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The Independence Day 2025 weekend witnessed one of the most anticipated cinematic clashes in recent memory, pitting two of the biggest films of the year against each other: Lokesh Kanagaraj's actioner Coolie and Ayan Mukerji's spy thriller War 2. Ten days into their theatrical run, the box office numbers paint a clear picture of dominance, with Superstar Rajinikanth's Coolie firmly ahead of the Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR-starrer.
Coolie exploded onto the scene with a thunderous opening, recording a massive first-day collection. The film's momentum, driven by Rajinikanth's immense star power and the regional pull of the Tamil and Telugu markets, has been a key factor in its success. Despite mixed reviews, the film has sustained a strong run, particularly over its second weekend. As of its tenth day, Coolie's total domestic collection stands at an impressive ₹245.50 crore. Its global numbers are even more staggering, reportedly surpassing the ₹460 crore mark and cementing its place as one of the highest-grossing Indian films of the year. The film’s performance in overseas markets, especially in regions with a large Tamil diaspora, has significantly contributed to its global tally.
On the other side of the ring, War 2, a sequel to the successful YRF Spy Universe film, started with a solid opening day collection of its own. However, despite the combined star power of Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR, the film has faced a steeper decline in its daily collections after the initial holiday buzz. While the film has crossed the ₹200 crore mark domestically, its total collection after ten days sits at ₹214.50 crore, a considerable lag behind its competitor. While the Hindi version has performed well, the film's overall pan-India appeal has not been as strong as anticipated, especially when compared to its predecessor.
The box office battle highlights the enduring and unparalleled mass appeal of Rajinikanth. While both films are considered commercial successes, Coolie's stronger opening and consistent performance across its first two weekends have given it a substantial lead of over ₹31 crore domestically. The coming days will be critical for both films, but the current trend suggests that Coolie has already secured the victory in this monumental box office clash.
