War 2’s Real Box Office Challenge Isn’t Coolie – It’s Saiyaara

War 2’s Big Box Office Rival Is Saiyaara, Not Rajinikanth’s Coolie

The much-anticipated action thriller War 2, starring Hrithik Roshan, NTR Jr, and Kiara Advani, is set to release on August 14, 2025, as part of Yash Raj Films’ expanding Spy Universe. Directed by Ayan Mukerji, the film will release alongside Rajinikanth’s Coolie, a mass-action entertainer helmed by Lokesh Kanagaraj.

While the industry is buzzing about the War 2 vs Coolie clash, trade analysts believe the real competition for War 2 lies much closer to home — YRF’s own blockbuster Saiyaara.

Download Now

Why Coolie Isn’t the Main Threat

Coolie is expected to dominate the Tamil Nadu box office and perform strongly in Telugu states due to Nagarjuna’s presence as the main antagonist. However, its reach in Hindi-speaking regions will likely be limited, meaning it poses little risk to War 2’s core market in the north.

The Saiyaara Factor

Saiyaara, made on a smaller budget with fresh faces, became a surprise phenomenon less than a month ago, earning over ₹315 crore in India and projected to cross ₹330 crore before War 2’s release. For War 2 to be considered a clear winner in Hindi markets, it will need to comfortably surpass Saiyaara’s numbers — not just match them.

The challenge is heightened by the fact that War 2’s trailer, teaser, and songs have received a mixed response. Early box office tracking suggests the film’s opening may fall short of the record-breaking start of War (2019), which collected ₹53.35 crore on day one and finished at ₹318 crore in India.

Stakes for the Spy Universe

The Spy Universe’s last release, Tiger 3, underperformed with ₹285.52 crore, casting doubts on the franchise’s momentum after the massive success of Pathaan (₹543 crore). A blockbuster performance from War 2 is seen as essential to boost confidence ahead of Alpha, the next planned entry in the series.

Release Date & Cast

War 2 features Hrithik Roshan reprising his role as Kabir, NTR Jr in a major action-packed role, and Kiara Advani as the female lead, with Anil Kapoor and Ashutosh Rana in pivotal parts. The film will clash directly with Coolie, which stars Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna, Upendra, and Aamir Khan.

📢 CTA:
Do you think War 2 can beat Saiyaara’s box office record? Share your predictions in the comments!

Click here to Watch Movie