Director Nelson and Rajinikanth's latest film Jailer 2 has been raking in big money at the box office and drawing positive reviews from viewers and critics. Meanwhile, a section of the audience and the film fraternity has also been drawing parallels between the Jailer sequel and Rajinikanth's 1995 film Baashha. Take Raghava Lawrence, for instance. The actor-director revealed on Saturday that he has watched the film twice now.
Sharing a still featuring him with the film's star SJ Suryah from a theatre, Raghava Lawrence wrote, "After Baashha, Jailer 2 has made me want to watch a movie on repeat just for Thalaivar’s MASS moments!" The actor-filmmaker added, "A big thanks to director Nelson, producer Sun Pictures' Kalanithi Maran sir, and Anirudh for giving Thalaivar’s fans this MASS FEAST! My heartfelt wishes to the entire cast, crew, and technicians."
Speaking of Baashha, one particular moment involving Rajinikanth's Tiger Muthuvel Pandian in the sequel to Jailer appears to pay homage to the 1995 classic. Nelson seems to have drawn inspiration from the iconic moment in the classic film where Rajinikanth's auto driver Manikam walks into a police station; as he enters the station, we see a juxtaposed image of the Superstar's Manik Baashha. Even the story of the film mirrors the 1995 classic, with Rajinikanth's Tiger Muthuvel Pandian keeping a low profile and attempting to live as a subdued family man before his violent past catches up with him.
Coming back to Raghava Lawrence, the actor-filmmaker is a massive admirer of Rajinikanth. In August last year, when the Superstar completed his Golden Jubilee year in cinema, Raghava Lawrence wrote, "From the moment I first saw him on screen to this day, Thalaivar Rajinikanth sir has been my guru, my inspiration, and my guiding light. As a die-hard fan, I’ve celebrated his every movie. As someone in the industry, I’ve been blessed by his kindness and encouragement, and without his help, I wouldn't be what I am today."
