Actor Vidya Balan required around three attempts to successfully film a cigarette-smoking sequence alongside Rajinikanth for Jailer 2, according to revelations made by director Nelson Dilipkumar. The filmmaker explained that the actress experienced significant first-day nerves while shooting the moment, which called for her to blow smoke directly into the face of the veteran superstar.
Speaking at a promotional event, Nelson noted that Vidya initially felt apprehensive about portraying a figure formidable enough to hold her ground against Rajinikanth. The specific sequence appears prominently in the promotional trailer for the upcoming movie and served as an immediate test of her composure on set.
During the event, Nelson recounted that the exact scene featured in the trailer was scheduled for their very first day of production. He mentioned that despite playing a powerful counterpart to Rajinikanth, the actress expressed feeling intimidated, and her anxiety multiplied when she learned she would need to smoke a cigarette and exhale the smoke toward the leading man.
The director additionally shared a humorous observation from watching the take unfold through the production monitor. He noticed that Vidya's hand was visibly trembling while holding the cigarette, moving almost as if she were applying lipstick, which briefly made him question whether the shot would succeed. It ultimately took about three tries to capture the desired performance, and Nelson pointed out that a subtle trace of tension remains visible in her eyes during the final cut.
The sequence ultimately came together after a few adjustments, establishing the intense dynamic between Vidya's character and Rajinikanth's returning role as Tiger Muthuvel Pandian. This behind-the-scenes anecdote underscores the unique pressure of stepping into a strong antagonist or opposing role opposite one of the industry's most iconic figures, particularly at the very start of a project.
The sequel brings back Rajinikanth as the retired jailer from Nelson's 2023 box-office hit, alongside a supporting cast that includes Ramya Krishnan, Yogi Babu, Mirnaa, and Rithvik. Jailer 2 is slated to arrive in movie theaters on October 15.