August 14, 2025, marks one of the biggest cinematic clashes in recent years as Yash Raj Films’ War 2 starring Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR takes on Rajinikanth’s Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. While both films carry huge expectations, early reviews suggest a mixed bag for War 2 and strong momentum for Coolie. Here’s a complete breakdown — story, reviews, budget, box office, and which movie is worth your ticket.
War 2: Story, Cast & Budget
Directed by Ayan Mukerji, War 2 is the sixth film in YRF’s Spy Universe, following Ek Tha Tiger, Tiger Zinda Hai, War, Pathaan, and Tiger 3. The film picks up after Tiger 3, with Kabir (Hrithik Roshan) facing a new threat in the form of Raghu (Jr NTR), marking the latter’s Hindi cinema debut in a negative role.
The film features Kiara Advani as the female lead, with her much-talked-about bikini scene becoming a social media trend. Made on a massive ₹300–₹400 crore budget, the movie also teases Bobby Deol’s role in Alpha through a post-credit scene, setting up the next chapter of the Spy Universe.
Coolie 2025: Story, Cast & Budget
On the other side, Coolie is Rajinikanth’s 50th year celebration in cinema, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, with a special cameo by Aamir Khan. The film blends Lokesh’s trademark gritty action with massy commercial elements, creating a high-octane entertainer. While Coolie’s budget is slightly lower than War 2, the buzz is far greater in South India, reflected in its ₹37.2 crore advance booking for Day 1, compared to War 2’s ₹20.57 crore.
Early Reviews: War 2
- Positives: Spectacular dance number “Janaab-e-Aali” featuring Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR, powerful climax, stylish action sequences, and Kiara’s glamorous presence.
- Negatives: Several critics call the storyline predictable, VFX subpar, and Jr NTR’s role underutilized. Trade analyst Sumit Kadel compared it to Thugs of Hindostan, calling it “YRF’s weakest spy film.”
Early Reviews: Coolie
While detailed critic reviews are still coming in, initial responses praise Rajinikanth’s magnetic screen presence, Lokesh’s tight screenplay, and the thrilling interval block. The cameo by Aamir Khan reportedly received a massive cheer from audiences. Coolie is being called “mass entertainment at its finest” by early viewers.
Box Office Battle
- Advance Booking:
- Coolie: ₹37.2 crore
- War 2: ₹20.57 crore
- Opening Morning Collections (Till 10 AM):
- War 2: ₹8.36 crore
- Coolie: Higher numbers expected (to be updated)
Clearly, Coolie has the stronger start, especially in the South, while War 2 relies heavily on North India and Jr NTR’s Telugu market pull.
Which One Should You Watch?
- Choose War 2 if you are a fan of Hrithik Roshan’s stylish action and dance, or want to follow the YRF Spy Universe storyline. Expect grand visuals, star power, and a few standout moments — but don’t go in expecting groundbreaking storytelling.
- Choose Coolie if you want an out-and-out mass entertainer with Rajinikanth in full form, Lokesh Kanagaraj’s fast-paced direction, and the thrill of a larger-than-life cinematic experience.
Final Verdict
While War 2 has the bigger budget and an ambitious vision, its mixed reviews and criticism of weak writing might hurt long-term box office potential. Coolie seems poised to dominate thanks to Rajinikanth’s unmatched charisma and stronger word-of-mouth.
For Bollywood lovers, War 2 still offers big-screen spectacle, but for pure entertainment, Coolie might be the better pick this Independence Day weekend.
