With advance bookings now underway, Rajinikanth’s Jailer 2 is gearing up for an early-morning theatrical rollout across the southern states. The film, directed by Nelson, is set to arrive in theatres on October 15, with its first-day screenings and ticket rates already drawing attention.
The first shows are scheduled to begin as early as 6 am in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, with ticket-booking listings also showing 6 am screenings in Kerala. In Tamil Nadu, the first shows are expected to begin at 8.30 am. Meanwhile, select multiplexes in Bengaluru have reportedly priced tickets as high as Rs 1,600, although opening-day rates across the city are said to average around Rs 800 to Rs 1,000.
The reported premium rates are not uniform across Bengaluru, with prices varying according to the theatre, show and format. The high-priced tickets have become a talking point ahead of the release, even as audiences across other markets have access to different price bands.
In Andhra Pradesh, the state government has approved a temporary ticket-price hike for the film’s first seven days in theatres, from October 15 to 21. Under the order, single-screen theatres can charge an additional Rs 50 per ticket, while multiplexes can levy an extra Rs 75. Five shows per day have been permitted during this period. In Telangana, ticket prices at listed multiplexes reportedly range between Rs 295 and Rs 350, while Tamil Nadu tickets are currently listed at around Rs 190.
The staggered timings also mean that audiences in Tamil Nadu will see the film later than those attending the earliest shows in neighbouring states. The difference comes amid heightened anticipation for the sequel, which brings Rajinikanth back as Tiger Muthuvel Pandian after the 2023 film became a major box-office success.
Produced by Sun Pictures, Jailer 2 features returning cast members Ramya Krishnan, Yogi Babu and Mirnaa, alongside Mohanlal and Shivarajkumar. New additions include Vidya Balan, SJ Suryah, Mithun Chakraborty and Suraj Venjaramoodu, among others.