Coolie is riding high on hype with anticipation equally strong in the Telugu states – a predictable trend, given Lokesh Kanagaraj’s solid fan base in the region. Add Rajinikanth’s star power to the mix, and it becomes a double blockbuster combo.
However despite the massive buzz, the makers have opted for late premiere shows in the U.S., surprising many.
As officially confirmed by U.S. distributor Prathyangira Cinemas, Coolie’s premieres will begin at 8:30 PM EST (6 AM IST)—much later than the usual early-noon shows major films often rely on to generate big numbers and momentum through first reactions and reviews.
This delay appears to be a strategic, albeit cautious, move.
Recent flops of big Tamil films like Kanguva, Thug Life etc in the U.S. market—where poor content led to negative premiere reviews and hurt opening shows in India—seem to have made the makers more careful.
To avoid a similar fate, the Coolie team appears to be playing it safe.
It seems they’re afraid of early reviews impacting the film’s prospects, even though they clearly believe in the strength of their combo: Lokesh, Rajini, and the musical backing of Anirudh.
After all, what could possibly go wrong with that lineup?
What’s particularly surprising is that while even Tier-2 Telugu heroes are sticking to early or regular premiere show timings, a film as hyped as Coolie is opting for late U.S. premiers.
Whether this strategy pays off or backfires remains to be seen – but for now, it’s the fear of early talk, not a lack of confidence driving this decision.
