Rajinikanth’s Jailer 2 is at the centre of a debate that goes beyond its on-screen performance. Mohanlal’s brief appearance, questions about a body double in the climax, allegations of a scene cut, and reports of legal action over negative reviews have all drawn attention.
The latest clarification from Mohanlal’s body double, Joby Kodakara, has added an important detail. Here is what we know about the controversy and what happened.
Jailer 2 Mohanlal Controversy Explained
Mohanlal’s appearance as Mathew, the Dubai-based crime boss in the 2023 film Jailer, was one of the original film’s memorable twists. But his reduced screen presence in Nelson Dilipkumar’s sequel has become a point of discussion among the audience.
The controversy was triggered when Jishad Shamsudeen, Mohanlal’s personal stylist and costume designer, alleged that three distinct looks were created for the actor but were removed from the final cut.
In a social media post on October 15, Jishad wrote: “Based on what was shot, I was completely confident in our work. But with the film's release, three of Mohanlal Sir's distinct looks were cut entirely, and even that trailer scene was trimmed out.”
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Jishad further added that he would not work on a possible third instalment. “Seeing our superstar reduced like this, if there is a sequel, I will not be a part of it,” he wrote.
His comments provide an account of his dissatisfaction with the final edit. However, neither the number of deleted looks nor the reasons behind the editing decisions have been independently explained by the filmmakers.
(Image Credit: District)
Jailer 2 Body Double controversy: What Joby Kodakara Said
Another debate started about Mohanlal’s involvement in the climax intensified after mimicry artiste Joby Kodakara shared photographs of himself dressed in the actor’s Mathew look on the film’s release day. The images prompted questions about whether a double had performed portions of the climax.
In an interview with YouTube channel Jango Space, Joby clarified that he did only one or two shots in the airport sequence.
“To be honest, only one or two shots featuring me have been used in the film. Only parts of my hands and legs are visible. These appear in the airport scene during the climax. My face has not been shown anywhere in the film,” he said.
Joby also acknowledged that sharing the photographs had been a mistake. He said he was excited to work in a Rajinikanth film and wanted people to know about his involvement.
ALSO READ: Hrithik Roshan’s Jailer 2 Fee: Does His Brief Cameo With Rajinikanth Come With Hefty Price Tag?
Jailer 2 Makers To Take Legal Action Over Negative Reviews?
A separate controversy concerns the makers taking measures against allegedly malicious online reviews.
A Cinema Express report said Sun Pictures had reportedly disabled Jailer 2’s review and rating option on BookMyShow amid concerns about coordinated negative feedback. The publication also reported that legal action had been threatened over content considered malicious.
The Times of India subsequently reported that the makers had taken legal measures over alleged attempts to damage the film’s reputation through online reviews.
The Jailer 2 debate comes down to two questions: why Mohanlal’s reported scenes were cut and what measures the makers have taken over online reviews. Until the filmmakers provide further clarification, some of the claims will remain unresolved.
FAQs
Q1. Why is Jailer 2 facing controversy?
A1. The controversy involves Mohanlal’s deleted scenes, body double rumours and reports of legal action over allegedly malicious reviews.
Q2. Who was Mohanlal’s body double in Jailer 2?
A2. Mimicry artiste Joby Kodakara said he performed one or two shots involving Mohanlal’s hands and legs.
Q3. Did Jailer 2 makers take legal action over negative reviews?
A3. Reports suggest action over allegedly malicious reviews, but the specific legal proceedings remain unverified