The Superstar effect: Can Rajinikanth’s ‘Jailer 2’ collect Rs 1000 crore?
As Tamil cinema gears up for the release of ‘Jailer 2,’ producers and theatre owners talk about Rajinikanth’s box-office power and why the Nelson-directorial is expected to break new records
As Tamil cinema gears up for the release of ‘Jailer 2,’ producers and theatre owners talk about Rajinikanth’s box-office power and why the Nelson-directorial is expected to break new records
Updated - October 14, 2026 11:23 am IST
Rajinikanth in a still from ‘Jailer 2’ | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
It’s that time of the year when theatres in Tamil Nadu turn into festival grounds. It’s that time of the year when four generations of Tamil cinema fans wear their sunglasses a certain way and flip their hair a specific way. And when the state hopes to see superstar Rajinikanth recreate his magic on the big screen.
The buzz surrounding his upcoming film, Jailer 2, ahead of its October 15 release shows that more than 50 years after his debut, Rajinikanth continues to be an industry himself, comfortably at the top as the highest-grossing Tamil superstar. To the industry, a Rajini film’s release is the most pivotal day of the year. As producer Kalaipuli S Thanu states, the superstar’s films not only support theatre owners, distributors, and producers, but also members of the Film Employees Federation of South India. “So, the film will impact everyone, from top producers to blue-collar employees. Moreover, his box-office records in Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and overseas remain undefeated,” says Thanu.
Published - October 13, 2026 04:10 pm IST
Tamil cinema / Indian cinema / The Hindu MetroPlus
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