Jailer (I) (2023) User Reviews

SUPERSTAR AND ANIRUDH MAKE THIS A WORTH WATCH,BUT SECOND HALF SUFFERS...

[saikumarnagapuri · 7/10 · 19 August 2023]

Haaa,So After So much wait I can proudly say that yes this is the RAJINIFIED Comeback... This Movie 'JAILER' Starring SUPER STAR RAJINIKANTH in the main lead,Which is Directed by Nelson. After a big letdown by 'BEAST' Starring Vijay Thalapathy,A Question Raised When This project has Announced,That Can he showcase his stardom without spoiling or without misleading it?.Because If u Observe the Previous projects of The Star they were just wasted opportunities... But he succeeded in bringing the euphoria of Rajini's with a perfect blend of Plot that offers a new Rajini that fits to him which doesn't feel Irrelevant or Silly,and not affected by any Stupid Commercial Stereotype... Coming to the Plot Without any so much Revelation,Muthuvel Pandian A Retired Jailer Who is leading happier life with his family,His life gets turned when his Cop Son gets killed while investigating a Idol smuggling. Muthuvel Pandian sets To find his Son's Killers where he get strucked into a dark world... So Coming to the Movie It Has a Electrifying,Thrilling First Half But a Overstretched Confused Second Half followed by Powerful Climax. Coming to the Performances Ofcourse it's only One Man show,That's Superstar's show He just nailed it,he was perfect in every frame. And Coming to the supporting Cast we have big cameos like Mohanlal And ShivaRajkumar's. But Shivanna Stands out...🔥And remaning were good in their roles. But I have to speak about One person the antagonist Vinayakan alias 'Varman' he just dominated the whole film through his deadly screen presence. Ofcourse he will cherished one of the powerful antognists ever... Coming to the technical aspects, The Rockstar Anirudh asusual the Backbone of the Whole movie,He just created rampage throughout the show through his Music.

Still can't get over 'HUKUM'. The Cinematography was great,Production Values are Good. The Editing &Screenplay could be bettered By trimming or reducing 20mins.. Overall If the Second Half was not distrubed by uneccessary Twists & Turns which doesn't impact at all The Good First Half,Great Interval & Climax Followed by a Terrific show of Rajini and Anirudh Make's this a worth watch... And again Nelson should appreciated for utilising the opportunity,which didn't happen for previous Film Makers...

TIGER ka HUKUM

[best-review · 6/10 · 10 August 2023]

Let's talk about the cast and performances First: Rajinikanth, man, he's not just playing a role that fits his age, he's totally killin' it. The first half, it's all about him - his presence, that smile, his unique quirks, and the intensity he brings, it's all fire. Yogi Babu adds some extra fun when he's sharing the screen with Thalivar.

Vinayakan, he's got that classic villain vibe, even if the role itself is a bit familiar.

Ramya Krishna, she's doin' the conventional housewife thing, but she ain't got much going on in her scenes, unfortunately.

We've also got some cameo appearances from legends like Mohanlal, Jackie Shroff, and Shiva Rajkumar. Tamannaah Bhatia's in there too, but that song on screen, man, it doesn't hit like it did in the trailers.

Now, on the technical side, the cinematography is straight up awesome. Those fight scenes indoors, they're somethin' special. The whole production is top-notch, gotta give 'em props for that.

Anirudh's music, both the background score and the songs, they hold this film together. No doubt about it.

The highlights, let's talk about those. The first half is lit, Rajinikanth is on fire, and Anirudh's music is bangin'.

But there are some drawbacks, no doubt. Sunil's part, it's a snoozer, and the second half, it gets a bit routine, slow-paced moments and all.

Now, the movie analysis, "Jailer" starts off strong, man. Rajinikanth as a retired police officer, cool and all, but when his son gets kidnapped, he goes all out, becoming this angry old dude, changing the whole game. From there, it's a ride.

Nelson, the director, he's got some killer sequences for Rajinikanth, especially the ones with Yogi Babu. Rajinikanth's comedy skills are on point, and the fight scene in his house, where his wife and daughter-in-law are just chillin' at the dining table, that's a standout moment, no doubt.

The intermission comes, and you're thinkin', this is gonna be like Kamal Haasan's "Vikram," a real thrill. First half is that good. Action, comedy, family moments, it's got it all, and the intermission climax gets you hyped up.

But the second half, it's a different story. It falls into that formulaic mass-entertainer groove. We're talkin' Rajinikanth's jailer backstory, a comedy bit with Sunil and Tamannaah, super long fight scenes, and so on.

Honestly, it's a bit of a drag. Tamannaah's song "Kaavaalaa" blew up on YouTube, but in the movie, it's not the same, man. It's on Sunil and Tamannaah, not the epic duet with Rajinikanth like we wanted.

Even the parts with other superstars like Shiva Rajkumar and Mohanlal, they're more about heroism than pushing the plot forward.

But hey, the second half comes through with a killer climax, so it's got that goin' for it.

Major tonal issues.

[ashishhsunny · 6/10 · 13 August 2023]

Thia film was mediocre at best with the director confused on the tone of the movie. The plot of the movie was all over the place. First half was decent and it felt like a movie for the masses, and breadcrumbed enough for a good showdown. The second half was a major letdown, with the whole movie turning into a soap opera heist film with violence and comedy used in a bad taste. The whole 'son plotline' was unnecessary for the plot for a movie aimed for the masses. It added absolutely no value to the whole movie. Mohanlal, in his few scenes brought his screen presence and star power so did Shivanna. Vinayakan stole the whole show for me, brilliant and raw performance. He explored his role to an extreme, might I dare, like Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight! I wouldn't even be surprised if he wins a National award for this role. Rajini's star power is definitely felt, and that will the main contributor for the movie's financial success(along with the underdog BTS comeback aspect with the director Nelson and the southern industry's big star casting inclusions) Most of all there is no takeaways or a good message from the whole movie.

Exceptional! Mass Delivered!

[prasadsheshadri-778-945159 · 9/10 · 10 August 2023]

Nelson, you've truly exceeded expectations with your latest film, "Jailer"! This movie takes a fresh approach to the thriller genre, blending it seamlessly with your characteristic humor that will leave the audience in stitches. It's an exhilarating dark comedy rollercoaster that keeps you hooked throughout.

Right from the start, the film had me intrigued. It began with poignant moments centered around a grandfather, leading to the tragic loss of a son, and the subsequent pursuit of revenge. Amidst the intense drama, you skillfully interwove humor through the talented performances of your lead actors, ensuring a captivating experience.

The casting of the Original Gangsters of Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam cinema were a delightful touch, with legendary figures like Jackie Shroff, Shiva, and Mohanlal making impressive cameos. A particular scene that brought them all together earned thunderous applause from the audience!

Thalaivar's portrayal was exceptional, capturing every fan-favorite element flawlessly, from his suave cigar moments to his effortlessly stylish cigar toss. Your attentive consideration of the fans' desires was evident, and the results were remarkable.

And let's not overlook Vinayakan, who truly shines on-screen. Going up against Thalaivar as the ultimate villain is no small feat, and he embraced the role brilliantly.

The movie is an unadulterated entertainment package from beginning to end, and I encourage everyone to grab their popcorn and savor the experience.

So, fasten your seatbelts and prepare for an uproarious and heartwarming masterpiece in "Jailer." This is a cinematic triumph! 🎬

Nelson's narrow vision saved by Blockbuster heroism of Rajinikanth, Mohanlal and Shiva Rajakumar.

[SAMTHEBESTEST · 7/10 · 8 September 2023]

Jailer (2023) : Brief Review -

Nelson's narrow vision saved by Blockbuster heroism of Rajinikanth, Mohanlal and Shiva Rajakumar. Nelson Dilip Kumar has to be one of the luckiest directors in Tamil cinema who is surviving and still getting films after back-to-back mediocrities. "Kolamaavu Kokila" (2018) hardly had any brain in its black comedy; "Doctor" (2021) couldn't find an antidote for his own mediocre vision; "Beast" (2022) was a beast-size torture; and now he brought another mediocre film, "Jailer". It could have been a much better film if you look at the first half. The film falls in the second half and somehow stands on its feet with the charismatic heroism of Rajinikanth and blockbuster cameos by Mohanlal and Shiva Raja Kumar, who help create a crossover of Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada cinema in a massy action drama. Jailer is about a retired police officer whose son is kidnapped by a gangster. The father sets out to settle things down with the gangster, who will listen to no one but him after knowing who he is. The idea is very predictable, but there is a surprise in the pre-climax before you head towards a so-so climax. Rajinikanth's "Tiger ka Hukum" is commendable as he successfully carries along all his heroic stuff such as walk, talk, smash, show swag, and at last the "cigar." Mohanlal and Shiva's cameos have whistle-worthy moments, which are uplifted by the background score and a small rap in between. Ramya Krishnan, Vasanth Ravi, and Mirnaa Menon are decent in small roles. Jailer is dragged into the second half with Tamannaah's angle, robbery, and family drama stuff. Seriously, this is no way to bring your own film down after a good-to-go first half. Why does Nelson always have to look at things with his narrow-minded vision? More than him, we and our audiences need to find the answer soon. Overall, an okay watch after promising a better future.

RATING - 5/10*

By - #samthebestest.

Alappara Kelapparom

[shyamkrishsai · 8/10 · 10 August 2023]

FDFS @ PVR PXL.

Thalaivar Mass, Lalettan Mass, Shiva Rajkumar Mass!! This as obvious is for the masses and Nelson delivers a stylish blockbuster with his own format of making. As usual comedy injected at the serious points as a Nelson signature. Even though just cameos, Lalettan and Shiva Rajkumar got some amazing screen pres nce. Should have to say Nelson can't find a better villain that Vinayakan. He did such an amazing performance that it actually overshadowded everyone else. Action sequences with less cringey kicks and more firepower. This will be a defenite blockbuster. Thalaivar fever is on.

Stylish Rajini keeps getting better

[crravikiran · 7/10 · 15 August 2023]

Like wine as they say, Rajini keeps getting better with age. At this age , he is pulling crowds of all ages and making them whistle inside theatre. That proves what a mass hero he is . Coming to the movie, it has elements of an action packed thriller. There is violence so some families won't be comfortable watching. You can expect some twists in the movie . All the casts have done their roles pretty well in the movie . The villain, Vinayakan has come up with a good performance. The movie is more of a head to head face off between hero and villain . I feel this is the best movie of Rajini after 2.0 .

Another Dismal Film From Nelson

[sharansrinivas-g · 11 August 2023]

It seems that having tentpole actors from other language industries walk around in slo-mo is just what's need to classify movies as Pan-Indian. Anyway, Jailer does just that and this film fails spectacularly. Rajnikanth does what's required of him. However, Nelson doesn't. His screenplay is flaccid. He takes a well-established narrative template and botches it with a paltry execution. Nelson seems preoccupied with lifting scenes from Hollywood films that he's forgotten that making a Superstar film is actually pretty easy. You need a few mass scenes, a few punch dialogues and a simple story that acts as a bridge between the aforementioned mass scenes. How could you botch that up?

After Beast, this is yet another dismal film from Nelson. Forgettable fare.

Blockbuster Jailer!!!!

[SohailH22 · 10/10 · 10 August 2023]

This film is a celebration for all the fans of Rajini sir!!! He's back once again in his vintage avatar after Petta! His swag, his style, his dialogue delivery and his fantastic performance! Jailer is a perfect comeback for Rajini sir after the disastrous Annaatthe in 2021.

The amazing cameos of Karunada Chakravarthy Shivaraj Kumar sir and Complete actor Mohanlal sir completely uplifted the film totally!! Loved their scenes with Rajini sir! They set the screen on fire absolutely!!!

Ramya Krishna ma'am and Rajini sir are back on screen after several years!! Enjoyed watching them! Ramya ma'am is just too beautiful and a fantastic actress!

Yogi Babu sir, Sunil anna and Jaffer Sadiq are just fantastic and are so funny in the film!! Their comic timing is just amazing!

Anirudh sir never disappoints with his amazing music and BGM! The Jailer album is a superhit and I love it! Can't wait for Jawan and Leo!! Anni sir you're totally rocking it this year!

And Nelson sir, what a comeback after Beast! This is the best film you can make a comeback with! The dialogues in Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu makes it a pure Pan Indian film! After Jailer, Jawan is another pure Pan Indian film that brings actors from several film industries.

One Time Watch

[karthikrk-69494 · 6/10 · 17 August 2023]

Not Worth the Hype One time watch only. Not worth the theaters can watch on ott. Thailar as usual mass but others characters were not used properly, only rajni sir movie it is. 1st was good(okaish) but 2nd half was dragged unnecessarily, very boring. Not a typical nelson movie. Got bored in theaters was waiting when the movie will end. Only one or two thailvar moments thats it. If you are his fan then you will love it otherwise story is not that good, dont go by the positive reviews. Definetly not a theter watch, i am rajni sir's fan, petta was far better than this, Jailer is better than last movie but definetly not the best.

Only for hardcore fans,needed an A certificate

[harineem-209-525488 · 5/10 · 20 August 2023]

The movie is made only for hard core Rajni fans where every scene seems like a obeisance to his superstardom. The story is very haphazard and it felt at one point they didn't have any ideas so they create a idol theft storyline.

Ramya Krishnan is totally wasted and I dont know why she took up a role which any senior actress even in TV serials playing mother would have sufficed. The comedy is a disaster and the 30 mins where you have Tamannah are the most unbearable in the movie. Why Tamannah? Why? A good actress like her is again completely wasted in a juvenile plot. This mocking of Telugu heroes has been done to death now in all movies.

The movie is extremely violent with graphic scenes. I just don't understand how Mohanlal agreed to such a violent characterisation where he is bashing heads. Movies like these desensitise the next generation to violence which is not good and the censor board seems to have slept through this.

Of all the cameos Shivrajkumar takes the cake, he has massive screen presence and swag, never ever seen his movies before.

And we see that Rajni is back to promoting smoking with cigars all through the movie.

Unless you worship the superstar, this movie will not work for you. He is good in all scenes especially last 20 mins but unfortunately the movie itself is a mess.

Fan feast

[vjnambu · 8/10 · 1 September 2023]

Muthuvel pandian(rajinikanth) is a retired jailer, living a peaceful life with his wife, son, daughter in law and grandson. One day, muthuvel's son who is an ACP goes missing. After several investigation, everyone assumes him to be dead. Muthu comes to know that its varman(vinayakan),an idol smuggler behind his son's murder. Muthu goes on a revenge spree against varma using his underworld connections. But varma reveals that his son is alive and kept in an unknown place. To get him back varma asks muthu to steal a crown in Hyderabad for him. How muthu steals the crown and get his son back is the rest of the film.

First half of jailer is perfect with dark humor, mass elements, emotions blending well. We could see 80% of rajinikanth as an actor in first half. Interval bang was superb.

Second half goes weak due to the heist episodes. But the fan service in the last act backed by mohanlal and shivrajkumar's screen presence were a treat. The movie ends on an emotional note.

On the whole, jailer first half was like rajini acting in a nelson film and second half was like nelson directing a rajni film. Logic goes for a toss in second half. If muthu had all india underworld connections who can blast containers and kill people using sharp shooters, why didn't he try to trace his kidnapped son's location and save him? But, Nelson has rectified all the mistakes he did in beast with jailer.

Best of Rajinikanth since Petta!!

[sriramthestranger · 7/10 · 11 August 2023]

The movie starts with a rather calm Rajnikanth without much fanfare and intro songs. Anirudh is the kingpin for this movement with elevations and silence at right place. However, the movie may not give a good cinematic experience with majority of the characters focused on close centre of the screen for it to evoke so called 'Dark comedy'.

The director seems to have lost plot in the later half, and relied on a comedy track which added no value to the story. Some scenes were elevated which did not require such moments. It looks the Director resorted to fan service in the later part struggling to keep them entertained!!

Waste of time, space & Everything else

[sheshamaro · 1/10 · 30 August 2023]

The movie is so slow that, even fast-forward dosent help. It's like a never ending stretch of a chewing gum.

Its like the movie is just waiting for the lead to transform and when he does, its so appalling to watch. The younger version of the lead, looks like a wannabe and comical than. Strong character.

Adding in other veterans, doesn't really help and just causes more boredom and deviates from the lead's persona and character building.

The story telling and extravagance nowadays are more into action & punches & score.

This is a movie to avoid completely, as you will start loosing faith in Cinema and story tellers.

Almost perfect

[emonbiswas-26578 · 8/10 · 10 September 2023]

"Jailer" is a movie that left me with mixed feelings. On one hand, it was packed with action, drama, and various subplots, all happening simultaneously. However, on the other hand, the ending was rather straightforward and predictable. Furthermore, the film's length and inclusion of some unnecessary scenes made it feel a bit exhausting at times. In many ways, it adhered closely to the typical formula of a Tamil mass movie.

One aspect of "Jailer" that truly stood out was its remarkable cinematography. The visuals were nothing short of spectacular, with breathtaking shots and stunning scenery that captivated the audience throughout the film. The use of modern technology in the production added a contemporary touch, making the movie feel relevant and in tune with the times. It was evident that the filmmakers had invested a considerable amount of effort and resources into crafting a visually stunning experience.

The casting for "Jailer" was another highlight for me. The ensemble of actors brought their A-game to the table, delivering compelling performances that resonated with the audience. The chemistry between the cast members felt genuine, and their portrayals of their respective characters were convincing. It's not often that you find a movie where you can genuinely appreciate all the casting choices, but "Jailer" managed to achieve just that.

Now, despite these positive aspects, there were some notable downsides to the film. As mentioned earlier, the sheer length of the movie was a bit daunting. At times, it felt like certain scenes were included for the sake of prolonging the runtime rather than adding significant value to the storyline. This made the viewing experience a bit tedious, and I found myself wishing for a more concise narrative.

Additionally, the plot of "Jailer" followed a rather predictable trajectory. It adhered closely to the conventions of a typical Tamil mass movie, complete with the hero's journey, action-packed sequences, and larger-than-life villains. While this formula has its merits and can be enjoyable, it does run the risk of feeling formulaic. I would have appreciated a bit more innovation or a fresh perspective on this genre.

However, despite these shortcomings, "Jailer" managed to keep me engaged primarily due to its impressive visuals and the cast's stellar performances. The action sequences were adrenaline-pumping, and the emotional moments were heartfelt. The film did evoke a sense of nostalgia for fans of the genre, as it paid homage to the classic elements that have defined Tamil mass cinema over the years.

In conclusion, "Jailer" is a film that falls somewhere in between. While it may not break new ground in terms of storytelling or genre conventions, it compensates for this with its stunning cinematography and outstanding cast. If you're a fan of Tamil mass movies and can overlook a somewhat lengthy runtime and predictable plot, you'll likely find "Jailer" to be an enjoyable cinematic experience. For me, it earns a solid 8/10 rating, thanks to its visual brilliance and strong performances.

Too much hype

[kalaivanicuteheart · 6/10 · 13 August 2023]

If not for Anirudh, this movie wouldn't do this well. The movie has too much violence and definitely not for family audience. Bringing big stars inside it just for the sake of it. It's obvious they have done these roles only for Rajini. An yet another average movie from Nelson. Maybe his style of movie making is not for everyone atleast not for me. The big positives are Anirudh and thalaivar. First comedy scene by Yogi Babu was cringe but eventually he picked up. I enjoyed the movie in the last half an hour. Good efforts were put in the climax sequence. It's funny that Rajini denied stories from directors like Desingh to do this one. This movie is going good since audience love Rajinikanth! Another irking factor about the movie is starting the movie by introducing how vile the villain is! It would have been better if the good characters were introduced first at least in my opinion! Nelson and vikkis movies are always saved by Anirudh in the end!!

It is 8 out of 10 for Rajnikanth or else 5 out of 10

[Vetrrich_Chelvan · 8/10 · 15 August 2023]

In his old age, Muthuvel Pandian, an ex-jailer, is on a mission to avenge the death of his son who was killed by a mafia.

Jailer, directed by Nelson, is similar to Doctor (2021) in many aspects including the story, screenplay, and direction but lacks what made Doctor a successful film - a plot with integrity. It is missing in this film and one could see that Nelson's dark humor is not working out either. If Rajinikanth hadn't acted in the film, nothing would remain of Jailer, that would be remembered except for Anirudh's songs and background score. If you still don't get what I am saying, try watching the movie for the second time, and start counting the loopholes. You will understand.

A complete mass package

[rajvignesh-60140 · 6/10 · 20 August 2023]

This movie is all about rajni and mass elements, each and every scene is a mass coming on the way. If u are a rajni fan you are feasted with all dishes on plate. But as a cinema fan there is nothing new , just the same old story revenge etc. Special kudos to Ani the music is blasting. The Bgm is holding this movie as pillars. Without bgm jailer is a failure. The three superstars lalletan and shivakumar scenes vera ultra level mass, especially i loved the climax scene, which was at its peak. As always rajnified at the end. But satisfied in that, but end of the day story and screenplay matters. Every othe caharacters did their role to best. Kingsley and yogi comedy were good. Overall a good rajni film.

SUPER STAR ENTERTAINMENT

[joyalbrightt · 9/10 · 10 August 2023]

A Complete Thalaivar show presented by Nelson with perfection !

Dark humor worked well this time from Nelson and team and also he filled the film with full on Stylish and Mass Elevated scenes to bring out the Goosebumps of audience to Peak levels !!!

It's become Cliché for me to describe how good is Anirudh ; his BGM is fantastic as always and nelson Improvised to his standard and delivered mass Feast for the audience.

Vinayakan is terrific as the villains and Shiva Rajkumar is superb and Tamannaah Also did fine.

The Style, the Swag ,the Mass,the Screen presence is electrifying as ever for SUPER STAR Rajinikanth - his rollicking performance is the Backbone of Jailer.

AND THE Ultimate CAMEO ROLE OF our Lalettan ,just 10 minutes is enough for him to erupt the theater with his mass stylish showcase !

Go for it .... BLOCKBUSTER IS LOADING ....

PLS DON'T BE THE SPOILERS ...

Rajnikanth swagger is on another level!

[SoumikBanerjee1996 · 7/10 · 9 September 2023]

Everybody gangsta until Rajinikanth graciously walks in through a dense fog holding a freaking machete in his hands; even at the age of 72, this man seems to carry swagger like no one else.

When it solely comes to asserting sheer dominance on screen, very few come close, let alone matching up to him! I absolutely adored him here.

Now, as far as the movie is concerned, I have mixed feelings, mainly because the two halves seemed like two different films merged into one.

The first half is remarkable; I loved how it built up slowly but gradually picked up the pace and offered an astounding interval block. However, the second half fails to sustain the momentum and struggles to keep the intensity up; as a result, most of the film's second half comes across as sloppy and cluttered.

I did cherish the climactic portion, though. The pure display of unadulterated charm and swagger from all three veterans was a sight to behold!

Average movie with spectacular elevated mass scenes

[Jithindurden · 5/10 · 10 August 2023]

A bad movie that is almost saved by the elevated mass-masala sequences. Rajnikanth is The Superstar, but even his best mass masala movies like Bhaasha had a proper build-up and cathartic moments, which is mainly missing here. He's always the superstar here, even when he is aloof. Nelson's affinity towards comedy makes the drama and the approach towards the action a mess. The story is not expected to be anything significant but the treatment could have been way better. The first half could've been trimmed a lot. A lot of the comedy didn't work at all.

But it's from the interval block that the movie actually worked to a point for me. The action scene just before the interval was spectacular. The second half also had some nice sequences but then some silly things comes in between breaking the flow. Even the big twist there was very obvious. But the real treat was the cameos of Shivrajkumar, Mohanlal etc. It awakened the Ettan fan inside me and I was just stunned to see what they did with him. It's like a dream come true to see him with this kind of perfection even if it is a cameo role. But the thing is, if I didn't know who these stars really were, I would have thought this is such a trash film.

Compared to Nelson's previous Beast, it was at least consistently average, while this is 15 minutes of trash followed by five minutes of gold continuously for three hours. Other than the mass scenes, those five minutes were either Vinayakan's character or his sidekick giving spectacular performances that deserved a better film.

A NEAT FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FOR EVERYONE

[mohanram92 · 9/10 · 10 August 2023]

Very complicated story executed well by Nelson.. koncham miss ana kuda movie flop aagalam but Nelson executed neatly.. Thalaivar nailed it perfectly with his role .. emotion comedy goosebumps all perfectly mixed well n people will love it even non rajini fans will love it ... This is not like a revenge story that we have seen with many actors this is completely a different feeling.. watch it in theatre with full expectations it will satisfy you completely it's been more year to watch this kind of storyline ... All actors done neatly no unnecessary songs i felt there is not much Anirudh music mostly alappara music were repeated but the screen presence of Rajinikanth was just mind-blowing with that music..

Jailer - mix of dark humor, action,heroism, exhilarating soundtrack and missed opportunities.

[nikeshviz · 7/10 · 10 August 2023]

The movie kicks off with introduction of the villain in a violent yet humor-laden scene that's classic of director Nelson's style. It paints the antagonist as someone with minimal patience, resorting to violence to drive his point home.

Enter Superstar Rajini, portrayed as an ordinary middle-class man who cherishes his family. While family scenes can often feel mundane, the narrative's sprinkling of humor elevates them, transforming them into an enjoyable watch.

The real action begins when Rajini's character is thrust into the fray after his son, a cop handling a high-profile case, is either killed or kidnapped. The movie takes a revenge-driven turn, but it's the clever infusion of humor through the character Yogi that truly shines. Rajini's use of Yogi as a tool for revenge adds a comical twist that keeps the audience chuckling.

Although the revenge plot isn't groundbreaking, the director's deft execution keeps us engaged which ultimately pits Rajini against the main villain, and while this premise isn't novel, the slick direction and exciting soundtrack maintains our intrigue.

The plan Rajini concocts to safeguard his family, involving a doctor, comes across as rather absurd. The ensuing sequences pique our curiosity about Rajini's true character. As he assembles a team of muscle-bound allies and takes on the antagonist's empire.

The leverage he gains seems promising, but this facade won't hold, especially when the villain dispatches goons to target Rajini's family.

And then comes the intense interval sequence-a well executed blend of dark humor and gripping music and heroism that leaves us craving for more. It's undoubtedly the standout moment of the movie, setting the stage for what promises to be an intriguing second half.

The movie's second half delves into Rajini's past as a jailer at Tihar Jail. This sequence sets the stage for a commercial payoff, portraying Rajini as a well-connected man who uses his influence to come out on top. The villain's stature diminishes in comparison, showcasing Rajini as an unmatched powerhouse. However, the story's progression hits a snag here as the villain is too weak to challenge rajini.

Subsequent scenes show the villain leveraging crucial information to coerce Rajini into participating in a heist. Rajini's decision to comply, despite his immense power, seems implausible and marks a tonal shift with the introduction of characters Sunil and Tamanna, which derails the movie, making it predictable and also diminishing the impact of the lackluster action set piece during the heist.

A twist emerges involving Rajini's son, yet the film fails to establish a compelling emotional bond between them, rendering the twist a mere distraction. The cameos by Mohanlal and Raj Kumar serve as a desperate attempt to elevate Rajini's heroism but contribute little to the plot. Nonetheless, the soundtrack and the director's visual style salvage the climax to some extent.

Had the director crafted a more emotionally resonant backstory between Rajini and his son, or introduced a formidable antagonist to challenge Rajini, while omitting the Sunil subplot, the second half could have made a substantial difference in enhancing the movie's overall impact.

Disappointed

[abrajiv · 2/10 · 12 August 2023]

Vinayakan has given his best performance as the villain which is the best highlight of the movie...Rajni did his bit as an actor, all be it ageing and struggling but Nelson has screwed this up...showing thalaivar in slow motion doesn't make this a good movie...storyline was all over the place...5 minutes in the climax was the only best part as a film lover to watch and enjoy...best watched in the relaxing environment of your home...First half was bearable but second half was pretty bad with the story going nowhere and few characters added for no reason...Nelson is all to blame...his first movie was unique but since then its been a big downfall.

Let Nelson cook :)

[sujanfaster · 8/10 · 11 August 2023]

Although I am a big Thalaivar fan (who isn't?)His movies after Sivaji The Boss and Endhiran haven't really lived up to my expectations. After those two large scale movies Rajni has tried to experiment with scripts and directors over the last decade. Some of them did achieve a bit of commercial success but barely any of them connected emotionally with the fans the way they used to apart from the initial week hype.

I was a bit reserved about Nelson directing Jailer, considering his outing with Beast. But the announced cast did spark some interest after all. The movie indeed lives up to the expectations and probably exceeds too in terms of its presentation. The story is pretty simple and nothing extraordinarily new but the screenplay and well integrated humour along with cameos make Jailer a cracking entertainer. It goes without saying that Anirudh's background score plays a major role and the songs are well placed along with the screenplay. The movie does tends to deviate off track in the second half but Nelson manages to bring it back well. The action set pieces are beautifully overdone and they do not look insane or stupid. It has been a while since I have seen the comedic bits integrated well into an action movie and a big kudos to Nelson for that. The choreography for Kaavaala song is exceptional and is brilliantly shot including the Rajni part ;)

The best part about Jailer is how Nelson seamlessly manages a large supporting cast and also cameos without making them seem unnecessary apart from a very few. I wouldn't wanna reveal too much about who's who for obvious reasons. Rajni's character is well written and Nelson plays to Rajni's strengths perfectly. The best part about Rajni's character is the looks and after a long time we see that going well for him especially for his age. As usual, Thalaivar excels in all the emotions while smiling through many tricky situations in the movie. Me being a Shivarajkumar fan was elated to see Shivanna's little but impactful presence in the movie. I am pretty sure many theaters in Karnataka have erupted for his appearance in the second half. Mohanlan and Jacky Shroff also play small but vital roles and their look works really well for this movie. It is Malayalam actor Vinayakan's role as antagonist Varman which brings a unique flair to the movie. He eats up the screen just by his presence and antiques and it doesn't feel like he is overdoing it. Yogi Babu is refreshingly funny especially in the first half. The standout surprise for me was the character Dhanraj who is one of Varman's main henchman. While I am still trying to figure out the actor's name (I may come back to edit this), he is absolutely brilliant. His comedy feels over the top to start with but eventually ends up adding so much to the movie.

Jailer is both mass and a family entertainer. It's been a while since I had a ball of a time at theatres for an Indian cinema and I am glad it was Thalaivar's movie which brought me that joy.