fourth directorial venture earned strong critical praise for its grounded storytelling and also performed decently at the box office. Despite its steep ₹100 Cr budget, the film’s ₹71.86 Cr gross ensured a respectable run driven by word of mouth. It stands as a well-made film that found its audience and delivered a fair commercial outcome. Retro Director Karthik Subbaraj Lead Cast Suriya, Pooja Hegde Worldwide Gross ₹ 96.97 Cr Verdict Commercial Success Check Out the Day-Wise Box Office Breakdown → Set in the 1990s, former enforcer Paari attempts to leave his violent past behind for a peaceful life with his wife. However, when his history catches up to him, he is forced into exile on a remote island, where he eventually embraces his fighting skills to save the locals from a tyrant. Despite the exciting pairing of Suriya and Karthik Subbaraj, Retro underperformed at the box office. With a modest ₹60 Cr budget, the film grossed ₹96.97 Cr, falling just short of the ₹100 Cr milestone. While the controlled budget prevented a financial disaster, the theatrical returns were minimal for investors. Tourist Family Director Abishan Jeevinth Lead Cast Sasikumar, Simran Worldwide Gross ₹ 86.25 Cr Verdict Blockbuster Check Out the Day-Wise Box Office Breakdown → A Sri Lankan family living illegally in India attempts to build a new life while evading authorities. Their fresh start is threatened when a past connection to a bombing resurfaces, jeopardizing their acceptance in the neighborhood. The Sleeper Hit That Stole the Show - The year's most profitable venture, earning over ₹86 Cr on a meager ₹7 Cr budget. Relying purely on glowing word-of-mouth rather than star power, this grounded drama proved that compelling storytelling and strong performances can triumph over high-budget spectacles.

Kollywood

73 days ago

1468 views

Kamal Haasan's 237th Film: A New Milestone in a Legendary Career

Kamal Haasan, one of Indian cinema's most iconic and versatile actors, is set to embark on a new journey with his 237th film. From his early days as a child artist to becoming a multifaceted actor, director, and producer, Haasan’s career spans over six decades. This milestone marks an exciting new chapter in Kamal Haasan’s illustrious career, promising to offer audiences a fresh and dynamic cinematic experience. Welcome to the world of Kamal Haasan#KamalHaasan #KHAA#HBDKamalHaasan#ActioninAction A Film By @anbariv@ikamalhaasan #MahendranMusic Composer - @jakes_bejoyDOP - #SunilKSEditor - #ShemeerKMProduction Designer - #VineshBanglan Publicity Designer - @tuneyjohn… pic.twitter.com/t35EB21Qzx— Raaj Kamal Films International (@RKFI) November 7, 2025 Kamal Haasan's filmography is as diverse as it is expansive, with over 250 films across various languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Hindi, Kannada, and Bengali. From his breakthrough as a child artist to his rise as a legendary actor, Haasan’s body of work has made a significant impact on the Indian film industry. Here’s a selected list of key films from his career: Kalathur Kannamma (1960) – Haasan made his acting debut as a child artist in this Tamil film. Nayakan (1987) – This film is widely considered the turning point in Haasan’s career. His portrayal of Sakthivel Naiker, a character loosely based on the life of gangster Varadarajan Mudaliar, earned him critical acclaim and international recognition. Nayakan is often regarded as one of the finest performances in Indian cinema and was listed by Time magazine as one of the 100 greatest films of all time. Indian (1996) – Haasan received the National Film Award for Best Actor for his dual role in this political thriller. Dasavathaaram (2008) – Haasan played ten distinct roles in this film, showcasing his versatility. The film was a commercial success and highlighted his unparalleled ability to embody multiple characters. Vikram (2022) – His most recent blockbuster, Vikram, marked a major resurgence in his career. The action-packed film was a massive box-office success and further solidified his status as a pan-Indian superstar. While Kamal Haasan’s career has seen multiple highs, Nayakan remains the film that truly catapulted him to stardom. Directed by Mani Ratnam, Nayakan was a milestone in both Haasan’s career and in Indian cinema. Haasan’s portrayal of Sakthivel Naiker, a morally conflicted gangster, became iconic for its depth, emotional intensity, and powerful screen presence. The role earned Haasan numerous accolades and critical praise, cementing his place as one of India’s greatest actors. Nayakan was a commercial success, and its impact on Indian cinema continues to be felt. The film also gained international recognition and was included in Time magazine’s list of the 100 greatest films of all time. As Kamal Haasan moves towards his 237th film, expectations are high. Directed by Anbariv, this film promises to showcase Haasan's skill in high-octane action as well as his deep emotional range. Anbariv, who is known for his intense action films, brings a fresh creative vision to Haasan’s cinematic journey. Before directing Haasan’s 237th film, Anbariv made his mark with several major projects in Tamil cinema. Known for his work in the action genre, Anbariv has directed and worked as a stunt coordinator for multiple successful films. Some of his notable works include: Master (2021) – Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, Anbariv played a crucial role as the action choreographer in this blockbuster, which starred Vijay and was one of the biggest hits of 2021. Kaithi (2019) – Another film directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, where Anbariv contributed his expertise in action sequences. Vikram (2022) – Anbariv was also involved in the direction of this action-packed blockbuster, which starred Kamal Haasan and grossed over ₹400 crore at the global box office. Anbariv’s background in choreographing intricate action scenes, combined with Haasan’s acting mastery, has set the stage for an intense cinematic experience in their upcoming collaboration. Kamal Haasan’s 237th film is set to be a landmark achievement in his illustrious career, showcasing his versatility and enduring appeal. Directed by the talented Anbariv, known for their exceptional action choreography, the film features a skilled team including Jakes Bejoy (Music Composer), Sunil KS (DOP), Shemeer KM (Editor), Vinesh Banglan (Production Designer), and Tuney John (Publicity Designer).As Haasan continues to redefine the boundaries of storytelling and filmmaking, this film is set to undoubtedly reinforce his reputation as one of the greatest actors in Indian cinema.

Kollywood

86 days ago

2715 views

Is Dhruv Vikram Ready to Conquer Mani Ratnams Biggest Romantic Drama Set Against the Heart of Chennai

Veteran filmmaker Mani Ratnam is set to make a triumphant return to the silver screen with a new romantic drama, following the mixed reception of his recent film Thug Life. This upcoming project promises to be a refreshing departure from his previous work, focusing on a heartfelt love story that showcases his signature storytelling prowess. While Dhruv Vikram was initially considered for the lead role, recent reports indicate that the casting is still underway, and the lead actor has not been finalized yet. Rukmini Vasanth, a rising talent who has garnered attention for her roles in films like Ace and Madharaasi, is confirmed to play the female lead in this romantic drama. Set against the backdrop of Chennai, the film revolves around a police officer portrayed by Dhruv Vikram. The narrative delves into the complexities of love, duty, and personal conflict, exploring the dynamics between the officer and a city girl, played by Rukmini Vasanth. While specific plot details remain under wraps, the film is expected to blend elements of romance and action, offering a contemporary take on urban relationships. Adding to the film's allure is the musical genius of A.R. Rahman, who is composing the soundtrack. Rahman's collaboration with Mani Ratnam is highly anticipated, as their previous partnerships have resulted in memorable musical scores that have become integral to the storytelling. The film's cinematography is being handled by Ravi K. Chandran, known for his exceptional work in films like Dil Se and Ponniyin Selvan. Together, they aim to create a visually captivating experience that complements the emotional depth of the narrative. The film is currently in pre-production, with shooting scheduled to commence in November 2025. The team has been working diligently to finalize casting and other essential elements, ensuring that the project meets the high standards associated with Mani Ratnam's films. Mani Ratnam's upcoming romantic drama is poised to be a significant addition to his illustrious career. With a compelling storyline, a talented cast, and a renowned technical team, the film is set to captivate audiences and reaffirm Mani Ratnam's position as a master storyteller in Indian cinema. As the release date approaches, anticipation continues to build, and fans eagerly await the magic that this cinematic venture promises to deliver.

Kollywood

147 days ago

6904 views

Rajinikanth Starrer Coolie Crosses 300 Crore in India, Beats Thalapathy Vijay's The GOAT, and Joins Elite Tamil List of Jailer, Leo, and Two More

Chennai, August 25 - Superstar Rajinikanth's latest release Coolie has stormed past the 300 crore mark in India within just 11 days of release, becoming only the 5th Tamil movie of all-time to achieve the feat. It has joined the elite 300 crores club, which also features 2.0, Leo, Jailer, and Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1. The Lokesh Kanagaraj directorial opened to massive hype and lived up to the expectations, setting the cash registers ringing right through the opening weekend. But after that, the movie went off track, failing to build on the big opening weekend collection. Crossing 300 crore in just 11 days places Coolie among the fastest Tamil films to achieve the landmark. By doing this, it has crossed the lifetime total of Thalapathy Vijay's The GOAT, which grossed approximately 296 crores domestically last year. With Coolie joining the 300 crore domestic club, Rajinikanth now shares the stage with himself - Jailer (408.50 crores), and 2.0 (519 crores)**, Vijay's Leo (402 crores), and director Mani Ratnam's multistarrer Ponniyin Selvan - 1 (313 crores). Director Shankar's sci-fi actioner 2 Point 0 continues to remain the biggest domestic Tamil grosser with around 520 crores. Produced by Sun Pictures, Coolie will surpass PS-1 in the coming days to become the 4th biggest Tamil grosser in India and is likely to finish with this position. The gangster action drama, despite breaching this milestone, has clearly underperformed and will end up as a flop venture. Stay tuned...

Kollywood

148 days ago

12559 views

Rajinikanth's Coolie Joins Elite Top 5 Tamil Grossers Amid Underperformance

Chennai, August 23 - It has been a week of joy and, at the same time, disappointment for superstar Rajinikanth's gangster action drama Coolie, and amid all this, the film has entered the all-time top 5 biggest grossers of Tamil cinema at the worldwide box office. Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, Coolie had a record-breaking opening day, followed by the opening weekend, but it dropped drastically during the weekdays, which was expected, given the poor reviews and mixed word of mouth. But at the same time, it comes as a shock to the industry, which was anticipating it to become the biggest grosser of the film. Nonetheless, amid the disappointment of not achieving the ultimate goal, Coolie will still finish as one of the biggest Tamil grossers of all time. On its 10th day, the Rajinikanth-starrer surpassed the lifetime collection of Thalapathy Vijay's The GOAT (457 crores), and became the 5th biggest Tamil grosser of all-time. Ideally, Coolie should have done 500 crores or much more by now, but the mixed reception cut short its potential. The movie is now eyeing the lifetime collection of around 525 crores worldwide, which is nowhere near the high expectations trade had from it. Rajinikanth, meanwhile, now has three films in the top 5 biggest Tamil grossers. The legendary actor's sci-fi actioner 2 Point 0 remains the biggest Tamil grosser with around 700 crores, while his Jailer is the third in the list with around 605 crores. Vijay's Leo is the second biggest Tamil blockbuster with 606 crores, while Mani Ratnam's historical epic Ponniyin Selvan - 1 (488 crores) is currently the 4th in the list. Stay tuned...

Bollywood

153 days ago

6799 views

Top Indian Overseas Grosser 2025: Rajinikanth's Coolie Tops

Mumbai, August 31 - 2025 has turned into a good year so far for Indian films in the overseas market, with movies from the Bollywood, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam industries making a splash at the global box office. From grand romantic sagas to star-powered action blockbusters, audiences across the world have embraced Indian cinema like never before. Sun Pictures' gangster action drama, Coolie, starring superstar Rajinikanth, was released on August 14, and within no time, it has stormed to the top spot among the biggest Indian grossers at the overseas box office. Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, the film is yet to complete its first weekend, already grossing over 150 crores overseas in 5 days. Yash Raj Films' romantic drama, Saiyaara, starring debutante Ahaan Pandey and Aneet Padda, became a global sensation. This has been the biggest success story of Indian cinema this year. Directed by Mohit Suri, Saiyaara blended soulful music, passionate storytelling, and stunning visuals, making it a cross-cultural hit. The film's theme connected not only with Indian audiences but across the world, making it the biggest Indian blockbuster in the international market. The Malayalam megahit, Empuraan, starring Mohanlal and directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, was hit by controversy in India, but that didn't stop it from making a big hit at the box office, not just in India but also internationally. It continued the Lucifer saga with high-octane political intrigue and action. The film’s international fan base, built from the first part, turned Empuraan into a global blockbuster. Thudarum, one of the biggest Malayalam blockbusters in recent times, stunned the trade and went on to score big at the box office. The action thriller, starring Mohanlal, did wonders globally and became one of only three Malayalam titles to cross 200 crores worldwide, including close to 100 crores gross from overseas markets. The historical epic, Chhaava, starring Vicky Kaushal as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, impressed both domestic and global audiences and is currently the biggest Indian grosser worldwide with over 800 crores in collection. This Laxman Utekar's directorial's grand battle sequences, rich production design, and a patriotic storyline drove its stellar overseas run with close to 100 crores gross. Housefull 5, Bollywood's favourite comedy franchise, returned bigger and zanier. Despite the disappointment of not living up to expectations, this Akshay Kumar-led film did decently at the box office and is so far among the top overseas grossers. The film's mixed slapstick humour, exotic locations, and star power captured the attention of family audiences abroad, especially in the Gulf and the UK. Directed by Adhik Ravichandran, Good Bad Ugly marked a major comeback for superstar Ajith Kumar, after the big failure of Vidaamuyarchi. Ajith's vintage avatar in the movie was celebrated by the fans worldwide. It became the first film of the actor to hit 200 crores worldwide gross, including a good performance in overseas markets. War 2, starring Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR, has underperformed at the box office, be it domestic or overseas. In the first 5 days, the film grossed approximately 63 crores internationally. The movie is directed by Ayan Mukerji and produced by Yash Raj Films. After the failure of Laal Singh Chaddha, Aamir Khan returned to winning ways with Sitaare Zameen Par, a heartfelt comedy-drama that follows a suspended basketball coach who must serve community service by helping a team of players with disabilities prepare for a tournament. Just like Ajith Kumar, SZP proved to be a comeback movie for Aamir Khan by emerging as a box office hit in India and overseas. Sikandar, one of the major letdowns of the year, this Salman Khan-led action drama failed to perform to expectations despite featuring among the top 10 biggest overseas grossers. Directed by a seasoned director like AR Murugadoss, Sikandar finished below 200 crores worldwide, while its overseas performance was also not good. What Sikandar proved for Bollywood, Thug Life met the same fate for Kollywood. Kamal Haasan's much-awaited action-thriller, directed by Mani Ratnam, blended artful filmmaking with mass entertainment. The film's international premieres were major events, boosting its overseas revenue. However, it turned into a big disaster, failing to capitalise on the huge buzz. Before scoring his biggest grosser with Good Bad Ugly, Ajith Kumar had a big setback with the action-drama Vidamuyarchi. It was among the biggest failures. With heavyweights like War 2 and Coolie yet to arrive, the overseas box office race of 2025 is far from over. But for now, Saiyaara sits at the top, proving that heartfelt romance can still rule the world stage in the age of action spectacles. Stay tuned...

Kollywood

157 days ago

8969 views

50 Years of Superstar Rajinikanth: The Box Office King Who Rewrote Cinema History

Chennai, August 15 - Born Shivaji Rao Gaekwad on December 12, 1950, in Bangalore, Rajinikanth's journey to cinematic superstardom is the stuff of legend. Raised in a modest Maharashtrian family, he worked a series of jobs, including as a bus conductor, before his passion for acting led him to the Madras Film Institute in the early 1970s. There, his raw talent and magnetic presence caught the attention of celebrated director K. Balachander, who gave him his debut in Apoorva Raagangal (1975). Though a small role, it announced the arrival of a unique screen presence.## Initially cast in intense, often antagonistic roles, Rajinikanth quickly transformed into a leading man with films like Mullum Malarum (1978) and Bhuvana Oru Kelvi Kuri (1977). By the early 1980s, his charisma, trademark style, and mass connect had turned him into Tamil cinema's biggest draw. Billa (1980) was a turning point, redefining the industry's commercial scale with a gross of over ₹10 crore worldwide among the first Tamil films and introducing the "Superstar" title that has stayed with him ever since.## What followed was an era of dominance that few actors in world cinema can match. Through the 1980s and 1990s, Rajinikanth delivered a string of historic hits, Annamalai (1992), Baashha (1995), and Padayappa (1999), each smashing box office records and running for extraordinary durations. His films weren't just theatrical releases; they were cultural events, celebrated with towering cutouts, dawn shows, and international premieres. Over the decades, Rajinikanth has continually adapted to changing cinematic landscapes, from the record-breaking Chandramukhi (2005) and Sivaji (2007) to the sci-fi spectacle Enthiran (2010), the global blockbuster Kabali (2016), and the mega-hit Jailer (2023). Across generations, his ability to command the box office remains unmatched—a legacy built on charisma, versatility, and an unbreakable bond with his audience. ## During Rajinikanth's Golden Era of the 1990s, the following films stood out not only for their mass appeal but also for the records they set at the box office. Thalapathi (1991), directed by Mani Ratnam and co-starring Mammootty, with music composed by Ilaiyaraaja, drew inspiration from the friendship between Karna and Duryodhana in the Mahabharata, reimagined in a modern-day gangster backdrop. The film opened to massive box office success in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, enjoying runs of over 200 days in several theatres.## Annamalai (1992) emerged as the highest-grossing Tamil film of its time, reportedly earning around 12.5 crore, a staggering figure for the early 90s, cementing the Superstar's bankability. Just three years later, Baashha (1995) shattered that record with an unprecedented run of nearly 15 months in theatres, though exact figures remain undocumented in verified public sources. By the decade's close, Padayappa (1999) had taken the crown as Tamil cinema's highest-grossing film of its time, combining record-breaking openings with long-running popularity. These three titles not only ruled the box office but also solidified Rajinikanth's status as a pan-India phenomenon.## ## The wave continued with Muthu (1995), a Diwali release that became a silver-jubilee hit in Tamil Nadu. Its Japanese dub, Muthu: The Dancing Maharaja (1998), grossed about ~US$3.06 million and stood as the highest-grossing Indian film in Japan for 24 years, opening an overseas fanbase few regional stars had enjoyed then. ## 2000s – Crossing the 100 Crore Frontier ## The 2000s marked a new phase in Rajinikanth’s career, where he not only maintained his dominance but also redefined commercial milestones. Chandramukhi (2005) became the longest-running Tamil film in history, with an extraordinary 890+ days in theatres, and significantly boosted its overseas presence. Just two years later, Sivaji: The Boss (2007) created history by becoming the first Tamil film to gross over 100 crore worldwide, setting a new benchmark for budgets, promotions, and box office potential in the industry. This decade firmly established Rajinikanth as a star who could deliver unprecedented numbers while continually expanding Tamil cinema's reach. ## 2010s – Pan-India & Global Stardom ## The 2010s cemented Rajinikanth's stature as a true pan-India and global superstar, with his films achieving unprecedented reach and revenue. Enthiran (2010), a groundbreaking sci-fi spectacle, became one of the highest-grossing Indian films of its time, earning over 291 crore worldwide and setting new technical benchmarks. Kabali (2016) followed with record-smashing pre-release business and a staggering 200+ crore opening weekend globally, proving Rajinikanth's unmatched pull across markets. Then came 2.0 (2018), the most expensive Indian film ever made at 500+ crore, which went on to gross around 700 crore worldwide, further solidifying his position as a box office phenomenon who could command massive budgets and deliver equally massive returns. ## (Worldwide collection)## ## The 2020s showcased Rajinikanth's enduring box office power, proving that even after decades at the top, his star appeal remains unshakable. Annaatthe (2021), released during the pandemic, defied restrictions to emerge as a major Diwali season winner, drawing massive crowds in Tamil Nadu and strong overseas numbers. But it was Jailer (2023) that truly reaffirmed his dominance, grossing over 600 crore worldwide and becoming one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of all time. With its phenomenal reception in Malaysia, Singapore, and the Gulf, Jailer demonstrated Rajinikanth's unmatched ability to unite audiences across borders. ## Now, Coolie (2025) has already sparked historic pre-release records, from crossing $2 million in North American premiere pre-sales to notching over 100 crore in advance bookings, setting the stage for another monumental box office run and continuing the superstar’s legacy into yet another decade. ## Rajinikanth's box office dominance isn't just about earnings; it's about the cultural experience. From fan rituals and overseas premieres to unprecedented opening-day sales, every release is a festival. His appeal spans generations, languages, and continents-making him a unique figure in Indian cinema history. And with Coolie, the question isn't whether Rajinikanth will break records, it's how many more he'll set. From his humble debut in Apoorva Raagangal to ruling screens across continents, Rajinikanth's journey is more than just a string of blockbusters — it's the story of an icon who became a cultural phenomenon. ## His films have not only shattered box office records but also united audiences across generations, languages, and borders. As the Superstar marks 50 years in cinema, his legacy continues to inspire, proving that true stardom isn't measured by numbers alone, but by the hearts won along the way. And if history has shown us anything, it's that Rajinikanth's reign at the box office is far from over. ## Stay tuned...

Kollywood

167 days ago

5534 views

From First to Fastest Million Dollar Premiere Day: Superstar Rajinikanth Dominates North America Box Office With Kabali and Coolie

Los Angeles, August 4 - Superstar Rajinikanth continues to rewrite box office history in North America. Nearly a decade after his 2016 blockbuster Kabali became the first Tamil film ever to earn $1 million on its premiere day, the legendary actor has now achieved yet another milestone with his upcoming film Coolie. ## Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, Coolie is going great guns at the North American box office and in the process, it has become the fastest Tamil film to hit the $1 million mark from premiere sales there, doing this before 12 days left for the premiere. There have been only four Tamil films to score $1 million premiere day in NA, with Thalapathy Vijay's Leo and director Mani Ratnam's Ponniyin Selvan - Part 1 being the other two.## This landmark achievement not only cements Rajinikanth's unshakable dominance overseas but also reflects the growing anticipation surrounding Coolie, which marks his first-ever collaboration with Lokesh, the mastermind behind recent Tamil blockbusters like Vikram and Leo. ## Not only Coolie become the fastest Tamil title to score $1 million in North America premiere, the action-packed gangster drama, backed by Sun Pictures, is also eyeing the biggest premiere day collection for a Tamil title there. Currently, Kabali has the record with $1.92 million, and Coolie is projected to breach $2 million mark. ## With Coolie reaching the million-dollar milestone in record time, Rajinikanth now holds both the first and fastest million-dollar premiere records for Tamil cinema in North America — a testament to his enduring global popularity and long-lasting legacy. As the film gears up for its theatrical release this Independence Day weekend, on August 14, expectations are sky-high for it to set new benchmarks at the global box office. ## Stay tuned...

Kollywood

188 days ago

3440 views

Director Lokesh Kanagaraj Reveals Rajinikanth's First Reaction To 'Coolie'; Superstar Compares The Movie With Mani Ratnam's 'Thalapathi'

Chennai, July 15 - The anticipation is picking up for superstar Rajinikanth's gangster action drama film Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. Marking the first-time collaboration between the legendary actor and the master of modern Tamil cinema, the film has been generating massive buzz ever since its announcement.. ## Coolie is easily one of the most awaited Indian films of the year. Now, excitement has skyrocketed with the latest revelation by the filmmaker about the trailer launch date, which has reportedly been locked, and Rajinikanth's first reaction to the movie, which has gone viral. ## According to Lokesh, the superstar was "thrilled and deeply moved" after watching the cut, calling it "electrifying," which has only further fuelled fan frenzy on social media. With this hype, Coolie is shaping up to be not just a Tamil blockbuster but a pan-India cinematic event. ## Lokesh Kanagaraj Reveals Rajinikanth's First Reaction On Coolie ## During a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, the filmmaker revealed that the legendary actor watched the film in a dubbing studio, and his first reaction was overwhelmingly positive. He said that after dubbing, Rajinikanth hugged him and said that "It (Coolie) looked like Thalapathi for me". ## Thalapathi (1991) is a gangster drama film featuring Rajinikanth and Mammootty, and directed by Mani Ratnam. It is considered one of the best movies in Rajinikanth's career and was also the most expensive South Indian film at that time. It was both critical and commerical success and won several awards. ## Coolie Trailer On August 2 ## In the same interview with THR, Lokesh revealed that the trailer of Coolie will be launched on August 2nd. Contrary to the rumours, the Leo director denied releasing any teaser, as he said that he would release only a trailer before the film hits the big screen on August 14. ## About Coolie - An Action Packed Emotional Blockbuster ## Coolie is a gangster action drama produced by Sun Pictures. Lokesh revealed that the first half of the film will be on the emotional side, and the second half is packed with action sequences. It stars Rajinikanth in the lead role alongside Nagarjuna, Shruti Haasan, Soubin Shahir, Upendra, and Aamir Khan (cameo), in prominent roles. It will be released in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam, and Kannada. ## Stay tuned...

Kollywood

206 days ago

6429 views

Kamal Haasan's 'Thug Life' Theatrical Window Shortened After Poor Box Office Result; OTT Price Reduced

Chennai, June 26 - The legendary combo of actor Kamal Haasan and director Mani Ratnam reunited after 4 decades for a gangster action drama film Thug Life. It is among the most anticipated Tamil movies of the year; however, what followed next shocked the trade. ## Released on June 5, the film met with poor reception from critics and the audience. This resulted in a shocking box office performance of the film as it finished below 100 crores gross globally, turning into one of the biggest disasters of the year. ## Before the release of the film, the makers showed immense confidence in it and even publicly announced that it would be released on an OTT platform only after 8 weeks of theatrical release, breaking out from the usual norm of a 4-week window that exists in the Tamil Film Industry. ## The 8-week theatrical window announcement secured the movie's multiplex release in the Hindi version, becoming one of the first major Tamil movies to have a multiplex release in Hindi in recent times. However, the poor performance of the film led the makers to change their plans. ## According to the report by Pinkvilla, the makers have shortened the theatrical window of the movie to just 4 weeks to avoid further losses. The negotiations were made after Netflix, which is the official streaming partner of the movie, decided to reduce the OTT price of Thug Life. ## The movie was initially valued at 130 crore for OTT release, but the poor box office performance caused damage to this. It is said that Netflix was looking to renegotiate the price at 90 crore, but both parties eventually settled down at 110 crore for the digital rights, with a reduced OTT window of 4 weeks, as per Pinkvilla. ## Meanwhile, the reduced theatrical window has resulted in a breach of contract between the producers of Thug Life with the distributor and the national multiplex chains in North India. The report further stated that the Multiplex Chains have imposed a fine of 25 lakh on the producers. ## Stay tuned...

Kollywood

226 days ago

5067 views

Kamal Haasan's 'Thug Life' Gets One of The Lowest Ratings In The Opening Weekend

Chennai, June 7 - Indian cinema legends, actor Kamal Haasan and director Mani Ratnam reunited after 38 years for a gangster action drama film Thug Life, which hit the big screen on June 5. The reunion of the two was expected to script a blockbuster, but things have turned into a nightmare for the duo. ## Thug Life was a keenly awaited film, and it generated some hype with decent to good pre-sales. However, despite the big promises, everything has gone wrong for the film since its release, and it seems that the audience has outrightly rejected it. ## The word of mouth for the movie has been poor from the first show, which resulted in below than the expected opening, followed by a big drop on the second day as the total collection of the movie is around 50 crore gross after 2 days. ## Even though there is a holiday on Saturday and Sunday, the chances of a rebound for the movie are almost out of the equation. The audience reception is poor, as the current Google rating for the movie is under 3 out of 10, while IMDb ratings are below 5, which has made things worse and will continue to do so. ## The Google and IMDb ratings of Thug Life are among the lowest for the film in its opening weekend, and it is going down rapidly. There are chances the movie will likely finish under 100 crore gross collection at the worldwide box office. It might cross this cross, but the overall result has already been sealed, which is a disaster. ## The film is produced by Raaj Kamal Films International and Madras Talkies, and it also stars Silambarasan, Trisha Krishnan, Abhirami, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Ashok Selvan, Joju George, Nassar, Ali Fazal, Rohit Saraf, and Baburaj in key roles. ## Stay tuned...