Vijay Sethupathi has shared an insight into Rajinikanth’s approach to acting, recalling their time together on Jailer 2 and describing the Superstar as someone he continues to watch with “absolute awe and admiration".

Speaking at the audio launch of his upcoming film Baththa, Vijay Sethupathi said that he had recently acted in Nelson's Jailer 2, where he featured in a brief sequence with Rajinikanth. Recalling the experience, he said the scene involved a conversation between the two actors.

Vijay Sethupathi remembered how the director had kept betel leaves, areca nut and cloves on the set and told Rajinikanth, “Sir, use them if you need them.” Given his experience, Rajinikanth did not need to rehearse the scene extensively, Sethupathi noted. Instead, the actor picked up a betel leaf, folded it and used the process to check the timing of the scene and Sethupathi’s dialogue delivery.

“He watched the scene through a few rehearsals,” he recalled, before expressing his own desire to carry the same dedication towards his craft. “One thing I sincerely wish for is that, if I continue to be an actor until the day I die, I want to have the same level of dedication towards my work,” he said.

Vijay Sethupathi is currently gearing up for the release of Baththa, directed by Balaji Tharaneetharan and presented by Atlee. The film marks the third collaboration between the actor and the filmmaker after Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom and Seethakaathi. Lijomol Jose also stars in the film, with music by Sai Abhyankkar. Baththa is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on October 1.

Meanwhile, Jailer 2, directed by Nelson Dilipkumar and produced by Sun Pictures, sees Rajinikanth reprise his role as Tiger Muthuvel Pandian. The sequel also features an ensemble cast including Mohanlal, Shiva Rajkumar, Vidya Balan and Suraj Venjaramoodu, among others. The film is scheduled to hit theatres on October 15.