Jailer

After the colossal misfire that was Beast, Nelson strikes back with a well-cooked, deliciously violent entertainer that once again features a bunch of quirky characters and his signature dry/dark humour, coupled with spectacular fan service. I don't want to get into the plot or its details. Let's just talk about what worked and what didn't. The story is actually pretty straightforward. Nelson's films have this mission-driven approach, and that's the case here too.

WHAT WORKED:

• The treatment of the protagonist: This is an area where multiple directors have struggled in recent times. There are soft, emotional moments, and then, there are HIGH VOLTAGE MASS moments. Muthuvel Pandian is the kind of protagonist that's tailormade for Thalaivar. He doesn't have to beat up a hundred goons to prove how powerful he is. He has connections, and knows how to effectively use them.

• Anirudh's score: Such an integral component to this film's success. In a film with several elevation moments, the score had a lot to live up to. And it did! The next time you see "An Anirudh Musical" title card, you know it's gonna make a huge difference to the overall viewing experience.

• The cameos: It took several years and a Tamil director to present Mohanlal in such a classy avatar that made you crave his character's presence more. Shivanna's cameo is also incredibly placed and superbly executed in the climactic showdown. Jackie Shroff shows up post-interval in a pivotal flashback sequence, and he also gets his shining moment. Furthermore, the cameos are actually written into the screenplay quite well.

• The portrayal of the antagonist: Vinayakan's Varman is an extremely violent and eccentric antagonist. For this guy to stand up against Muthuvel (and his connections), we feel he's weak somewhere. But the character is written in such a way that he somehow keeps getting the upper hand. Varman is one of the most vicious antagonists you'll see in any Rajini movie, subtly transitioning between someone who dips his enemies in sulphuric acid and simultaneously breaking into a dance with his gang. Fantastic performance by Vinayakan - that's all I can say!

• The big screen experience: Such a clichéd thing to say in a review, but a film like this really needs to be experienced in a packed crowd, with all the hoots, cheers, and screams. It is packaged in such a way as to elicit all of these, alongside some incredible goosebump moments. The climax is absolutely terrific; the tail-end takes a route that's not usually taken in Rajini movies. Also, please don't bring kids/infants to this flick and ruin it for everyone.

WHAT DIDN'T WORK:

• Casual misogyny: This has been repetitive on Nelson's part, since KoKo. The women characters (including that of Ramya Krishnan) are conveniently pushed aside for Rajini & Co. To shine. They're perceived heavily through the male gaze and only act as placeholders. It wouldn't have hurt to attribute some heft to Ramya Krishnan's character (Muthu's wife). Give her some powerful dialogues, at least, mate!

• Subplots: The subplot involving Blast Mohan (Sunil), Kamna (Tamannah) and those guys felt like a random addition. Even the Kaavala song is not the sizzling wonder you probably expected. Many might find Redin Kingsley wholly annoying. I wasn't one of those, but I can understand if that's the case. Even the quality of humour took a dip here when compared with the antics of Yogi Babu and VTV Ganesh in the first half.

Concluding note -

I think Jailer is majorly for those who have grown up watching Rajini movies (sorry, Gen Z), but Nelson hasn't made any major compromises in the way he wanted to tell this particular story. From a storytelling standpoint, it isn't as refreshing as KoKo or unique as Doctor, but it also comes with that special sauce that was heavily lacking in Beast.

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...

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.

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 .

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.