August 4, 2025 – The stage is set for a high-profile box office clash between two of India’s most anticipated films, Coolie starring Rajinikanth and War 2 featuring Hrithik Roshan. As advance booking reports for their USA premieres begin to roll in, both films appear neck-and-neck in capturing audience interest across key international markets.
Advance ticket sales for both films opened earlier this week, and theatres in cities such as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Dallas, and San Francisco are already seeing significant traction. Despite being from different genres — Coolie being a mass-action entertainer directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and War 2 a sleek spy thriller from YRF — the films are drawing comparable levels of attention.
According to early booking data from multiple cinema chains and aggregators, Coolie has witnessed massive pre-release interest among the South Indian diaspora in the US. The film marks Rajinikanth’s return to a larger-than-life action role, and his team’s promotional activities have helped boost excitement, particularly among Tamil-speaking audiences.
Meanwhile, War 2 is the sequel to the 2019 blockbuster War, and is part of YRF’s spy universe. With Hrithik Roshan reprising his role as Kabir, and Telugu superstar NTR Jr. joining the cast, the film has gained wide appeal in North Indian and Telugu-speaking communities abroad.
In terms of sheer numbers, both films are estimated to have sold over 25,000 tickets within the first 48 hours of booking in the United States alone. While Coolie is leading in cities with a high Tamil population like Houston and Edison, War 2 is ahead in tech hubs like Seattle and San Jose where Hindi films traditionally perform well.
Trade analysts say this clash is a rare instance of two big-budget Indian films premiering simultaneously in overseas markets with nearly equal pull. The timing of the releases has added to the competition, as both films are set to open during the Indian Independence Day weekend, a period known for strong international box office results.
Industry observer Rina Mehra commented, “This is a healthy sign for Indian cinema. Two stars from different industries attracting packed houses abroad signals growing global demand. The real winner will be the audience who now have two strong options to choose from.”
Both films are also offering special formats such as IMAX and 4DX in select theatres, further boosting ticket prices and visibility. Promotional strategies, including meet-and-greet events and fan screenings, are planned in multiple U.S. cities leading up to the premieres.
With the release dates just days away, the final booking trend may tilt in favour of either film. However, current trends suggest a blockbuster weekend for both Coolie and War 2, promising a milestone moment for Indian cinema in global markets.
