On the eve of Independence Day, the Indian box office is gearing up for a major clash as Rajinikanth’s much-anticipated 171st film, Coolie, faces off against Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR’s War 2. This showdown, initially seen as a North vs South competition, is now shaping up to be South vs South, with two of the most celebrated southern stars — Rajinikanth and Jr NTR — leading the charge.
Trade experts predict divided box office
According to trade analyst Taran Adarsh, both Rajinikanth and Jr NTR are massive crowd-pullers, and past records suggest that business will be split between the two films. “Rajinikanth and Jr NTR are big stars. Going by their past records, business will be divided for sure. But we have to wait till tomorrow to see what happens,” he said.
Film critic Komal Nahta believes that the Hrithik Roshan–Jr NTR pairing could deliver a strong punch. “Rajinikanth is Rajinikanth. But people are underestimating the Hrithik–Jr NTR combination. I believe they will create havoc at the box office,” he remarked.
Rajinikanth’s bond with Jr NTR’s legacy
Jr NTR, grandson of the legendary actor and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. T. Rama Rao, shares a unique connection with Rajinikanth. Earlier this year, Rajinikanth attended NTR’s centenary celebrations, recalling his first encounter with the matinee idol on screen in Pathala Bhairavi at the age of six.
He fondly remembered seeing NTR in person during the Lava Kusa silver jubilee celebrations in Bengaluru when he was 13 and later drawing inspiration from his portrayal of Duryodhana in Sri Krishna Pandaveeyam for a drama competition during his days as a bus conductor.
About the films
Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, features an ensemble cast including Nagarjuna, Shruti Haasan, Upendra, Soubin Shahir, and Sathyaraj, with Aamir Khan in a cameo role. It is produced by Kalanithi Maran’s Sun Pictures.
War 2, helmed by Ayan Mukerji, marks the first collaboration between Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR. Also starring Kiara Advani, the action thriller is part of YRF’s spy universe and serves as a sequel to the 2019 blockbuster.
High-stakes box office weekend ahead
Advance booking trends suggest that both Coolie and War 2 are set for strong openings. With the rare sight of two southern megastars competing head-to-head, the outcome will not only impact their films’ earnings but could also influence the industry’s trajectory in the weeks ahead.