Coolie has surged ahead of War 2 in overseas advance bookings, setting the stage for one of the biggest box office battles of 2025. With just over a week remaining, anticipation around these two mega releases is at its peak. Pre-sales have already opened in key international markets, including the USA, Australia, New Zealand, and the Gulf, and early trends reveal surprising results.
On paper, this is a clash of giants. War 2 unites Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR under Yash Raj Films, while Coolie brings together Rajinikanth and Lokesh Kanagaraj in a high-octane entertainer. The contest for screen dominance during the Independence Day weekend was always going to be fierce. While War 2 is expected to dominate Hindi-speaking regions and key Telugu markets domestically, Coolie is projected to rule Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Karnataka could go either way.
The big twist is coming from overseas markets. According to trade analyst Himesh Mankad, Coolie has taken an early lead in advance bookings across North America, Australia, New Zealand, and the UAE. This is surprising, as War 2, featuring NTR, was initially expected to attract a stronger Telugu diaspora response. Analysts believe the marketing for War 2 leaned heavily toward Bollywood audiences, failing to fully leverage NTR’s pan-India and global fan following.
Coolie, on the other hand, appears to have hit the sweet spot with the South audience abroad. Rajinikanth’s massive international appeal, Lokesh Kanagaraj’s cult following, and Nagarjuna’s addition in the Telugu version have given it an edge in pre-sales. The combination is particularly working well in the US market, where South Indian cinema has been on a strong upward trend in recent years.
For War 2, word-of-mouth could be the game changer. Hindi films typically grow gradually overseas with weekend jumps. If Ayan Mukerji delivers engaging content, War 2 might replicate the sustained success seen by films like Pathaan. However, with its nearly three-hour runtime and high stakes as an action entertainer, execution will be key.
Coolie looks more front-loaded, aiming to cash in on massive opening-day numbers and create a record-breaking start in Tamil Nadu and overseas markets. But maintaining momentum beyond the first weekend will be its real challenge. Both films are not only competing for box office dominance but are also testing the pulling power of stars in an era where content matters more than name value.
As Rajinikanth, Hrithik Roshan, and NTR bring their best to the big screen, the audience stands to gain the most if both films deliver on their hype. Whether Coolie retains its overseas lead or War 2 bounces back with late momentum remains to be seen. One thing is certain—the Independence Day weekend is set for an epic showdown.
