Aug 12, 2025: The popularity of "Coolie" has reached an all-time high, with tickets selling for as much as Rs 4,500! The Rajinikanth-starrer's "Coolie" is experiencing unprecedented advance booking not only in Tamil Nadu but across the nation and the international market, whether it's due to advance booking or the desire to catch the first-day first-show (FDFS) of the film in theaters. However, the exorbitant prices being offered for the FDFS shows in South India shock some genuine fans. According to sources, on the condition of anonymity, a popular theatre in Chennai has priced the tickets at a whopping Rs 4,500.

A member of the theater staff was caught on camera selling first-day first-show tickets for Rs 400 in Pollachi. Even though this is against the rules set by the government of Tamil Nadu, many theaters, particularly those with single screens, and fan clubs are taking advantage of the situation to sell tickets in black for astronomical prices. "I have tried my luck at all the popular theatres in Chennai," Prabakar, a fervent Rajinikanth fan who wanted to purchase tickets for the first show, told India Today Digital. All of them cost Rs 600 to Rs 1,000, with the most expensive one costing Rs 4,500. For the first show, I am unable to purchase tickets using the ticketing apps because they are either blocked or sold out. Fans like me are forced to purchase black tickets or pay government-approved rates to watch the film after the first shows have ended. This may not come as a surprise to fans who have lived in Tamil Nadu or any other South Indian state. But, for those who are unaware of the craze for a Rajinikanth film, this is the norm in the state that houses him. Not just Tamil Nadu, the ticket rates have soared high even for dubbed versions of 'Coolie'.

In Tamil and Telugu, "Coolie" will be released in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. In order to prepare for the celebrations, fans are patiently waiting for the film's government orders. Early morning shows are allowed in the two states, but tickets cost more. Aravind, an IT employee and a Chennai resident, said, "It's a working day, and we are a bunch of Rajinikanth fans who catch the FDFS no matter what. To see the show and celebrate Thalaivar, we intend to drive to Nagari in Andhra Pradesh, which is only a short drive from Chennai. We could also drive down and visit the office. We are merely awaiting the opening of the booking." Before 2023, the government of Tamil Nadu granted permission to a select number of state-wide theaters to stage early morning shows (at 1 a.m., 4 a.m., and 5 a.m.).

However, in 2023, a fan died outside the Rohini theatre in Chennai during the celebrations of the "Thunivu vs. Varisu" matchup. The TN government then refused to allow the early morning shows. As a result, fans have chosen to see the movie in neighboring states. Typically, these morning shows are preceded by celebrations at which fans will burst crackers, dance until they drop, and welcome their favorite star's upcoming film. Not just outside the theatres, it is a celebration inside the theatres too.

Theatres turn into concert halls with enthusiastic fans dancing and enjoying the occasion together. Fans throw confetti in the air, scream and cheer for their favourite actors. Every release is a carnival in and of itself, especially for the actors Rajinikanth, Vijay, Ajith Kumar, and Kamal Haasan. Fans go to great lengths to hype up the actors, who enjoy a demi-God status among them, planning in-house celebrations and traveling to another state to watch the early shows. The craze appears to be growing exponentially for "Coolie," which features an ensemble cast from each film industry. "Coolie" will have 6 a.m. shows in Kerala and Karnataka, and pre-sales have soared. The 'Coolie' mania is taking over the audience, with fans running and pushing for tickets. While Mumbai has 5 am shows, Tamil Nadu shows will begin only at 9 am.

In single screens, tickets are being sold for as high as Rs 2,000 in Bengaluru. Tickets in Bengaluru are priced at Rs 500 in multiplexes, while 'Coolie' ticket prices range between Rs 250 to Rs 500 in Mumbai theatres. At the time of publishing this story, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana theatres hadn't opened the booking as they were awaiting government orders.

Looking at the obsession with watching the first-day first-show of 'Coolie', the Rajinikanth-starrer is likely to cross Rs 150 crore on Day 1, according to trade experts. Rajinikanth, the Superstar of Indian cinema, is the only man, at 74, who is still able to send fans into a frenzy with each film he makes. Thalaivar has a purpose!