Superstar Rajinikanth continues to prove why he is a global cinematic icon, with his upcoming film ‘Coolie’, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, already making waves internationally. According to trade insiders, the film has received the highest-ever overseas theatrical rights offer for a Kollywood film — a record-breaking feat that underscores Rajinikanth’s unmatched stardom and Kollywood’s growing global appeal.

With final negotiations underway, industry watchers expect an official announcement soon. Meanwhile, the buzz on social media is unmissable. Fans, exhibitors, and diaspora communities worldwide are celebrating this new milestone for Tamil cinema on the global stage.

About ‘Coolie’: A Mass-Action Entertainer With Global Vision

• Genre: Mass-action entertainer with socio-political undertones
• Lead Star: Rajinikanth
• Director: Lokesh Kanagaraj
• Production: Sun Pictures
• Expected Release: Early to mid-2026
• First Single: To be announced soon
• Key Overseas Markets: US, UK, UAE, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Europe

This marks Rajinikanth’s 171st film, and early teasers hint at a rugged, retro-style action avatar, with the Superstar wielding a chain — blending 90s nostalgia with Lokesh’s modern cinematic flair.

Breaking the Overseas Barrier: What We Know

• The overseas theatrical rights for Coolie have crossed ₹80+ crore — the highest ever for a Tamil-language film.
• The US and Canada markets alone account for nearly ₹25 crore.
• Europe and Gulf nations (especially UAE and Qatar) have shown unprecedented demand, surpassing records held by 2.0 and Vikram.
• A bidding war continues among major distributors in Southeast Asia and the UK.

This achievement reflects how Rajinikanth’s films have evolved from regional spectacles to global cinematic events.

The Rajinikanth Effect: A Global Brand Beyond Cinema

Rajinikanth is more than an actor — he’s a phenomenon, especially among NRIs in the US, Middle East, and Southeast Asia. His films:

• In Dubai, release in 40+ screens with pre-dawn shows
• In New Jersey and Toronto, fan shows include cultural celebrations
• In Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, his releases are treated like national holidays
• In London and Frankfurt, fans attend in traditional attire for first-day-first-shows

Coolie is expected to outperform these records with midnight premieres, fan events, and merchandise launches.

Lokesh Kanagaraj: Raising the Stakes

Lokesh Kanagaraj, known for creating the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU), has become one of South India’s most bankable directors. Pairing his fresh, interconnected storytelling with Rajinikanth’s mass appeal explains the soaring value of overseas rights.

Overseas Box Office Milestones (Reported Estimates)