‘Coolie’ Mania: ₹4,500 for 1st show, Rajinikanth fans set to cross states to watch film
‘Coolie’ Mania Grips Fans: ₹4,500 Tickets, Cross-State Rush for Rajinikanth’s First Show
From black-market ticket sales to cross-border pilgrimages, Rajinikanth’s latest release has fans celebrating like it’s a festival.
The frenzy for Superstar Rajinikanth’s upcoming film Coolie has reached unprecedented levels, with first-day first-show (FDFS) tickets selling for as high as ₹4,500 in Chennai’s black market. While Tamil Nadu remains the epicentre of the hype, demand is spilling into other states and even international markets, with advance bookings shattering records.
Reports indicate that in some Chennai theatres, ticket prices for the FDFS range from ₹600 to ₹1,000, with the steepest at ₹4,500. In Pollachi, a staff member was caught selling ₹400 tickets illegally. This practice violates Tamil Nadu’s regulations, yet several single-screen theatres and fan clubs are cashing in on the craze. Many genuine fans, unable to secure tickets through online platforms, are either forced to buy at inflated rates or wait for regular shows at government-capped prices.
Some die-hard admirers are planning road trips to Andhra Pradesh towns like Nagari, where shows will begin earlier than in Tamil Nadu, which has banned pre-dawn screenings since 2023 following a fan’s death during celebrations for Thunivu and Varisu. In neighbouring states such as Kerala and Karnataka, Coolie will have 6 a.m. shows, while Mumbai will host screenings as early as 5 a.m. Karnataka’s single-screen prices have touched ₹2,000, while multiplexes there are charging ₹500. In Mumbai, tickets range from ₹250 to ₹500. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana bookings remain on hold pending government approvals.
Beyond the numbers, Coolie’s release promises a carnival-like atmosphere, complete with fan dances, fireworks, confetti showers, and theatre-wide celebrations. Inside and outside the halls, it’s less of a screening and more of a live concert. With an ensemble cast spanning multiple film industries and Rajinikanth’s magnetic pull, trade experts predict the film could gross over ₹150 crore on its opening day.
At 74, Rajinikanth continues to command a following that crosses age, geography, and language barriers, cementing his place as Indian cinema’s ultimate showman and Thalaivar for a reason.
