Superstar Rajinikanth is back with a bang, and now he is in collaboration with blockbuster director Lokesh Kanagaraj in what is set to be one of the most anticipated Tamil movies—Coolie. Before it opens in theaters, the movie has already made waves in the film industry with its revolutionary overseas business contract, shocking even old-timers in the game.
Massive Buzz from the Start
Ever since the project was announced, Coolie has created a buzz unseen in Tamil cinema in years. The combination of Rajinikanth’s timeless screen presence and Lokesh Kanagaraj’s reputation for producing gritty, high-octane entertainers has been enough to make Coolie the hottest topic in the trade.
To fuel the buzz, the production house is releasing the first single of the film this week, which should kick off a series of promotions. The release of this musical at this point, in tandem with the growing buzz, further entrenched the movie’s commercial potential in every market.
Overseas Rights Priced at ₹80 Crores
But what has grabbed everyone’s attention is Coolie’s overseas business deal. According to sources in the trade, the makers put a price of over ₹80 crore for foreign theatrical rights of the film. Surprisingly, the distributors haven’t hesitated to meet that cost.
What makes the development more interesting is the structure of the deal. It is being negotiated on a Minimum Guarantee (MG) basis. In such deals, distributors shell out some money upfront, and in case the film does not do well, the loss is incurred by them, not the producers. This is a common model for big Bollywood and foreign productions but rare at this level in Kollywood, especially with such a massive valuation.
Distributors Go All Out
Distributors generally exercise restraint when high stakes like these are involved. But Coolie has turned the tables. Foreign distributors are ready to take the risk, confirmed a few sources. They believe Coolie will set new benchmarks in foreign collections and redefine the gameplan for Tamil movies in foreign countries.
This optimism is justified. Rajinikanth’s movies in his current releases have experienced excellent overseas pull, namely in Malaysia, Singapore, the USA, and the Middle East, where his fan base is very strong and widespread. Include Lokesh’s recent hits like Vikram and Leo, and the numbers look business-friendly.
A Benchmark for Kollywood?
Trade experts believe that this deal can revise the pattern of pricing Tamil films internationally. While veteran stars like Rajinikanth and Vijay have always been strong abroad, Coolie is paving new ground in terms of its scale and price.
With ₹80 crore as a guarantee, distributors are having complete faith in the film’s ability to perform overseas. As per some analysts, Coolie can emerge as the largest Tamil hit abroad, even surpassing records set by 2.0, Ponniyin Selvan, and Leo.
The timing also matters. With Tamil film now witnessing a global surge, Coolie may arrive at the right time to ride overseas expanding markets.
What’s Behind the Confidence?
A mix of reasons is fueling this record trade confidence:
Rajinikanth’s Global Fan Following: The superstar boasts a loyal fan following in countries like Japan, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, UAE, UK, and the USA.
Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Directorial Draw: Lokesh has built a following with his suspenseful, action-packed style dramas. He brings with him a young and modern twist to traditional mass films.
Pan-Indian Star Cast: Word goes that Coolie has a star cast with high-profile actors from other sectors, expanding its catchment.
High Production Values: The teaser and early glimpses give hints towards rich set-up, world-class action choreography, and best-of-breed music—troubling expectations even more.
Coolie Set to Change the Trade Game
For distributors to pre-purchase such a huge MG deal is the sign that Coolie’s pre-release business has already passed major landmarks, prior to a trailer release. This gives producers a strong amount of upfront financial security while passing the pressure of performance to distributors.
But that is the kind of confidence Coolie has generated. If all goes well, it can create a new benchmark for Kollywood’s international market reach, opening the floodgates for other Tamil films with high budgets to put their money where their mouth is in overseas releases.
Read Also :- Kamal Haasan’s Thug Life Falls Flat at the Box Office: Fails to Cross ₹100 Cr in Full Run
Conclusion: A New Era for Tamil Cinema Overseas
The buzz for Coolie is not mere hype—it’s backed by strong market behavior and bold decisions. With overseas distributors investing ₹80+ crore on an MG basis, Coolie is no longer a film—it’s a trendsetter.
As the audience waits for the first single and promotional releases, the industry will keenly observe how this risk shapes up. If it succeeds, it might reshape foreign business models for South Indian cinema and open new international opportunities for future projects.
One thing is certain: Coolie has already shattered history pre-release. Now everyone waits to see what comes next.
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