'Am I the villain?': Rajinikanth recalls Mithun Chakraborty's reaction to 'Jailer 2' offer

Rajinikanth has revealed the condition Mithun Chakraborty set before agreeing to join ‘Jailer 2’. The superstar shared the anecdote at the film's Super Show, recalling how his co-star wanted assurance that his character would not be beaten up or shot by Rajinikanth's character.

The revelation offers a glimpse into the conversations behind the casting of the much-anticipated sequel, which is scheduled to release on October 15.

What Mithun Chakraborty told Rajinikanth

Recalling how the makers approached Mithun for the film, Rajinikanth said his friend was keen to know what role he would be playing and whether he would have to take beatings from the lead character.

"He is a very good friend of mine. When the production team approached him, he asked what role he would be playing. 'Am I the villain? Should I take beatings from Rajinikanth? Get lost."

Rajinikanth then recalled meeting Mithun during an edition of the WAVES Summit, when the conversation returned to the film. According to the superstar, Mithun expressed his willingness to be part of the project but laid down a condition.

"Later, during an edition of the WAVES Summit, I met him. When the conversation reached this topic, he told me, 'If you say, I will do it.' But he had one condition: 'You should neither beat me up nor shoot me.' I said, 'Let me ask the director and get back.' But I was sure he was just saying it (for the sake of it)," Rajinikanth added.

What to expect from ‘Jailer 2’

Helmed by Nelson Dilipkumar and backed by Kalanithi Maran under Sun Pictures, ‘Jailer 2’ follows the 2023 blockbuster starring Rajinikanth as Muthuvel Pandian. The original film revolved around the retired jailer's return to a world of violence after his family came under threat.

The sequel brings together a large ensemble cast featuring Mithun Chakraborty, Ramya Krishnan, SJ Suryah, Mohanlal, Vidya Balan, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Shiva Rajkumar and Jackie Shroff, among others. Anirudh Ravichander returns as the music composer, while Vijay Kartik Kannan is associated with cinematography and R Nirmal has handled editing.

‘Jailer 2’ faces festive box-office competition

The film is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on October 15, amid a busy festive release calendar. Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna's ‘Ranabaali’ is set to release on October 16, putting the two films in competition for audiences, particularly in southern markets.

The first ‘Jailer’, released on August 10, 2023, emerged as a major commercial success, strengthening Rajinikanth's box-office appeal and building anticipation for the sequel.