Jayaram has become a less-frequent presence in Malayalam cinema. However, in the 1990s, he was doing back-to-back films in the industry. Interestingly, in a recent interview, the actor said that he was offered a chance to play the role of Arjun Krishnamoorthy in 1991's Thalapathi, directed by Mani Ratnam and starring Rajinikanth and Mammootty.

Speaking to Ranjini Haridas, Jayaram said that he has said no to many films, which went on to become superhits. When probed further, the actor cited Thalapathi as an example. "Mammookka called me first for Arvind Swamy's role. I went to Mani Ratnam sir's office and was told that I would have to make my dates available for three months straight for combination scenes with Rajini sir and Mammootty sir. I was not certain when work would come my way because there were combination scenes throughout the film. Unfortunately, I could not go at the time."

Jayaram had to miss out on the film because of his commitments in Malayalam. Back in the day, too, actors in Malayalam cinema had to enter a contractual agreement with the producer before starting shoot for any film. The actor's recent comments are going viral now, partly because these have come at a time when he is facing flak for giving a reason for opting out of Twenty:20's climax that contradicts his earlier reason.

He would eventually act with Mammootty in multiple films, most notably 1993's Dhruvam. However, he has not starred in a film with Rajinikanth as yet. A long time ago, the actor also revealed that he was offered a part in Muthu, opposite Rajinikanth, but did not sign up for it because it required him to slap the Superstar. Back then, the actor said that he did not want to hit Rajinikanth in the Thenmavin Kombath remake and potentially face backlash from the Superstar's fans.