COUNTRY GEARS UP FOR WAR 2 VS COOLIE

Tomorrow, two of the biggest films of the year, War 2 and Coolie, will be released and the excitement for both is significant. War 2 belongs to the popular Yash Raj Films (YRF) Spy Universe and stars Hrithik Roshan, Jr NTR and Kiara Advani. The makers haven’t given out the story and at a recent promotional event, both the male actors assured that the real plot of the film will surprise the audience. From the assets, it looks like a big-scale action entertainer. Interestingly, it is directed by Ayan Mukerji and there’s curiosity to know how he has helmed a film of this sort.

However, the excitement is limited. The trailer and teaser didn’t work as intended. Many feel that there has been a fatigue with such slick action films and that it looks repetitive. The songs haven’t become chartbusters. As a result, the advance booking has been just okay.

War’s first part, which released in 2019, opened at Rs. 50.61 crores. It is unlikely that War 2 can reach this mark on its first day. It is expected to open around Rs. 35 crores with an outside chance of the film hitting Rs. 40 crores. If the reports are positive, the next day will be huge due to the Independence Day holiday. This is when War 2 can collect not just Rs. 50 crore plus but even cross the Rs. 60 crore mark. A four-day weekend in the range of Rs. 150 crores and Rs. 200 crores will be ideal. However, if word of mouth is not encouraging, it can prove detrimental.

Coolie stars Rajinikanth in the lead role with Aamir Khan in a cameo. It is all set for a record opening in the original Tamil version, especially in the home market of Tamil Nadu and overseas. Not much was expected from its Hindi version. But it will be a surprise, looking at the advance booking. Despite opposition from War 2, it has managed to secure good showcasing as it became clear that there’s a demand to see the film.

Coolie in Hindi will open at Rs. 4 crores and can go upto Rs. 5-5.50 crores. If reports are on its side, it can have an extended weekend of Rs. 25 crores plus.