As the much-awaited box office clash between Coolie, starring Tamil superstar Rajinikanth, and the Bollywood action sequel War 2 draws closer, an unexpected twist has emerged. According to multiple reports, actor-producer Aamir Khan has stepped in behind the scenes to bolster Coolie‘s prospects in North India.
Sources indicate that Aamir Khan, who is confirmed to make a cameo appearance in Coolie, personally reached out to executives at India’s largest multiplex chain, PVR-INOX, requesting more premium screens and a wider release footprint for the film in northern markets. Though there has been no official confirmation from the actor or the multiplex chain, industry insiders suggest the move may have already borne fruit, with a shift in screen allocation reportedly underway.
Earlier, PVR-INOX was said to favor War 2, starring Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR, with priority access to IMAX and premium large format screens. However, Coolie‘s inclusion in these circuits now signals a more balanced competition, potentially reshaping opening weekend numbers for both films.
Despite Coolie‘s strong presence in the South, its visibility in Hindi-speaking regions had so far been minimal due to limited promotion and the absence of major Bollywood actors in leading roles. Several trade analysts and audiences from North India had expressed concern over the low awareness level around Coolie, especially when compared to the massive hype surrounding War 2.
Still, Coolie‘s strengths are formidable. Headlined by Rajinikanth in his 75th year, the film boasts high-octane action sequences, Lokesh Kanagaraj’s signature direction, and a chartbuster soundtrack composed by Anirudh Ravichander. Its 8-week OTT window also gives it ample breathing room post-theatrical release.
Some observers see Aamir Khan’s support as a strategic move to balance the North-South cinematic scales and prevent Coolie from being overshadowed in the Hindi belt. Critics of the move argue that the War 2 team is now playing the “sympathy card” over lost screens, despite having had the initial upper hand in bookings and branding.
In response to online criticism, one industry watcher commented, “No one can stop a film’s success if the content resonates. Rajinikanth’s mass appeal, even at 75, is unmatched. This isn’t about screen count; it’s about audience connection.”
While War 2 still holds an advantage in buzz among Hindi-speaking audiences, Coolie now has the potential to surprise at the box office with an expanded North Indian rollout—thanks, in part, to Aamir Khan’s behind-the-scenes influence.
With both films set to release worldwide on August 14, the box office showdown promises to be one of the most gripping cinematic duels in recent years.