Speaking during one of the promotional events of Jailer 2, Nelson revealed that he narrated the story to Rajinikanth, recalling his nervousness at the Jailer audio launch.
Entertainment desk
October 15, 2026 / 16:26 IST
Vijay and Rajinikanth
Director Nelson Dilipkumar has opened up on how Thalapathy Vijay encouraged him to come forward and narrate the story of Jailer to Rajinikanth despite the disappointment surrounding their last collaboration, Beast. The filmmaker’s account underscores the professional relationship between actor and director, and the faith that helped Nelson move on from a difficult period in his career.
Vijay helped Nelson to reach out to Rajinikanth
Vijay was directed by Nelson in the 2022 action film Beast and the actor had come under pressure after the film did not do well. But the setback did not affect his relationship with Vijay. Speaking during one of the promotional events of the film, Nelson revealed that he narrated the story to Rajinikanth, recalling his nervousness at the Jailer audio launch. It was Vijay who told him to forget his hesitations and to pitch the idea to the superstar without any second thoughts.
Nelson met Rajinikanth on Vijay’s advice with the basic premise of Jailer. The veteran actor liked the idea and asked the director to develop it into a full-length script.
Nelson was surprised by the warm response from Rajinikanth and was taken aback by the fact that the superstar addressed him with respect and was interested in his narration, reports said. The exchange gave the filmmaker renewed confidence to push the project forward.
From Beast Disappointment To Jailer Triumph
Beast which was released in 2022 was highly anticipated before its release with Vijay in lead role. But the movie got mixed reviews and didn’t have the commercial impact that many had hoped for.
Nelson then collaborated with Rajinikanth for Jailer, which was released in August 2023. Rajinikanth played Tiger Muthuvel Pandian, a former jailer who is on a mission to find out the truth behind his son’s disappearance, and who battles a deadly idol-smuggling syndicate in the action comedy.
The film was a huge commercial success, grossing over Rs 600 crore worldwide and becoming one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of 2023. Its success put Nelson much more firmly in place in the business.
Vijay And Nelson’s Professional Bond Remains Strong
Vijay and Nelson remained friendly and professional with each other, even when Beast was panned. The director’s memory demonstrates how a collaborator’s support can help a filmmaker through uncertainty and to another opportunity.
Nelson’s journey from Beast to Jailer also demonstrates how a setback need not define a filmmaker’s career. Nelson went ahead and delivered a blockbuster that defined a milestone in his career with Rajinikanth giving positive feedback to the story and Vijay pushing him to take the next step.
The story behind Jailer provides an interesting insight into the support and professional relationships that can exist behind the scenes in the film industry, where the disappointment of one project need not prevent another from becoming a success.
Entertainment desk Entertainment Desk at Moneycontrol reports on the celebrities, movies that shape India’s entertainment industry. With a sharp focus on cinema, OTT, web series, and latest trends, the entertainment desk delivers verified news, and analytical stories that place entertainment within a wider economic and cultural context. Our coverage goes beyond celebrity to examine how storytelling, audiences and business decisions influence one of the country’s most influential creative industries.
first published: Oct 15, 2026 04:26 pm
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