Coolie-Paychecks-Rajinikanth’s-Rs-200-Crore

Coolie Destroys Records: Rajinikanth, Aamir Khan, and Lokesh Kanagaraj Take a New Meaning to Stardom

Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and starring Rajinikanth, has shattered all pre-booking records ahead of its release on Independence Day. This film has already been financially successful, as Rajinikanth is being paid Rs. 200 crore; the price tag is the highest amount any actor has been paid in the history of Indian cinema. 

What’s the true story? Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan waived his Rs. 20 crore salary for Coolie to pay respect to Rajinikanth and to further prove that stardom is about more than just money. 

Is This the Most Historical Paycheck Rajinikanth Has Received?

Originally scheduled to make Rs. 150 crore, Rajinikanth’s pay was hiked to Rs. 200 crore after the reported booking records that Coolie shattered. The film was noted to have crossed Rs. 50 crore globally before it was released. 

Such hype, ensured by record-breaking music industry receipts from the leading tracks such as Monica, plus Rajinikanth's cult fanbase across the world, warranted the change. Trade analysts suggest that a Rs. 150 crore opening day is likely, which would have massive success far beyond other movies and franchises, including War 2." 

Aamir Khan's Zero-Amount Cameo: A Showing of Respect to Thalaivar 

He was reportedly going to get a fee of Rs. 20 crore for a 15-minute role as mafia don Daaha. Aamir Khan dismissed the rumors and agreed to do the combined film for no fee out of respect for Rajinikanth. "He said yes before he even heard the script," said the source. This gesture shows how Khan respects legends across industries, and he wanted to enrich the emotional texture of the story. 

Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Rs. 50 Crore Director Fee: A Celebration of Reward

Measuring Rs. 600 crores with the release of Leo, Lokesh Kanagaraj earned Rs. 50 crores to direct Coolie, a first for Tamil directors. He attended a direct interview where he attributed his director's fee to “two years of work and a 100% success rate at the box office.” 

He indicated the significance of his director's fee by posting pictures from his temple visits before the release date, namely, at Rameshwaram. 

Star-Studded Cast Fees: Nagarjuna, Shruti Haasan, and More

Nagarjuna Akkineni (Simon): Rs. 10 crore

Shruti Haasan (Female Lead): Rs. 4 crore

Sathyaraj & Upendra: Rs. 5 crore each 

Music director Anirudh Ravichander: Rs. 15 crore for the viral soundtrack

A Cinematic and Financial Milestone

Coolie is not just a film but a cultural phenomenon based on the star power, financial milestones, and heartfelt collaborations. As it prepares to face off against War 2, the industry is watching closely: will Rajinikanth's star power outshine Hrithik Roshan's spy thriller? One fact is clear: Coolie has already rewritten the rules of being a star. 

The differentiating factor in the making of Coolie was generated from the survey of 1,200 people who go to the movies. Out of the respondents, a staggering 87% claimed that their tickets were booked solely to see Rajinikanth, while 72% from this group claimed that they would have watched the movie irrespective of the reviews. 

This proves the unmatched loyalty of Rajini fans.  Aamir Khan's decision to waive his Rs. 20 crore payment made 68% of the respondents believe that it was a class act.