Apeksha Porwal on ‘Jailer 2’ and Working With Rajinikanth and Hrithik Roshan: ‘It Was Quite Exhilarating’ (EXCLUSIVE)

“Jailer 2” arrives in theatres three years after its predecessor surpassed expectations to gross over ₹600 crore at the box office. Headlined by Rajinikanth, who plays Tiger Muthuvel Pandian, the action-comedy also marks Apeksha Porwal’s Tamil film debut. A former Miss India Delhi winner and Miss Diva 2017 runner-up, she caught viewers’ attention in the film’s trailer with her gun-wielding avatar. 

An economics graduate, she made her acting debut in the web series “Undekhi” in 2020 and has since appeared in several OTT projects, including “Imperfect,” “Dil Bekaraar,” “Salt City” and the English-Arabic series “Slave Market.” Her film credits include the 2022 release “Badhaai Do”. She now makes her South Indian film debut with “Jailer 2.” Porwal speaks to Variety India about her character in and working with Rajinikanth, Hrithik Roshan and director Nelson Dilipkumar.

How did ‘Jailer 2’ come your way?

I believe someone from the “Jailer 2” team saw my katana and martial arts reels a couple of years ago, and they kept them. I then met Nelson sir to see if I fit the part as part of the casting process. “Kill Bill” is one of my favorite films ever, and I’ve always wanted to wield a katana on screen. So, when the opportunity came along to do exactly that and be part of a Rajinikanth film, it was a no-brainer for me.

What kind of physical training did you undergo for the role?

I have been training in martial arts in Mumbai for the past couple of years, exploring a mix of kickboxing, nunchucks, katana and more, simply because I thoroughly enjoy it. So, the body language and basic skills were already there. Of course, we also had a couple of days of rigorous action choreography and training with “Jailer 2” action director Chethan D’Souza, which really helped me prepare for the part.

Related Stories

Mithun Chakraborty on Working With Rajinikanth in ‘Jailer 2’: ‘I Didn’t Want to Be Beaten Up by Him’

Vidya Balan on Rajinikanth’s Superstar Aura in ‘Jailer 2’: ‘He Doesn’t Make You Feel Like He’s Judging You’ (EXCLUSIVE)

What was your experience of sharing screen space with Rajinikanth? 

Everyone knows Rajinikanth and his stardom, but I got to see it up close, and it was surreal. I have never seen a star of his stature being so humble, simple and kind to everyone around him. His humility and aura precede him.

“Jailer 2” boasts an impressive lineup of cameos, from Mohanlal and Hrithik Roshan to Vijay Sethupathi. What was it like witnessing these stars on set? 

I am a part of the climax sequence with Hrithik Roshan. I still remember the energy on set was just different that day. He is extremely thorough, professional and focused. There’s definitely a reason he’s called the Greek God!

Nelson Dilipkumar has a distinctive filmmaking style. What was your experience of working with him, and what did you learn from the collaboration?  

Nelson sir has a very interesting signature style. He’s known for his dark humor and larger-than-life frames, but what I enjoyed most about working with him was how cool and collected he stayed at all times. He has a very clear vision and knows how to draw the right performance out of his actors. His quirky sense of humor also makes it a fun set to be on.

Is it challenging to enter a franchise that has already achieved widespread popularity?

Not really. The character I play is new, so there is no baggage from the previous film. In fact, it was quite exhilarating to join such a successful franchise as “Jailer”.

Having worked on Hindi projects before this, what has your experience of the Tamil film industry been like?

I was warmly welcomed into the Tamil film industry. People are extremely warm, and the sets and timings are much more structured down South. I also think it’s an exciting time for cinema in the South because of the chances filmmakers are willing to take and the kind of stories that are being told.