Malayalam Actors Reflect on Their Roles and Experiences in Rajinikanth's 'Jailer 2'
Following the box office release of the Rajinikanth-starrer Jailer 2, directed by Nelson, several actors from the Malayalam film industry are sharing their experiences of working in the project. The film features Mohanlal continuing his cameo as Mathew, alongside Suraj Venjaramoodu as the villain and Dileep appearing opposite Rajinikanth’s character, Tiger Muthuvel Pandian. Beyond these major roles, a group of Malayali actors essayed supporting parts and featured in key sequences across the movie.
Kottayam Nazeer plays Amir, a sidekick to Suraj Venjaramoodu’s character who later double-crosses him. Nazeer, who has completed over three decades in Malayalam cinema as an actor and mimicry artiste, revealed that he secured the role following his performances in the Malayalam films Thalavan and Vaazha. During the production, he also shared his art book, titled Art of my Heart, with Rajinikanth. Nazeer noted that his screen time included a key scene alongside actor SJ Suryah.
Villainous Roles and Ensemble Encounters
Hakkim Shajahan portrays Sharva Kalpak, a member of a Goa-based idol-smuggling empire led by Chakri Kalpak, played by Mithun Chakraborty. His character's siblings are essayed by SJ Suryah, Vidya Balan, and Jatin Sarna. Hakkim explained that his negative roles in Kadaseela Biriyani and Sorgavaasal led director Nelson to approach him for the role in Jailer 2. He gained weight for the character during a shoot that extended over a year, during which he also completed other Malayalam film commitments.
While reflecting on working alongside a cast that included Ramya Krishnan and Hrithik Roshan, Hakkim noted that Vidya Balan was particularly approachable on set. He also disclosed that a scene he filmed with Mohanlal was ultimately not included in the final cut of the movie.
Musical Sequences and Additional Malayalam Talent
The high-energy song sequence 'Ale bolelo', composed by Anirudh Ravichander, features actor-dancer Shamna Kasim and actor-director Rajesh Madhavan. Shamna joined the project after Nelson contacted her following her performance in the song 'Kurichi madathapetti' from Guntur Kaaram. She performed the dance sequence in a sari, later discovering she was pregnant with her second child shortly after the shoot concluded.
Rajesh Madhavan was cast in the song sequence after director Nelson saw his comedic performance in Madanotsavam. Rajesh filmed on a large set featuring country boats and numerous background artistes, ultimately sharing a direct performance moment with Rajinikanth on the sixth day of his schedule. In addition to Nazeer, Hakkim, Shamna, and Rajesh, the film's cast includes other Malayalam actors such as Sunil Sugatha, Sujith Shankar, Anna Rajan, and Noble K Thomas.
