New Delhi: Hrithik Roshan may have only a brief cameo in Rajinikanth’s Jailer 2, but it has been enough to set theatres abuzz. His fans have been surprised by the warm reception the actor has received from South Indian audiences, with many calling his brief appearance one of the film’s biggest theatrical highlights.
Several have also expressed disappointment that Hrithik does not appear on screen more often.
“Seeing how dearly the South audience loves Hrithik Roshan is genuinely heartwarming, and the response to his Jailer 2 cameo is pure love. It breaks my heart that we don’t get to see him on screen more often,” a user wrote on X.
“Hrithik Roshan cameo scene blasted the theatre! One of the best theatrical moments in recent times, crowd reaction next level!” another user wrote.
The film was released worldwide on 15 October.
Hrithik Roshan and Rajinikanth reunite after 40 years
However, this was not the first time Hrithik did a cameo in a Tamil film. The last time Hrithik Roshan appeared alongside Rajinikanth was in Bhagwan Dada (1986), when he was nine years old. Fans have described their reunion in Jailer 2 as a full-circle moment.
“Pure destiny! From Hrithik as a child in Bhagwan Dada to reuniting 40 years later with the timeless Rajinikanth sir. Both sharing the screen again is nothing short of a dream come true!” a user commented.
“1986–2026 — 40 Years Later, The Aura Remains UNMATCHED! From Bhagwan Dada to Jailer 2 — Rajinikanth × Hrithik Roshan is pure CINEMA,” another user wrote.
The official IIFA account also described the reunion as a full-circle moment, writing, “40 years later, and the magic is still unmatched. From young Hrithik in Bhagwaan Dada to reuniting with Rajinikanth in Jailer 2, this is a full-circle moment for the ages!”
Dhanush, Nani praise Rajinikanth’s screen presence
The excitement around the 75-year-old superstar’s film extends beyond Hrithik’s cameo. Directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, Jailer 2 features a star-studded cast alongside Rajinikanth, including Vidya Balan, Mithun Chakraborty, Jackie Shroff, Mohanlal and S J Suryah. The film has also drawn praise from actors and filmmakers across the South.
“JAILER 2 is a MUST MUST MUST watch. BLOCKBUSTER ..A FEAST for every Thalaivar fan,” actor Dhanush wrote on X.
Actor Nani praised Rajinikanth’s enduring screen presence, writing, “Looking at Rajinikanth sir reminds us age is just a number every single time. With his swag and style, he is just what legends are made of.”
Filmmaker Karthik Subbaraj also shared his reaction to the superstar’s performance, writing, “Thalaivar sets the screen on Wild Wild Fire..Can’t take my eyes off him…. Love you Thalaivaaaa ..Goosebumps Overloaded Mass Blast…. Jailer 2.”
Also Read: Rajinikanth’s Jailer 2 beats Vijay’s Jana Nayagan box office record
Fans spot Breaking Bad references in Jailer 2
Fans have also pointed out what they see as director Nelson Dilipkumar’s continuing fascination with Breaking Bad. The most direct comparison has been between Rajinikanth’s character, Tiger Muthuvel Pandian, and Bryan Cranston’s Walter White.
Fans have compared shots of Rajinikanth walking through smoke and destruction with scenes featuring Walter White. Another comparison places an explosion from Jailer 2 alongside a visual from the American crime drama.
“I saw the Jailer trailer. It’s a weird vibe, a mix of Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul and Narcos,” a user commented.
Another user shared a collage of stills and references from Breaking Bad, drawing comparisons between Mithun Chakraborty’s character and Hector Salamanca, a car sequence and a chase from the series, and shots of Rajinikanth and Walter White.
“Should find someone who loves me as much as Nelson loves breaking bad..man just can’t resist those references,” the user wrote.
Vidya Balan, who plays Kantha, is making her first film with Rajinikanth. Fans have also compared her look in the trailer to Lydia Rodarte-Quayle, the calculating businesswoman played by Laura Fraser in Breaking Bad.
“Lydia Balan and Mithun Salamanca from jailer 2 set in breaking bad universe,” a user wrote.
(Edited by Maryam Hassan)