CAST: Rajinikanth, Vinayakan and Vasanth Ravi

DIRECTOR: Nelson Dilipkumar

Rajinikanth makes a triumphant return to the big screen, and it’s a moment that feels deeply personal for his fans. After the lukewarm reception of ‘Annatthe,’ the superstar has finally delivered a blockbuster with ‘Jailer.’ Directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, who himself is rebounding from Thalapathy Vijay’s ‘Beast,’ ‘Jailer’ is a must-watch.

The film kicks off with a high-stakes underworld of idol smuggling, led by the enigmatic Varma (Vinayakan). Enter Arjun (Vasanth Ravi), a dedicated cop committed to dismantling this illegal operation. Just when it seems like Arjun is closing in, he’s abducted by Varma, leaving the police force in a state of dread, fearing the worst. But hope isn’t lost—Arjun’s father, Muthuvel Pandian (Rajinikanth), a retired police officer, takes it upon himself to unravel the mystery and bring justice to the fore.

Muthuvel Pandian, played by Rajinikanth, isn’t just a doting father; he’s a man on a mission. Fueled by vengeance, he embarks on a relentless quest that leads him to the criminal mastermind Varma. But the story doesn’t end there. Varma challenges Muthuvel with a daunting task, which he accepts under one intriguing condition. The suspense unfolds over a gripping three-hour runtime.

Director Nelson Dilipkumar, renowned for his knack for dark comedy, doesn’t disappoint in ‘Jailer.’ The film introduces Rajinikanth in a refreshingly subdued role, as a retiree managing household chores and even helping his grandson with his YouTube channel. It’s a delightful contrast to the larger-than-life characters we’re used to seeing him portray, and it’s this balance that makes ‘Jailer’ a hit.

While the film pays homage to the industry with explosive cameos from Shiva Rajkumar, Jackie Shroff, and Mohanlal, it also nods to Rajinikanth’s iconic roles in films like ‘Baasha’ and ‘Enthiran.’ The interval sequence is a showstopper, perfectly set to Anirudh’s electrifying ‘Hukum’ track.

However, ‘Jailer’ isn’t without its flaws. The narrative can be predictable and sometimes stretches the limits of believability. Despite these shortcomings, Rajinikanth’s charisma is undeniable, and he’s well-matched by Vinayakan’s menacing performance as Varma. Vasanth Ravi also delivers in a substantial role.

Anirudh Ravichander’s pulsating score is another highlight, elevating Rajinikanth’s swagger to new heights. Cinematographer Vijay Kartik Kannan’s visuals are a feast for the eyes, while editor R Nirmal keeps the pacing tight.

‘Jailer’ is a celebration of Rajinikanth’s enduring appeal, sprinkled with moments of Nelson’s creative brilliance. It’s a film that knows its strengths and plays to them well, making it a must-watch for fans and newcomers alike