Jailer is a 2023 Indian Tamil-language action thriller film[5] directed by Nelson and produced by Kalanithi

Maran of Sun Pictures. The film stars Rajinikanth in the lead role, alongside Vinayakan, Ramya Krishnan,
Vasanth Ravi, Sunil, Mirnaa Menon and Yogi Babu in supporting roles.

The film was officially announced in February 2022 with the working title Thalaivar 169, being the 169th fil
m of Rajinikanth, while the official title Jailer was announced in June. Principal photography began in Aug
ust 2022 in Chennai and wrapped in June 2023. The music is composed by Anirudh Ravichander, while t
he cinematography and editing were handled by Vijay Kartik Kannan and R. Nirmal.

Jailer was released theatrically on 10 August 2023 to positive reviews from critics who praised its screenw
riting, direction, cast performances, characterisation and background score.[6] The film grossed 400 crore
worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing Indian films of 2023.
Plot

Muthuvel Pandian is a retired police officer who lives with his family in Chennai, consisting of his wife Vija
ya "Viji", son ACP Arjun, daughter-in-law Swetha and grandson Rithvik. Arjun is investigating the gangster
Varman, who steals and smuggles idols of gods and sells them to buyers overseas. He confronts Varma
n’s henchman Seenu and demands him to surrender and threatens him with dire consequences. As Arjun
gets closer to nabbing Varman, he suddenly goes missing and the police department spreads word that h
e may have committed suicide. Grieving from the loss of his son and partly blaming himself for having rais
ed him up to be honest and fearless like himself, Muthuvel goes after Seenu and murders him, disposing
of the body with the help of Vimal, a local taxi driver. Varman’s men make an attempt on Muthuvel’s grand
son’s life. Muthuvel fails to convince Varman to leave him and his family alone. Enraged, Muthuvel decide
s to fight back and visits Narasimha, a reformed criminal who loans him four of his sharpest shooters.

With the help of Narasimha’s men, Muthuvel blackmails and humiliates Varman. He then guns down Var
man’s henchmen sent to kill his family. Kamdev, from whom Varman borrowed the henchmen, reveals tha
t 15 years ago, Muthuvel was the jailer of Tihar prison, where he was extremely feared by the prisoners.
However, Muthuvel also helped many criminals (including Kamdev) change their ways and become produ
ctive members of the society, eventually gaining their respect and forming friendships. Muthuvel corners
Varman in his hideout, but Varman reveals that Arjun is still alive and threatens to kill him. Muthuvel does
not inform his family that Arjun is still alive. Eventually, Varman and Muthuvel arrive at a compromise: Var
man will release Arjun in return for a famous antique crown that is currently secure in a Adi Narayana tem
ple in Andhra Pradesh. Muthuvel needs to figure out a way to steal the artefact without raising alarms. Mu
thuvel plans a heist involving actor Blast Mohan, who is also a trustee of the temple where the crown is he
ld.

Despite various deceptions and with the help of another smuggler Mathew, Muthuvel eventually comes int
o possession of the crown and sends it back to Varman after which, it is revealed that the crown which M
uthuvel sent was a fake. Varman frees Arjun, but Arjun reveals himself as a dirty cop who wanted to be cu
t in on Varman’s operations and demonstrates that he is willing to go as far as condoning his own father’s
death in return for wealth. However, the fake crown also conceals a hidden camera, which transmits their
entire conversation to Muthuvel, who along with his men and Kamdev attack Varman’s hideout, killing him
and his men, while Narasimha protects Muthuvel’s family and Mathew destroys Varman’s smuggling ope
rations. Muthuvel gives Arjun one last chance to surrender, but Arjun refuses and pulls out his gun to kill h
is father. However, Arjun is instead shot and killed by Narasimha’s men, while Muthuvel decides to keep
Arjun’s death as a secret from his family.
Cast

Rajinikanth as "Tiger" Muthuvel "Muthu" Pandian, retired jailer of Tihar Prison

Vinayakan as Varman, an idol smuggler
Ramya Krishnan as Vijaya "Viji" Pandian, Muthuvel’s wife
Vasanth Ravi as ACP Arjun Pandian IPS, Muthuvel’s son
Sunil as Blast Mohan, an actor
Yogi Babu as Vimal, Taxi driver
 Mirnaa Menon as Swetha, Arjun’s wife
Rithvik as Rithvik, Arjun and Swetha’s son, Muthuvel and Viji’s grandson
VTV Ganesh as Dhandapani, a psychiatrist
Redin Kingsley as Dhivya, an assistant director
Jaffer Sadiq as Dokinath, Narasimha’s henchman
Saravanan as Seenu
Sunil Reddy as Director Bagunnara Balu
G. Marimuthu as Panneer, Varman’s lieutenant
Uday Mahesh as CBI officer
Aranthangi Nisha as Inspector G. Kanagalakshmi
Mahanadi Shankar as Police Constable
Namo Narayana
Billy Muralee
Sugunthan
Karate Karthi
Mithun
Arshad
Ananth
Kalai Arasan

Cameo appearances:

Mohanlal as Mathew, Muthuvel’s friend and partner

Shiva Rajkumar as Narasimha, Muthuvel’s friend and partner
Jackie Shroff as Kamdev, Muthuvel’s acquaintance
Tamannaah as Kamna, an actress
Kishore as Jaffar
Naga Babu as Muthuvel’s former colleague
Makarand Deshpande as Sikandar Singh
Jani as himself in the song "Kaavaalaa"

Production
Development

In December 2021, Nelson was reported to direct Rajinikanth’s 169th film as the lead role after finishing hi
s commitments to Beast (2022).[7] On 10 February 2022, Sun Pictures officially announced their next film
starring Rajinikanth and to be directed by Nelson. As Rajinikanth’s 169th film, it was tentatively titled Thal
aivar 169.[8][9] The title Jailer was announced on 17 June 2022, with the posters revealing Nelson as the
sole writer, dismissing earlier reports that K. S. Ravikumar would be writing the screenplay from a story wr
itten by Rajinikanth. Nelson retained his crew from Doctor (2021) and Beast (2022), with cinematography
by Vijay Kartik Kannan and editing done by R. Nirmal.[10][11] This also marks the first collaboration of Nel
son with Rajinikanth.[12]
Casting

In April 2022, Ramya Krishnan was reported to play a role in the film.[13] In May, there were reports sugg
esting that Kannada actor Shiva Rajkumar would be seen in a pivotal role.[14] That speculation was confir
med the following month. It marks Shiva Rajkumar’s debut in Tamil cinema.[15] In early August, Vasanth
Ravi was confirmed to be part of the film.[16] Shortly thereafter, on 10 August, Ramya Krishnan confirmed
her participation,[17] and on 23 August, Malayalam actor Vinayakan was confirmed.[18] According to Vin
ayakan, Mammootty was the original choice for his role.[19] In July 2022, there were reports suggesting t
hat Yogi Babu would be a part of the film.[20] That speculation was confirmed on 24 August 2022 by Sun
Pictures.[21] On 6 January 2023, it was announced that Mohanlal would be acting in the film in a cameo r
ole.[22] Almost two weeks later, Sunil and Tamannaah Bhatia were announced as part of the cast for brief
roles.[23][24] In February 2023, Jackie Shroff was announced to be a part of the film.[25]
Filming
Test shoots took place in late July 2022 in Chennai,[26][27] and principal photography was set to comme
nce on 3 August in Hyderabad.[28] However, the start of filming was indefinitely delayed due to a strike in
Hyderabad which was expected to last at least three weeks.[16] Filming ultimately began on 22 August in
Chennai.[29] By October, filming was also taking place in Cuddalore.[30] In January 2023, a small filming
schedule began in Jaisalmer.[31] The following month, filming began in Mangalore.[32][33] In March, the
climax of the film was shot at Athirappilly Falls, Chalakudy in Kerala.[34][35] Principal photography was wr
apped by 1 June 2023.[36]
Music
Jailer
Soundtrack album by Anirudh Ravichander
Released 28 July 2023
Recorded 2022–2023
Genre Film soundtrack
Length 18:24
Language Tamil
Label Sun Pictures
Producer Anirudh Ravichander
Anirudh Ravichander chronology
Thiruchitrambalam
(2022) Jailer
(2023) Jawan
(2023)
External audio
audio icon Jailer (Official Audio Jukebox) on YouTube
Singles from Jailer

"Kaavaalaa"
Released: 6 July 2023
"Hukum – Thalaivar Alappara"
Released: 17 July 2023
"Jujubee"
Released: 26 July 2023

The music is composed by Anirudh Ravichander in his third collaboration with Rajinikanth, after Petta (20
19) and Darbar (2020) and fourth collaboration with Nelson after Kolamaavu Kokila (2018), Doctor (2021),
and Beast (2022).[37] The first single titled "Kaavaalaa" was released on 6 July 2023.[38] The second sin
gle titled "Hukum – Thalaivar Alappara" was released on 17 July 2023.[39] The third single titled "Jujubee"
was released on 26 July 2023.[40] The album featuring 8 tracks was released on 28 July 2023.[41]
Track listingNo. Title Lyrics Singer(s) Length
1. "Kaavaalaa" Arunraja Kamaraj Shilpa Rao 3:10
2. "Jailer Theme" (Instrumental) – – 1:02
3. "Rathamaarey" Vignesh Shivan Vishal Mishra 4:12
4. "Muthuvel Pandian Theme" (Instrumental) – – 1:42
5. "Hukum – Thalaivar Alappara" Super Subu Anirudh Ravichander, Rajinikanth 3:27
6. "Jailer Drill Theme" (Instrumental) – – 0:43
7. "Jujubee" Super Subu Dhee, Anantha Krishnan, Anirudh Ravichander 2:47
8. "Alappara Theme" (Instrumental) Super Subu Anirudh Ravichander, Rajinikanth 1:17
Total length: 18:24
Marketing

In July 2023, a YouTube video was released teasing[42] a Kaavaalaa lyrics video featuring Tamannaah B
hatia and Rajinikanth, which was later released on 6 July.[43][44] The hook step performed by Bhatia too
went viral on social media.[45] The film’s audio launch—which aims to promote the music—took place at
Jawarhalal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai,[46] and later broadcast on Sun TV. On 2 August 2023, the f
ilm’s trailer was released.[47]
Release

Jailer released theatrically on 10 August 2023.[48] The film’s Kerala distribution rights have been bought
by Gokulam Gopalan.[49] Andhra Pradesh and Telangana theatrical rights were bought by Asian Cinema,
while the overseas rights were acquired by Ayngaran International.[50][51] The film will be released by M
CC Group in Sri Lanka.[52]
Title dispute

This section needs to be updated. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly availabl
e information. (August 2023)

In July 2023, director Sakkir Madathil claimed he registered the title Jailer first for his Malayalam film in th
e Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) in 2021 and requested producer Kalanithi Maran to change
the title of the film.[53] Later, the director took the issue to the court and filed a legal complaint against Su
n Pictures over the same title.[54]
Reception
Box office

Jailer grossed an estimated 72 crore on its opening day worldwide,[55] of which 52 crore crore was from I
ndia.[56] The opening day grosses were 23 crore in Tamil Nadu, 5.85 crore in Kerala, 10 crore in Telugu
states, 11 crore in Karnataka, 4.5 crore in North India, 40 crore internationally.[57] The film grossed 400 c
rore worldwide in 6 days.[4]
Critical response

Jailer received positive reviews from audiences who praised its screenwriting, direction, cast performance
s (especially Rajinikanth, Vinayakan, Mohanlal and Shiva Rajkumar), characterisation and background sc
ore.[58]

Siby Jeyya of India Herald gave 4 out of 5 stars and said "The King has claimed his rightful throne back".[
59] Sridevi S of The Times of India gave 3 out of 5 stars and wrote "It’s director Nelson’s show in the first
half, superstar Rajini takes the baton in the second half."[60] Janaki K of India Today gave 3 out of 5 stars
and wrote "With solid performances and good camera work, Jailer is strictly a theatre watch."[61] Gopinat
h Rajendran of The Hindu wrote "Jailer might be far from perfect, but with the towering presence of Rajini
kanth standing tall along with Nelson’s fortified writing, this is a commendable comeback for both the acto
r and filmmaker."[62] Kirubhakar Purushothaman of The Indian Express gave 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote
"[the] Nelson Dilipkumar film is Rajinikanth’s version of Kamal Haasan’s Vikram, but with a twist. Saying t
hat doesn’t take away anything from this fun-filled entertainer.[63]

Manoj Kumar of OTTPlay gave 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "Jailer is a highly entertaining crowd-pleaser.
Nothing path-breaking but it is sure to become an enjoyable delight for the masses."[64] Pratikshya Mishr
a of The Quint gave 3 out of 5 stars and wrote "Without Rajinikanth, Jailer might not have had the same m
agnetism as it does but since the star is on screen, flicking his shades and throwing lighters in the air, it’s
a whole different story."[65] Priyanka Sundar of Firstpost gave 3 out of 5 stars and wrote "One of the most
memorable things about Nelson’s directorial Jailer, starring Rajinikanth, is the fact that the superstar doe
sn’t get into a zone where he performs unbelievable action sequences".[66] 123Telugu gave 2.75 out of 5
stars and wrote "Jailer suffers from a wafer-thin plot and the second half fell like a pack of cards."[67] Saib
al Chatterjee of NDTV gave 2.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "The guest stars do their bit and move on. It is lef
t to Rajinikanth to shoulder the weight of the erratic script."[68]

Divya Nair of Rediff.com gave the film 3.5 out of 5 stars and stated that "This is an altogether different ver
sion of a brutal Rajinikanth, something you and I had probably never imagined before."[69] Shreya Kachro
o of Zoom TV rated 3.5 out of 5 and noted that "Director Nelson adeptly balances Rajinikanth’s charismati
c presence with a captivating narrative in Jailer."[70] Sidharth MP of WION wrote that "Jailer is an entertai
ning film that offers glimpses of the vintage Rajini and the contemporary Rajini, ably assisted by cameos b
y Mohanlal, Jackie Shroff and Shiva Rajkumar."[71]
Future

Post-release, it was reported that the film would have a second part.[72] Owing to the film’s success, Nels
on in an interview confirmed the film would have sequel titled Jailer 2.[73]