Coolie becomes most-anticipated film, Lokesh Kanagaraj credits it to Rajinikanth and Sathyaraj reunion

Rajinikanth in Coolie

We're halfway into 2025, and the past six months have given us varied films - some memorable, others lacklustre. As we enter the year's second half, IMDb's mid-year data has revealed Rajinikanth's Coolie as the most anticipated film among the Indian audience. The lists, set to be released officially on July 10, are based on the page views of over 250 million monthly visitors to the site.

Sathyaraj

The anticipation around Coolie is natural - it brings together superstars Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna, and Aamir Khan under the direction of Lokesh Kanagaraj. The director believes there is another reason why the actioner is awaited. "The reunion of legends Rajinikanth and Sathyaraj after 38 years has created magic on screen. This recognition reflects the excitement our fans have shown worldwide," he said. In the list of anticipated films, Coolie is followed by Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR's War 2, and Prabhas's The Raja Saab.

Vicky Kaushal in Chhaava

The data also reveals that Chhaava, led by Vicky Kaushal, has been the most popular film of 2025 so far, as determined by votes. Laxman Utekar, who directed Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj's biopic, is elated to have his film at the top spot. "What makes this recognition special is that it comes directly from the fans," he shared. Tamil dramedy Dragon, Shahid Kapoor's Deva, Ajay Devgn's Raid 2, and Suriya's gangster drama Retro round off the top five.

Maratha king reigns
Chhaava has emerged the most popular film of 2025 so far, on the basis of votes