Oct 06, 2026 2:30pm IST
Trade Talk: ‘Hrithik Roshan’s Presence Could Boost Rajinikanth’s ‘Jailer 2’ In Hindi Markets’
Rajinikanth-starrer “Jailer 2,” the follow-up to one of the biggest grossers of all time in Tamil cinema, is set to arrive October 15. It is one of the most anticipated releases of 2026 across the country. And while the film is expected to open to a thunderous response in its home state of Tamil Nadu, the question remains whether it will get acceptance in Hindi markets.
Track record
Rajinikanth’s films like “Enthiran” (“Robot” in Hindi) and “Kabali” did decent numbers in North Indian markets. However, “2.0” emerged as a super-hit, with its Hindi-dubbed version contributing ₹190.48 crore, due to Akshay Kumar’s portrayal of the lead antagonist in the sci-fi action film.
Having said that, Rajinikanth failed to replicate those numbers after “2.0.” Even Amitabh Bachchan’s portrayal in “Vettaiyan” and Aamir Khan’s cameo in “Coolie” didn’t give the desired results at the North Indian box office. Now, Hrithik Roshan is doing a cameo in “Jailer 2,” and it will be interesting to see whether his presence would boost the numbers of Rajinikanth-starrer in Hindi-speaking areas.
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Switched-out vibes
Ramesh Bala, the trade tracker in Chennai, opines that if Hrithik’s association with the film is marketed well along with a meaty character in the film, “Jailer 2” has a chance to do well in Hindi markets. “Hrithik Roshan’s presence in ‘Jailer 2’ could significantly widen the film’s reach in Hindi markets. Rajinikanth already commands enormous nationwide recognition, and adding a big star like Hrithik gives the film an additional Hindi market connect. If his role is substantial and marketed strongly, it can translate into greater awareness, stronger advance bookings and a much bigger opening potential across North India.”
On the other hand, Vishek Chauhan, CEO at Roopbani Cinema in Bihar, calls cameos a marketing gimmick that often fails to attract audiences in cinema halls. “I don't think adding Hrithik would get that kind of a number. Because similarly, they added Aamir Khan to ‘Coolie,’ but it did not make much of a difference to ‘Coolie’ in the Hindi belt. So having just a cameo or these kinds of gimmicks and things doesn't really go well. It's not just about having Hrithik; it's about what value he brings or what his role delivers. That's what matters more, and how the film connects overall. So it's not about just having Hrithik Roshan will propel the film in the North. It doesn't work like that.”
He further explains that ultimately, it is a Rajinikanth film and that is the film’s USP. “People see the film for what it is, and they know that Hrithik is not the main lead and the main star. It will be driven by Rajinikanth. Having Hrithik may give you a feel of connection with North audiences. But ultimately, the film has to do the talking, and the film has to do the connection. And the selling point of ‘Jailer 2’ is ‘Jailer’ and Rajinikanth. That's how the film will be sold. I don't see it otherwise.”
Directed by Nelson, who also helmed the first part, “Jailer 2” stars S. J. Suryah, Mithun Chakraborty, Vidya Balan, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Anna Rajan and Jatin Sarna, with Ramya Krishnan, Yogi Babu, Mirnaa and Rithvik reprising their characters.
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