Oct 15, 2026 10:30am IST
‘Jailer 2’ Review: Rajinikanth Makes A Roaring Return With High-Octane Action and Star-Studded Cameos
Much of what you’re going to see in “Jailer 2” is a slow-burn lead-in to the big bads of Nelson’s JailerVerse, as it were. And yes, Superstar Rajinikanth is still front and centre of all the action, flanked by some of the biggest names in the business. It needs to be said that if they aren’t already, just being in his orbit will get them there. Such is Muthuvel ‘Tiger’ Pandian’s magnetic aura that you can’t help but be drawn in.
If “Jailer” served as a taste of what to expect, “Jailer 2” is the reminder you needed. Surprisingly, Nelson decides to play it pretty close to what he did the first time around, with Muthuvel hiding in plain sight, living out his days in Kerala while Dileep (Suraj Venjaramoodu) seeks retribution for Varman’s (Vinayakan) death. He doesn’t know who killed his friend and much of the first half has him trying to figure this out.
Related Stories
Meanwhile, Muthuvel is moonlighting as a supermarket supervisor and later, a driver to fruit-selling local don Moorthi. His grandson Rithvik, daughter-in-law Swetha and wife Viji go from day to day, unaware of the secret he is hiding from them [that was revealed at the end of the first film].
Dileep brings revenge to Tiger’s doorstep and his actions aren’t without consequences. When informed about the top dogs in the statue smuggling trade, the hero gets on with business, trying his darndest to bring them down, by hook or inevitable crook.
What works for “Jailer 2” is the brevity and economy of emotion. At no point does this bloody, massy spectacle dwell on explainers. Nelson ensured that the setups of his origins stayed in the first film. So, even as Muthuvel dismantles troublemakers in his area, you recognise what’s at play. Dileep may not realise what hits him, but you already have. It is to R Nirmal’s credit that things stay on an even keel with minimum distractions.
Apart from the main lure of this film, it is the cameos and special appearances (all the way till the very end) that will keep you in your seats. You met Matthew (Mohanlal), Narsimha (Shiva Rajkumar) and Kamdev (Jackie Shroff) as Tiger’s allies in the first film. It is Bodhi Kalpak (SJ Suryah), his sister Kaantha (Vidya Balan), their brother Ved (Jatin Sarna) and their father Chakri Kalpak (Mithun Chakraborty) who serve up menace like they were born in villainy. But this sequel also brings in names like Hrithik Roshan and Vijay Sethupati and it’s best that you watch the film to see where they land. And while it’s known that Apeksha Porwal plays a femme fatale, you’ll be surprised to find Bani J in the mix, too.
Yogi Babu and Namo Narayana bring the guffaws in equal measures as the comic relief as Vimal and Moorthi respectively and their comic chemistry and subtle digs are always on point. On the other side, it is a reined-in SJ Suryah and Vidya Balan as a devilishly glamorous Kaantha that trade barbs with Muthuvel aka Tiger with barely masked subtleties. The film is all about entries and exits and you have to keep your eyes peeled to the screen to not miss anything.
Popular on Variety
The score by Anirudh is effective, but only because it relies largely on familiarity. The only new standout this time is “Shaitaan.” There is an interesting observation to be made. While “Ala Bolelo” is best watched on the big screen, “Bindaas” is a sore disappointment.
To wrap things up, this is a film you watch with fellow Rajinikanth fans, with people who want to be entertained, who leave logic and reason at home, and are okay with the fact that this film will have a sequel. Can’t blame the makers, with this kind of star-powered draw, you’d be a fool to not do it.
Comments are moderated. They may be edited for clarity and reprinting in whole or in part in Variety publications.