United News of Bangladesh

Box office currents are already surging, with ‘Coolie’, ‘War 2’, and ‘Dhumketu’ drawing fierce attention ahead of their clash. All three storm theatres on August 14, 2025, carrying the same action thriller essence, yet each fused with its own distinct flavour. Early buzz hints at a seismic showdown in presales. Let’s see how the numbers shape this cinematic battlefield. Rajinikanth-Aamir Khan’s Coolie A Tamil action spectacle, ‘Coolie’ comes under the vision of director Lokesh Kanagaraj and the banner of Sun Pictures, led by producer Kalanithi Maran. The cast is a powerhouse, uniting Rajinikanth, Aamir Khan, Nagarjuna, Shruti Haasan, Soubin Shahir, Sathyaraj, and Upendra in commanding roles. The story steps into a coastal port town ruled by a corrupt syndicate, where coolies endure relentless patterns of mistreatment and hardship. A mysterious man rises against their oppressors, challenging the system’s grip with unyielding resolve. Read more: Amazon Prime Originals Lineup for September 2025: Top 10 New and Returning Shows Hrithik Roshan-NTR Jr.’s War 2 Directed by Ayan Mukerji and backed by Aditya Chopra’s Yash Raj Films, War 2 continues the adrenaline-fueled legacy of the YRF Spy franchise. It follows directly from the events of War (2019), raising the stakes for the franchise. Hrithik Roshan, N. T. Rama Rao Jr., and Kiara Advani headline the film, joined by Ashutosh Rana and Anil Kapoor. The plot thrusts rogue agent Kabir into a dark new place, making him India’s most dangerous adversary. To stop him, the nation unleashes its deadliest weapon – Agent Vikram. Read more: Will Zee TV’s long-running daily soap Kumkum Bhagya end soon? Dev-Subhashree’s Dhumketu Blending intense action with romance, Dhumketu is crafted by Kaushik Ganguly, who serves as both writer and director. The production is led by Rana Sarkar and Dev under Dag Creative Media and Dev Entertainment Ventures. Dev stars alongside Subhashree Ganguly, reuniting with her after their memorable pairing in Khoka 420 (2013). The narrative follows a tea estate manager in the hills who faces unemployment amid a crisis, struggling with limited means to sustain himself. Determined, he fights through financial hardship to rebuild his life. The journey of the film itself has been turbulent, as filming began in October 2015 and wrapped in January 2017. Production then stalled for years due to unforeseen hurdles. After nearly nine years, the project has been revived and completed, sparking fresh anticipation among audiences. Read more: New Korean Drama Lineup for August 2025 : 10 Binge-worthy Releases Coolie, War 2, and Dhumketu Face Off in Advance Booking Race Advance ticket sales for ‘Coolie’ ignited global momentum the moment they opened on 22 July. In the United States, Rs. 15 lakh (USD 18,000) worth of tickets disappeared within minutes. Dallas alone saw 600 seats snapped up instantly. The North American market responded with remarkable speed—over 10,000 tickets sold in just a few days, covering 438 shows. By 25 July, international pre-sales had already crossed Rs. 2.5 crore amounting to USD 300,000. The figure climbed to Rs. 4.2 crore (USD 500,000) within three days. As of 31 July, earnings touched Rs. 5.9 crore, equivalent to USD 700,000. Trade analysts confidently predicted the Rs. 8.5 crore (USD 1 million) mark would fall, and it did – boosted by the trailer release on 2 August. With these numbers, ‘Coolie’ cemented its position among the highest-grossing Indian films in North American advance sales history. Three days before release, ‘Coolie’ maintained a clear lead over ‘War 2’ in North America. The Tamil and Telugu versions together accounted for 73,228 tickets (USD 1.86 million), from 500 locations and 1,565 shows. In comparison, ‘War 2’ had moved 16,226 tickets, earning USD 435,000 from 763 locations and 1,977 shows. In India, the contrast remained striking. ‘War 2’ recorded Rs. 4.71 crore in advance bookings (Rs. 9.1 crore including block seats), covering 1,44,081 tickets across 8,716 shows. Meanwhile, ‘Coolie’ had already crossed Rs. 20 crore in pre-sales. Read more: South Indian Movies Launching in August 2025: 12 Must-watch Films Hitting Screens Yet, an unexpected twist came from West Bengal. Here, the Bengali movie ‘Dhumketu’ disrupted the pattern, delivering a spirited challenge to both big-budget rivals. As of Monday, 11 August, 11:00 am, it had sold nearly 21,000 tickets, and demand kept climbing by the hour. ‘War 2’, by contrast, had sold around 5,500 tickets in the state. The response to ‘Dhumketu’ left its makers astonished. Several shows across West Bengal, especially in Kolkata, were either filling fast or nearly sold out. This surge was extraordinary for a film that completed production 9-10 years ago. Delays often dull a movie’s appeal, yet here, anticipation has only intensified. Audiences know the film’s long journey, but that hasn’t dimmed their enthusiasm. In fact, it has made this moment feel historic. Verdict ‘Coolie (2025)’, ‘War 2 (2025)’, and ‘Dhumketu (2025)’ are steering toward a box office clash with distinct momentum in their favour. While ‘Coolie’ dominates globally and in most Indian territories, ‘War 2’ maintains steady traction in its key markets. In West Bengal, ‘Dhumketu’ has defied expectations, capturing audience excitement despite its decade-old production. Each film carries its own pull, shaping a dynamic and unpredictable race. However, the post-release showdown will decide who truly owns the stage. Read more: Amazon Prime Originals Streaming Slate For August 2025: Exclusive Films and Series

Amid soaring anticipation, ‘War 2’ teases a power-packed face-off between cinematic giants. Slated for release on August 14, 2025, this high-octane action thriller brings together Hrithik Roshan, Jr. NTR, and Kiara Advani. With this compelling blend of Bollywood and Tollywood forces, the newly released teaser hints at a spectacle of intensity. Let’s break down the teaser, explore the star cast, and uncover how this crossover aims to leave a lasting impact. WAR 2 Teased Darker Kabir The 1-minute 34-second teaser was unveiled on X by Hrithik Roshan, who marked the occasion by welcoming Jr. NTR into the ‘War’ universe. In a message laced with intensity and menace, Hrithik, channelling the persona of Kabir, extended a challenge rather than a greeting. NTR, in a fittingly fierce tone, responded with conviction. Without breaking character, the ‘RRR’ star declared that mercy held no place in his world, stating his readiness for war. The exchange between the two actors electrified social media, setting the tone for what promises to be a monumental face-off. Read more: 28 Years Later (2025) Film Reveals New Posters with More Surprises to Follow Teasers were simultaneously released in Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi, amplifying anticipation across linguistic boundaries. Hrithik Roshan returns as Kabir, but with a sharper edge, physically transformed and more lethal than before. Scenes of sword-fighting, muscle-flexing, and a confrontation with a wolf signal a grittier evolution of the character. From high-speed car chases to bone-crunching combat, the teaser delivers relentless action. Hrithik’s revamped Kabir portrays a character who is ruthless, unyielding, and ready for destruction. A Power Glimpse into the YRF Spy Universe The film ‘War 2’ stands for more than just a continuation of the 2019 blockbuster. It launches as the sixth chapter in the steadily expanding YRF (Yash Raj Films) Spy Universe. The franchise began with ‘Ek Tha Tiger’ in 2012 and evolved through ‘Tiger Zinda Hai’ (2017), ‘War’ (2019), ‘Pathaan’ (2023), and ‘Tiger 3’ (2023). Read more: Watch The Skies: World's First AI-dubbed Feature Film to Change The Way of Watching Movies Now, with NTR and Kiara Advani stepping into the frame, the narrative shifts into darker, more intense terrain. Their entry signals a tonal shift, deepening the stakes within this high-stakes universe. Touted as the most ambitious project in the series so far, the action movie was filmed over 150 days across six countries. Filmed across exotic locales such as Italy, Spain, Japan, Abu Dhabi, Russia, and India, the sequel embraces an expansive global canvas. It promises globe-trotting espionage of a scale seldom witnessed in Indian cinema. Jr NTR Debuts as the Villain The excitement surrounding the project gained momentum with the confirmation of NTR as the antagonist. This isn’t a typical villain role. Described as morally complex and richly layered, the character is designed to challenge the audience’s expectations and highlight NTR’s versatile craft. Read more: Asif Ali-starrer Tiki Taka Filmmaking in Full Swing, Release Window Revealed The stakes rise significantly with this casting choice. With Hrithik returning as the lethal Kabir, the stage is set for a compelling clash. It pits ideology against instinct and charisma against sheer intensity. Bigger than Ever Action Showdown Every hallmark of the spy genre finds a place in War 2, from visceral hand-to-hand combat to swift swordplay and mid-ocean boat fights. The action extends across sky and land, with sequences involving planes, trains, bikes, and cars pushing physical limits. These aren’t just stunts; they’re spectacles. Hrithik and NTR take centre stage in a celebration of presence, power, and purpose. It’s a fierce collision of equals, driven by pride, grit, and a relentless will to dominate. Read more: 8 New K-Dramas to Watch in June 2025 Kiara Advani's First-ever Action Movie Amid the charged intensity between NTR and Hrithik in the teaser, Kiara Advani’s striking presence adds a refreshing contrast. Her appearance brings a hint of glamour, with subtle cues pointing toward a possible romantic thread linked to Kabir. This marks her debut with YRF and her very first venture into action territory. It’s also a milestone collaboration, her first project with both leading superstars and with director Ayan Mukerji. In the previous installment, Vaani Kapoor portrayed Naina Sahani, the love interest of Kabir. While the specifics of Kiara’s character remain under wraps, the narrative promises a blend of drama, romance, and, of course, dance. Read more: Paresh Rawal Quits Hera Pheri 3, Leaving Franchise Fans Shocked Music and Dance Craft Beyond the high-voltage action and shadowy intrigue, music finds a bold footing in ‘War 2’. The soundtrack features only two songs, but each has been crafted to leave a lasting impression. A standout moment comes in the form of a high-octane dance face-off between Hrithik and Jr. NTR. Planned for a late-June shoot, the number is being described as a one-of-a-kind spectacle. Composed by Pritam, it’s designed to channel raw energy and screen charisma. Alongside it, a romantic track featuring Hrithik and Kiara Advani adds emotional texture. Both songs are poised to dominate charts and screen time alike. Ayan Mukerji at the Helm Ayan Mukerji began his directorial journey with ‘Wake Up Sid’ (2009). It earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Debut Director. He followed this success with ‘Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani’ (2013) and ‘Brahmastra: Part One - Shiva’ (2022). Both movies were among the highest-grossing Hindi films of their time. Read more: Bhool Chuk Maaf Movie Update: New Theatrical and OTT Release Dates ‘War 2’ marks his first project outside the Dharma Productions banner. Mukerji’s move into the high-octane spy genre might come as a surprise. Yet his signature blend of scale and emotional depth touts a fresh take on action cinema. Summing Up The on-screen collaboration of Hrithik Roshan, Jr. NTR, and Kiara Advani in the War 2 teaser ushers in a fierce and stylish showdown. Crafted under the direction of Ayan Mukerji, it signals YRF’s most ambitious project to date. Alongside its adrenaline-charged sequences, the spy movie promises a blend of music, dance, and drama. With a star-studded cast, globe-spanning visuals, and two power-packed songs, the anticipation is immense. Fans are eagerly awaiting the premiere of this epic cinematic crossover. Read more: Top 10 Netflix Originals Streaming in June 2025