For Jailer 2, the discussion surrounding its guest appearances has extended beyond screen time to the making of one of its climactic sequences. Fans of Malayalam star Mohanlal have questioned the extent of his role in the Rajinikanth-starrer, with speculation about a body double adding to their disappointment over scenes they believe were trimmed from the final version.
The film’s action director Chethan D’Souza has now addressed one of the claims, confirming that Mohanlal himself performed the car scene in the climax. Responding to a fan’s question in the comments section of an Instagram post, Chethan wrote, “It’s him,” dismissing speculation that a stand-in had replaced the actor in the sequence.
The clarification follows comments by mimicry artiste Jobi Kodakara, who said he had served as Mohanlal’s stand-in for a limited number of shots in the film. Speaking to the YouTube channel Jango Space, Jobi explained that only one or two shots featuring him had been retained in the final cut and that these showed parts of his hands and legs during the airport sequence near the climax. One shot involved changing gears while driving, while another showed someone pressing the accelerator.
“My face has not been shown anywhere. The face that people claim is shown in the climax isn’t mine. I am certain about that,” Jobi said. He suggested that a stand-in might have been used for practical reasons, such as scheduling or time constraints, and expressed regret over posting photographs of himself dressed in Mohanlal’s look from the film’s sets. Those pictures, shared on the film’s release day, had fuelled speculation about the extent of his involvement.
The two accounts distinguish between Mohanlal’s performance in the climax car scene and the use of a stand-in for specific close-up shots. While Chethan’s response addresses whether Mohanlal himself appeared in the disputed sequence, Jobi’s explanation identifies the limited portions for which he was used. Neither clarification, however, addresses the broader criticism from fans about the Malayalam actor’s screen time.
That issue has been a separate point of contention since the film’s release. Fans have questioned why Mohanlal’s introduction and other portions reportedly featured in promotional material were reduced or omitted from the theatrical cut. Chethan did not respond to a fan’s question about the trimmed introduction, and the film’s makers have not publicly explained the editing decisions.
Directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, Jailer 2 sees Rajinikanth return as retired jailer 'Tiger' Muthuvel Pandian. Mohanlal reprises his role as Mathew, while the ensemble also includes Shivarajkumar, Jackie Shroff, SJ Suryah, Ramya Krishnan, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Mithun Chakraborty, Vidya Balan, Namo Narayana, Yogi Babu, and Mirnaa, among others. The sequel follows Muthuvel as he turns to allies old and new to protect his family from an idol-smuggling network.
