The upcoming Rajinikanth film, ‘Coolie’, is generating significant excitement, with predictions of record-breaking box office success. Aamir Khan also has a key role, further fueling anticipation. However, it’s worth looking back to 42 years ago, when Amitabh Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor starred in a film also titled ‘Coolie’, and examine its box office performance.
The 1983 film ‘Coolie’, directed by Manmohan Desai, featured Amitabh Bachchan as a porter in the lead role. The film’s song ‘Sari Duniya Ka Bojh Hum Uthate Hain’ was immensely popular.
Reports indicate that the original ‘Coolie’ had a budget of 3.5 crore rupees and earned a total of 21 crore rupees. This signifies a return of six times the initial investment. Furthermore, Amitabh Bachchan’s ‘Coolie’ was the highest-grossing film of 1983. The film also starred Rishi Kapoor alongside Amitabh Bachchan, with Rati Agnihotri and Waheeda Rehman in prominent roles. The cast included Shoma Anand, Amrish Puri, and Kader Khan.
The new Rajinikanth film, also titled ‘Coolie’, will feature Nagarjuna as the villain, and Aamir Khan will have a cameo appearance. Aamir Khan reportedly did not charge a fee for his role. The film is scheduled to release in theaters on August 14, 2025.