Every year, the Independence Day week brings a storm of big releases in Indian cinema — and this time, the box office is set to witness one of the most electrifying clashes ever. On August 14, 2025, two cinematic giants — War 2 and Coolie — will go head-to-head in what fans are calling the biggest box office battle of the year.

Spy Power vs Superstar Swag

On one side, there’s Rajinikanth’s mass entertainer Coolie, helmed by blockbuster director Lokesh Kanagaraj. On the other, Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR bring the heat in Yash Raj Films’ high-octane sequel War 2, directed by Ayan Mukerji. The countdown has already begun, and the war has extended beyond just the release date — the two films are battling it out in advance bookings, screen allocations, and global hype.

Coolie: 74-Year-Old Superstar Still Unstoppable

Marking his 171st film, Rajinikanth is set to set screens ablaze once again. Coolie boasts a star-studded cast including Aamir Khan, Nagarjuna, and Shruti Haasan, and it’s already ruling IMDb’s list of most awaited Indian films of 2025. The movie enjoys massive craze in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, and the buzz is spreading globally. Its Telugu rights have fetched ₹44 crore, and the total budget of the film is reportedly ₹350 crore.

War 2: Spy Saga Reloaded

YRF’s Spy Universe gets even bigger with War 2, bringing together Hrithik Roshan, Jr NTR, and Kiara Advani for an adrenaline-packed thriller. Shot across 5 countries in 149 days, the film features 6 jaw-dropping action sequences and promises to be a treat for action lovers. With a budget estimated between ₹200 to ₹400 crore, War 2 will release in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, and is expected to dominate especially in the Hindi belt and Telugu-speaking regions. Its US premiere is scheduled for August 13.

Advance Booking War Begins

While there’s still time for the actual release, the battle for advance bookings and screen space has already intensified.

• War 2 has taken the lead in premium formats like IMAX, even in Tamil Nadu, traditionally Rajini’s fortress.
• Coolie is expected to take over 90–99% screens in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, while War 2 could claim around 65% of screens in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
• Advance bookings for Coolie may start by July 24, while War 2 could begin ticket sales 10 days before release.

Who Will Rule the Box Office?

With Rajinikanth’s unmatched fan base and Lokesh Kanagaraj’s storytelling genius, Coolie is nothing short of a festival in the South. Meanwhile, War 2 carries the legacy of YRF’s spy universe and brings two pan-India stars, Hrithik and Jr NTR, together for the first time — a massive crowd-puller in itself.

As August 14 draws near, cinephiles are bracing themselves for a blockbuster clash. Will the superstar’s legacy triumph, or will the spy duo redefine action cinema again? The stage is set, the excitement is real — now it’s time to see who prints the most money at the box office.