Review of the film Jailer: Rajinikanth and Nelson make an engaging return that largely succeeds August 10, 2023 at 5:34 PM | Updated at 2:36 PM IST on August 23, 2023 Although far from perfect, Rajinikanth's dominating presence, Nelson's strong scripting, distinctive sense of humor, and fan service make "Jailer" a remarkable comeback for both the star and filmmaker.
A quote from our Apoorva Raagangal (1975) review of Rajinikanth's debut movie reads, "Newcomer Rajinikanth is dignified and impressive." The actor's majesty and impressiveness have been preserved even after almost 50 years; this is seen in the "Vayasanalum un style-um, azhagum..." line from Padayappa, which has become imprinted in the brains of his followers. The combination of this seasoned charisma and the whimsical touches added by director Nelson make their most recent project, Jailer, a fun entertainment.
The experienced actor performs the role of Muthuvel Pandian, a retired jailer who spends his time assisting with the filming of movies for his grandson's YouTube channel. Muthu faces problems as his son Arjun (Vasanth Ravi), a diligent police officer, delves deeply into an idol smuggling ring. Muthu comes back into the world he purposefully left behind, attributing the circumstance to his sincerity, which has seemingly rubbed off on his son.
Nelson's first three films all had very straightforward stories that were enhanced by the director's clever concepts, with the exception of amazing graphics, outrageous humor, and lead characters having deadpan faces; Jailer is no different. In fact, Jailer may remind older audiences of Thangappathakkam (1974), while younger audiences are sure to be reminded by Kamal Haasan's most recent smash blockbuster Vikram. Both recent movies are about fathers who were previously officials in service but are now out for revenge, with their trusted connections, to avenge their son's demise, aside from starring the renowned stars in age-appropriate roles. The similarities, however, end there because Jailer is an entire cinematic world condensed into a single film, whereas Vikram is a page from one. Nelson exits the prison.
Jailer's racy screenplay serves as the film's main pillar, and from the very beginning, we are thrust into the action. The movie picks up steam until intermission as soon as Muthu leaves on a mission. The second part of the movie is when it starts to veer a little too much into erratic area. Mohanlal and Shiva Rajkumar's cameos are welcome additions, but other characters that are introduced in the second half aren't as well-received.
Nelson has struggled to create strong female characters in his other works save Kolamaavu Kokila, and this problem has persisted in Jailer as well. The eagerly anticipated Padayappa-Neelambari reunion starring Rajini and Ramya Krishnan (who portrays his wife Vijaya) falls short of expectations in terms of excitement. Although Vinayakan does an outstanding job as the frightening antagonist, Varma doesn't seem to be a match for Muthu. In addition, despite Muthu's defense of virtue, his flashback elevates brutality committed in the course of custody.
Rajinikanth's overwhelming presence and Nelson's distinctive brand of humor and fan service, which, unexpectedly, goes beyond simple fanaticism, are what elevate the rest of the movie. Nelson's passion for the Breaking Bad television series was clear in his first three movies, and in Jailer, too, the influences were subtly present. A popular character from the popular series, Mike Ehrmantraut, has certain traits in common with Muthu's character. Even Varma's underground cave is reminiscent of the super lab underneath the industrial laundromat, and the cliche that refers to using acid to dispose of remains is obviously a nod to the show. Easter eggs to Rajini movies abound, including references to Baasha, a scene catered to Rajini's "sentiment" toward snakes, and a reference to one of his earlier flicks.
