Rajinikanth’s Coolie Sets Record with ₹81 Crore Overseas Deal, Outshines Vijay’s Jana Nayagan at ₹62 Crore

Superstar Rajinikanth’s upcoming action thriller Coolie has taken the global box office by storm, securing a record-breaking ₹81 crore deal for its overseas theatrical rights, making it the highest-ever for a Tamil film. In contrast, Thalapathy Vijay’s final cinematic venture, Jana Nayagan, fetched ₹62 crore in overseas rights, falling short of Coolie’s monumental achievement. This disparity, attributed to Jana Nayagan’s political theme, has sparked debates among fans and trade analysts, with many citing Rajinikanth’s unmatched global appeal as the key differentiator. This SEO-optimized article for NRIGlobe.com explores the overseas business dynamics of Coolie and Jana Nayagan, their pre-release buzz, and why Rajinikanth continues to reign supreme in Tamil cinema’s international markets.

Coolie’s Record-Breaking Overseas Deal: ₹81 Crore

Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and produced by Sun Pictures, has set a new benchmark in Tamil cinema with its ₹81 crore overseas theatrical rights deal, surpassing all previous records. This milestone, reported by sources like NTV Telugu and Zee News India, eclipses the previous high set by Jana Nayagan’s ₹62-75 crore deal (depending on refundable advance structures). The massive sum reflects Rajinikanth’s enduring stardom, even at 74, and the global hype surrounding his first collaboration with Lokesh Kanagaraj, known for blockbusters like Vikram and Leo.

The film’s pan-Indian appeal, bolstered by a star-studded cast including Nagarjuna Akkineni, Upendra, Shruti Haasan, and a cameo by Aamir Khan, has fueled distributor confidence. Coolie’s focus on a high-octane gold smuggling narrative, coupled with Anirudh Ravichander’s pulsating soundtrack, has positioned it as a mass entertainer. Posts on X, such as those by @letscinema and @boxofficesquare, highlight the film’s unprecedented ₹80-85 crore valuation, with some claiming it could have fetched even more without a box office clash with War 2 (starring Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR) on August 14, 2025.

The film’s strategic focus on Telugu-speaking markets, where Rajinikanth’s Jailer and Leo performed exceptionally, has further amplified its overseas prospects. With non-theatrical deals (OTT, satellite, and music rights) already recovering ₹230-240 crore of its ₹375 crore budget, Coolie is a low-risk venture poised for global success.

Jana Nayagan’s Overseas Business: ₹62 Crore

Thalapathy Vijay’s Jana Nayagan, directed by H. Vinoth and slated for a Pongal 2026 release, secured a respectable ₹62 crore for its overseas theatrical rights, with some sources like @KVFC_Official on X claiming up to ₹77 crore including publicity costs. However, this falls short of Coolie’s record, a point emphasized by fans on X, such as @Mani74261082, who noted that Jana Nayagan’s political theme may deter international audiences.

As Vijay’s final film before his political career, Jana Nayagan carries immense symbolic weight. Its ₹121 crore OTT deal with Amazon Prime Video outdid Coolie’s ₹110 crore digital rights, signaling strong streaming potential. Yet, the film’s political action thriller narrative, as reported by Times of India, has sparked concerns about its overseas appeal, particularly in markets like Malaysia, the US, and the UK, where Tamil diaspora audiences prefer mass entertainers over politically charged stories.

Despite this, Jana Nayagan has shown strength in specific markets, with a ₹12 crore Malaysia deal setting a record for a Tamil film, surpassing Leo (₹10 crore) and GOAT (₹8.5 crore). The film’s pre-release buzz, amplified by Anirudh Ravichander’s music and Vijay’s star power, ensures it remains a major contender, though it struggles to match Coolie’s universal appeal.

Why Coolie Outshines Jana Nayagan Overseas

The gap between Coolie’s ₹81 crore and Jana Nayagan’s ₹62 crore overseas deals highlights several factors:

1. Rajinikanth’s Global Stardom: At 74, Rajinikanth’s cult following across Tamil diaspora markets like Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, the UAE, and the US remains unmatched. His previous hit Jailer (2023) earned ₹35 crore in overseas rights, and Coolie’s nearly double valuation reflects his growing international pull.
2. Genre Appeal: Coolie’s action-packed gold smuggling storyline, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, aligns with the mass entertainer formula that resonates globally. In contrast, Jana Nayagan’s political theme, as noted by X users like @CineKingsley, risks alienating audiences in Mollywood, Tollywood, Sandalwood, and Bollywood markets, where political narratives often underperform.
3. Box Office Clash: Coolie’s August 14, 2025, release clashes with War 2, potentially capping its overseas deal at ₹81 crore instead of a higher figure. Jana Nayagan benefits from a solo Pongal 2026 release, yet its political content limits its distributor bids.
4. Pan-Indian Cast and Hype: Coolie’s ensemble, including Nagarjuna and Aamir Khan, enhances its appeal across Telugu and Hindi markets. Social media buzz, with posts like @Rolex8170 celebrating Coolie’s record, underscores its dominance over Jana Nayagan.

Fan Sentiment and Social Media Buzz

The rivalry between Rajinikanth and Vijay fans has intensified on X, with posts like @Mani74261082 asserting, “Vijay’s last movie couldn’t break Superstar Rajinikanth’s movie business in overseas.” Rajinikanth fans tout Coolie’s record-breaking deal as proof of his supremacy, while Vijay fans, like @RayappanMafia, celebrate Jana Nayagan’s ₹75 crore benchmark. The debate reflects the passionate Tamil cinema fandom, with Coolie currently holding the edge due to its broader appeal.

Implications for Tamil Cinema and the NRI Audience

For the Indian diaspora, Coolie’s record-breaking overseas deal is a moment of pride, showcasing Tamil cinema’s growing global influence. Rajinikanth’s ability to command such figures at 74 reaffirms his status as a cultural icon for NRIs in the US, UK, and Middle East. Meanwhile, Jana Nayagan’s strong Malaysia deal and OTT success highlight Vijay’s enduring popularity, though its political undertones may limit its theatrical reach.

Both films signal Tamil cinema’s ambition to dominate international markets, with Coolie aiming for a ₹1000 crore worldwide gross, as per Sakshi Post. The industry’s focus on pan-Indian releases, leveraging stars like Nagarjuna and Aamir Khan, ensures robust NRI engagement.

Conclusion: Rajinikanth’s Reign Continues

Coolie’s ₹81 crore overseas deal cements Rajinikanth’s unparalleled box office dominance, outpacing Jana Nayagan’s ₹62 crore and setting a new Tamil cinema record. While Vijay’s final film holds strong with its OTT deal and regional markets, its political narrative has hindered its overseas theatrical potential. As Coolie gears up for its August 14, 2025, release, and Jana Nayagan eyes Pongal 2026, the NRI community can celebrate Tamil cinema’s global ascent, led by the evergreen Superstar Rajinikanth.

Stay tuned to NRIGlobe.com for the latest updates on Tamil cinema and global box office trends.