Superstar Rajinikanth, without a doubt, paved the way for Tamil cinema in the overseas market. His unmatched box office appeal brought Kollywood into global focus, making him the face of Tamil cinema on the international stage. Following in his footsteps, Thalapathy Vijay emerged as another major force overseas. Since 2012, his consistent box office successes have solidified his dominance in international markets as well.
With both these stars becoming global icons of Tamil cinema, it’s only fitting to compare two of their most highly anticipated films in recent times, Coolie and Leo – both helmed by director Lokesh Kanagaraj. While Rajinikanth’s Jailer (2023) and Vijay’s The GOAT (2024) were massive hits, this comparison focuses on Coolie (2025) and Leo (2023), as both generated massive pre-release hype and received mixed responses from critics and audiences alike, creating a level playing field for analysis.
Here’s a breakdown of the Day 1 gross collections for both Coolie and Leo
| Territory | Coolie | Leo |
|---|---|---|
| Tamilnadu | 31 CR | 34 CR |
| Kerala | 9.75 CR | 12 CR |
| Karnataka | 13 CR | 14 CR |
| Hindi Belts | 6CR | 5 CR |
| USA & Canada | $3.95M | $2.53M |
| UK & Ireland | £491K | £571K |
| UAE - GCC | $1.82M | $2.39M |
| Malaysia | MR3.2M | MR3.4M |
| Singapore | S$480K | S$626K |
| Australia | A$535K | A$430K |
| Newzealand | NZ$77K | NZ$79K |
| SL & Rest | $250K | $270K |
| Overseas Total | $8.75M | $8.15M |
| Worldwide Total | 151 CR+ | 148.5 CR+ |
Isn’t it truly remarkable to witness the sheer box office power of both these legendary stars? The Day 1 numbers for Coolie and Leo aren’t just about opening day victories, they are powerful reminders of the incredible influence Superstar Rajinikanth and Thalapathy Vijay have built over decades of dedication, craft, and an unbreakable bond with audiences.
These two icons have done more than deliver hits – they have defined eras, expanded the boundaries of Tamil cinema, and brought Kollywood into the global spotlight. The box office response to Coolie and Leo is a reflection of that journey. It’s a celebration of star power that transcends regions, languages, and even generations. With their combined presence, Rajinikanth and Vijay have the potential to generate over 1000 crore in annual revenue, a feat that puts Tamil cinema on par with major global film industries.
As Thalapathy Vijay prepares to bid farewell with Jana Nayagan on January 9, 2026, and Superstar Rajinikanth carries forward his legacy with the much-awaited Jailer 2, this moment in time holds deep emotional and cultural value. It’s more than just two films, it’s the closing of a chapter, the continuation of another, and above all, a chance for fans and the industry alike to reflect with pride.
In a time where online spaces are often filled with divisiveness, let’s not allow fan rivalries to overshadow the bigger picture. Rajinikanth and Vijay are not competitors – they are complementary forces who have together uplifted Tamil cinema to a place of global recognition.
Let’s stand united! Let’s honor them for what they truly are: enduring pillars of Tamil cinema, cultural ambassadors, and legends who have inspired millions across the world.