It has been the subject of hushed conversations for weeks, but now the industry is saying it’s a done deal. Hrithik is due in Chennai on the 22nd and 23rd of June to put together a scene for the Rajinikanth-Nelson follow-up that will have the internet abuzz over this once-in-a-while get-together.
Why everyone is so worked up about it
There is an emotional side to it, not just the star power. Word is he will come in at the right moment to give the lead what he needs, in the vein of the first movie’s crowd-pleasers but on a larger scale.
Then there is the fact it has been 40 years since Bhagwaan Dada. In that 1986 Hindi film, Hrithik was the superstar’s foster son, and he has always been fond of the way Rajinikanth was with him on set.
Hrithik has put it like this: if a take was botched, the big man would own up to it so the kid wouldn’t have to. You can feel that kind of warmth in the story, which gives the whole thing a bit of a nostalgic pull.
On the ground in Chennai
They are making a show of it. Before they even start rolling, there is a look test in the works to put together a new face for Hrithik. The plan, from what I hear, is to make an impact and change the course of the film with it.
Some have been wondering if this means reshoots, but people in the know say no, it is all for this one special part. The makers have yet to put anything in writing to confirm or otherwise.
It makes sense after you consider the talk of a Shah Rukh Khan spot being nixed. That left room for Hrithik to step in, and if it goes down as planned, it is exactly the kind of surprise the franchise is known for.
In a nutshell, here is where things stand:
– Filming in Chennai on the 22nd and 23rd of June
– A new avatar in the offing (look test to be had)
– An appearance to back up Rajinikanth when it counts
– No to any wide-ranging reshoots, they say
– We are still waiting for the official word
As for the release, don’t count your chickens
We may have to be patient. They were aiming for June 12, then it was August, then September. Now you will only find it in theatres in October, though no hard date has been put out there.
The moving goalposts have given rise to some head-scratching. But if the cameo is being put to camera now, it is a ready-made headline for the marketing team when they need to stir things up a bit.
The rest of the cast and what’s in store
You have the usual heavy hitters in the sequel: Ramya Krishnan, Mirnaa, Shivarajkumar, Mohanlal, Jatin Sarna, Mithun Chakraborty, Santhanam, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Vijay Sethupathi, Meghana Raj Sarja and Anna Rajan. Nelson Dilipkumar is behind the camera again.
What to keep an eye on? Any hint of that look test – a good still will have social media in a tizzy. And see if this changes the game for the release or the way they are selling the film.
And let’s not forget the past. Bhagwaan Dada is still with us in a way. The 1986 picture, with its 2 hour, 27 minute run time and the work of Rajesh and Rakesh Roshan, has a certain legacy. This feels like coming full circle rather than a random move.
All in all, it is a no-brainer. With a name like Hrithik attached and some old times to be had, Jailer 2 is must-see. Let the makers chime in and the noise will be deafening.
