Director Nelson Dilipkumar Reveals the ‘Big Challenge’ of Jailer

Rajinikanth’s latest venture, “Jailer,” released worldwide on August 10, has emerged as a monumental success, amassing a staggering ₹650 crore in box office collections within a month of its release. However, the journey to create this cinematic marvel was not without its share of challenges, as revealed by director Nelson Dilipkumar in a recent interview with Film Companion.

In a candid conversation during the Film Companion Directors Adda 2023, Nelson shared the struggles he faced while conceptualizing and filming “Jailer.” He admitted to encountering strong opposition within the Tamil film industry against greying Rajinikanth’s hair for the film. Many advised Nelson to steer clear of altering the legendary actor’s appearance and to stick to Rajinikanth’s established persona for the movie’s success.

Reflecting on his doubts during the creative process, Nelson confessed to wavering confidence, especially when experimenting with Rajinikanth’s character, where he portrayed his age on-screen for the first time. Despite conflicting opinions, Nelson was resolute in his vision, determined to stay true to his instincts. He expressed his desire to create an authentic Rajinikanth film and took responsibility for the decisions made, even if they led to failure.

Navigating the delicate balance between Rajinikanth’s legacy and the audience’s expectations, Nelson acknowledged the weight of the challenge, striving to attract a broad audience to theatres. He acknowledged the essence of ‘Rajinism’ as the film’s cornerstone, pivotal to its success.

Addressing the initial apprehensions expressed by industry insiders about Rajinikanth’s appearance, Nelson shared his gradual realization of the scenes’ effectiveness during the initial shoot days. The feedback bolstered his confidence, reinforcing the belief that portraying Rajinikanth’s real age on-screen was pivotal for the film’s authenticity and resonance with audiences.

Joining the discussion, filmmaker Vetri Maaran echoed Nelson’s sentiment, affirming that Rajinikanth’s portrayal of his real age was instrumental in the film’s success, emphasizing that without this bold move, “Jailer” would not have resonated as strongly.

“Jailer” boasts a star-studded cast, featuring Vasanth Ravi, Tamannaah Bhatia, Yogi Babu, Ramya Krishnan, Vinayakan, and marks the Tamil debut of Shiva Rajkumar. With special appearances by Jackie Shroff and veteran Malayalam actor Mohanlal, the film captivated audiences across languages, grossing ₹48.35 crore nett in India across its dubbed versions in Hindi, Kannada, and Telugu.

Amidst speculation and industry norms, director Nelson Dilipkumar took a leap of faith, weaving a compelling narrative that resonated with audiences, solidifying “Jailer” as a testimony to Rajinikanth’s enduring legacy in Indian cinema.

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