Rajinikanth took to X on Thursday to share a note condoling the demise of senior Kannada journalist KJ Kumar. The veteran actor posted the note in Kannada.

His condolence message reads, "Late K. J. Kumar was my dear friend. He admired and encouraged my acting from the very beginning. He was very simple and always smiling with everyone. His departure has caused a lot of pain in my mind. My condolences to his family."

At the age of 74, KJ Kumar breathed his last at a private hospital on Wednesday, after suffering from a massive heart attack. He was well known in Mysuru film circles.

On the work front, Rajinikanth recently wrapped filming for Jailer 2. Jailer 2 is helmed by Nelson, who also helmed Jailer. The film, which comes three years after Jailer, will see Rajinikanth reprising his role as 'Tiger' Muthuvel Pandian, alongside Ramya Krishnan, who plays his wife. While Shivarajkumar has confirmed his cameo reprisal in Jailer 2, the presence of other senior actors like Mohanlal and Jackie Shroff is yet to be confirmed. Vinayakan will also be seen in the upcoming film, despite his character's demise in the 2023 film.

New names added to the ensemble this time around include Jatin Sarna, Mithun Chakraborty, Santhanam, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Vijay Sethupathi, Meghana Raj Sarja and Anna Rajan. Other big names like Shah Rukh Khan, Nandamuri Balakrishna, Vidya Balan, SJ Suryah, and Mirnaa are also expected to be part of the sequel's cast. There is also buzz about the appearance of Nora Fatehi in a dance number. The Nelson directorial is currently slated to open in theatres on June 12.

Meanwhile, Rajinikanth is also working on Thalaivar 173, helmed by Cibi Chakravarthy and backed by Kamal Haasan's Raaj Kamal Films International. The film is all set to go on floors in April. Rajinikanth is also joining hands with Kamal Haasan for an upcoming film tentatively titled KHxRK reunion, which is set to be helmed by Nelson and feature music by Anirudh Ravichander.