Rajinikanth calls fans ‘gods who keep me alive’ as he completes 50 years in films, Coolie gets ₹150 crore opening

Rajinikanth’s Golden Jubilee: 50 Years of Stardom, Fans as His “Gods”

This week marks an extraordinary milestone in Indian cinema — Rajinikanth, the enduring icon of Tamil film, has officially completed 50 years in the industry. From his humble beginnings as a bus conductor in Bengaluru to becoming one of the most celebrated actors in Asia, his journey is as cinematic as the roles he has played.

In a heartfelt message, Rajinikanth thanked political leaders, industry colleagues, and most of all, his fans. He called them the “gods who keep me alive,” expressing that their love is what fuels his energy even after half a century on screen. The tribute struck a chord across the nation, with tributes pouring in from actors, filmmakers, and admirers.

Coolie Storms the Box Office with ₹150 Crore Day 1

Coinciding with this golden jubilee was the release of Coolie, his much-anticipated action drama directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. The film exploded into theatres, collecting a staggering ₹150 crore worldwide on its very first day the highest opening ever for a Tamil film.

In India alone, the movie netted over ₹65 crore on day one, while overseas collections helped it cross the ₹150 crore mark in under 24 hours. These numbers put Coolie ahead of several other blockbuster openers, cementing Rajinikanth’s position as a box office titan even after five decades in the business.

The timing of Coolie’s release couldn’t have been more poetic. While Rajinikanth reflected on a lifetime of achievements and fan devotion, audiences responded with packed theatres and roaring applause. It’s rare in cinema for an artist to combine such emotional connection with commercial power, but Rajinikanth’s golden jubilee has done just that blending gratitude, nostalgia, and unprecedented box office success into one unforgettable celebration.

Breaking Records, Again and Again

Coolie’s opening day wasn’t just about the numbers — it was about scale and energy. The film:

• Surpassed Rajinikanth’s own 2.0 record.

• Edged past Vijay’s Leo.

• Outperformed Bollywood blockbusters like Pathaan and Jawan in first-day global collections.

And this wasn’t even with premium formats like IMAX or 4DX, which were tied up with competing releases. The achievement was built purely on fan power and the promise of “mass cinema” done right.

Rajinikanth’s magic lies in the blend of humility and heroism. He is larger than life on screen, yet grounded off it. His story rising from modest beginnings to becoming a global superstar gives fans something to root for beyond the movies.

With Coolie smashing records, Rajinikanth shows no signs of slowing down. Rumors of future collaborations with both Tamil and pan-Indian directors are already circulating. Meanwhile, Coolie’s OTT debut is expected to pull in millions more viewers globally.

For now, fans are simply basking in the glow of a golden jubilee that perfectly marries gratitude and grandeur a heartfelt thank-you letter from a superstar, sealed with a ₹150 crore box office stamp.