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A full house screamed throughout last night’s Times Square premiere of “Jailer,” a grisly and comedic action Indian thriller starring Rajinikanth, the marquee-topping, Tamil-speaking septuagenarian and self-advertised “Super Star.” Or at least, everybody alive in that auditorium seemed to be cheering for Rajinikanth.

Rajinikanth (“Robot,” “Kaala”) is now 72 years old. His “Jailer” character, a retired cop and prison warden named Muthu “ Tiger ” Pandian, has a sassy young grandson and a knack for murdering villains. Beheadings and fatal stabbings are a Muthu specialty. He also has a vast network of shady old friends, played by a deep bench of Indian character actors and fellow leading men, who help Muthu kill the bad men who threaten his family.

In “Jailer,” the bad men are led by Varman (Vinayakan), a manic crime boss who kidnaps Muthu’s adult son Arjun ( Vasanth Ravi ), also a cop, and threatens to behead Arjun’s grandson Rithvik (Rithvik Jothi Raj), an aspiring YouTube star, while Rithvik and Muthu get ice cream. Varman’s men taunt Muthu by doing a grotesque dance of joy in the street. He retaliates by hacking at some of them with a gigantic blade: “After a point I don’t talk, I slash.” If you come to “Jailer” for anything but Rajinikinath, you will probably leave disappointed.

“Jailer” simultaneously is and isn’t a typical Rajinikanth vehicle. It’s more self-conscious and more committed than some of his other recent vehicles, as far as reconciling the tonal whiplash banked into the Indian cinema’s kitchen sink, mass-audience-minded masala style. The makers of “Jailer” toggle between emotional registers with confidence and alarming frequency, like whenever Muthu helps Rithvik film a gardening program for his YouTube channel, and then resumes his bloody feud with Varman. In a musical montage that only makes sense after a long-delayed plot twist, Muthu and Rithvik bask in each other’s company while an acoustic guitar plays and a singer paints a sunny picture of a man who, in Rithvik, also sees “my leader ... my son.” Meanwhile, Arjun tortures one of Varman’s men, and also orders a fellow cop to not give water to his blood-soaked victim. The acoustic guitarist never takes a break.

The persistent extremity of Varman’s character-defining violence also gives old man Rajinikanth a mandate to be merciless. It’s sometimes even touching to see him match Varman since, as our antihero’s theme song boasts, “He will make your next generation dance to his tunes.” Rajinikanth is perhaps unusual when compared to, say, a Sylvester Stallone or a Steven Seagal , in that he still attracts the sort of young idolatrous filmmakers who all seem obsessed with making the now biologically mature star look eternally iconic. A friend who saw “Jailer” in Los Angeles last night joked about how many times Rajinikanth enters a new room with dramatic flair. In Times Square, each new slow-motion turn to the camera was met with screams. So were Rajinikanth’s lusty action scenes, especially when he finally notices Varman’s barrels of sulphuric acid.

Sometimes it’s hard to tell if director Nelson Dilipkumar knows what he’s doing, either with his star or this movie’s volatile mix of tones and styles. “Beast,” Dilipkumar’s loopy third-generation “ Die Hard ” clone, gives some helpful context since “Beast” pits the relatively young four-quadrant star Vijay against a shopping mall full of terrorists, one of whom he also beheads. In “Jailer,” Muthu is an older man with a legacy to consider. On-screen, Rajinikanth occasionally bumps his head against his emotional range’s low ceiling, like when Muthu cries about Arjun’s fate. In this scene, Rajinikanth leans as hard into his angles as he does whenever Muthu loses it and cackles like a lunatic with a secret.

Before an “INTERMISSION” intertitle flashed across the screen—they never pause for intermission at the AMC Empire 25—Muthu tells us that now that he’s got nothing to lose, he can stop juggling three different faces and just wear one. He says this to his family members after he warns them to stay perfectly still, so that he and his action-pose-ready friends can pick off some more bad men. After the “INTERMISSION” title, there’s an extensive new subplot involving an extra-marital affair, a bad toupee, the comedian Sunil, and the starlet Tamannaah Bhatia . Everybody acts as a version of themselves in “Jailer,” but only Rajinikanth’s performance pulls everything together by sheer willpower.

Rajinikanth is 72 years old, so it’s weirdly moving to see that, every two or three years, he can still crank out a freewheeling star vehicle as vigorous and exhausting as “Jailer.” Just outside Theater 25, I overheard a 40-something-year-old man ask an older companion what he thought about “Jailer.” I couldn’t make out the older fellow’s response, but his chuckle and little shake of the head suggested that he was still enjoying Rajinikanth’s eternal summer.

In theaters now.      

Simon Abrams

Simon Abrams is a native New Yorker and freelance film critic whose work has been featured in  The New York Times ,  Vanity Fair ,  The Village Voice,  and elsewhere.

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Jailer (2023)

170 minutes

Rajinikanth as Tiger Muthuvel Pandian

Shivaraj Kumar as Ravana

Jackie Shroff

Sunil Varma

Ramya Krishnan

Tamannaah Bhatia

Vasanth Ravi

Nagendra Babu

• Nelson Dilipkumar
• Arunraja Kamaraj

Director of Photography

• Vijay Kartik Kannan

Playback Singer

• Anirudh Ravichander
• Rajinikanth

Original Music Composer

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Jailer | Song - Rathamaarey (Lyrical)

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Common sense media reviewers.

Violent Indian action comedy about a father seeking revenge.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Given the excessive crime, gore, and themes of exa

Central male characters -- Muthuvel and his enemy,

All characters are Indian and are played by Indian

Severe violence, gore, and torture sequences. Peop

There is one sensual song and dance sequence. Some

Includes: "s--t," "bloody," "hell," "get lost," "m

Multiple characters are seen smoking a lot through

Parents need to know that Jailer is a violent and gory Indian Tamil-language action comedy that follows "Tiger" Muthuvel Pandian's (Rajinikanth) vengeful journey after he believes his son has been killed. Expect a lot of bloody action, with multiple brawls and torture sequences where people are tied up,…

Positive Messages

Given the excessive crime, gore, and themes of exacting violent revenge, there aren't any positive messages to take from the movie.

Positive Role Models

Central male characters -- Muthuvel and his enemy, Varman -- continually engage in violence and vengeance.

Diverse Representations

All characters are Indian and are played by Indian actors. There are very few female characters. Those that are present don't play any active part in the unfolding of the plot. Instead they are limited to performing sensual dance sequences or as damsels in distress needing protection from their aggressive male counterparts. The film pans across different Indian cities and has a male writing and directing team. The film is in Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi with English subtitles available.

Did we miss something on diversity? Suggest an update.

Violence & Scariness

Severe violence, gore, and torture sequences. People kill and injure others using sharp blades, bombs, hammers, sticks, guns, and rifles. There is extensive hand-to-hand combat in multiple scenes. Someone is slapped. People are hanged upside-down and dunked into tumblers filled with sulfuric acid. Threats of chopping up bodies and kidnapping people are made numerous times. There is a conversation about suicide. Characters drive recklessly and multiple vehicles are blasted through bombs and grenades. In elaborate sequences, someone's head is chopped off and another individual's ear is sliced. In multiple scenes, people are tied up and beaten.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

There is one sensual song and dance sequence. Some use of innuendo as humor.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

Includes: "s--t," "bloody," "hell," "get lost," "moron," "shut up," "damn," and "idiot." "God" used as an exclamation.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

Multiple characters are seen smoking a lot throughout the film. In a few scenes, characters are seen drinking alcohol.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Jailer is a violent and gory Indian Tamil-language action comedy that follows "Tiger" Muthuvel Pandian's (Rajinikanth) vengeful journey after he believes his son has been killed. Expect a lot of bloody action, with multiple brawls and torture sequences where people are tied up, suspended upside-down, and beaten to death. A person is gorily beheaded and another has their ear cut off. Weapons such as knives, axes, blades, hammers, guns, rifles, bombs, grenades, etc. are used to cause injury and death. A person threatens to abduct people and slice their bodies. People discuss the possibility of a suicide. There is dangerous driving, and cars and trucks explode in multiple scenes. Some sexual innuendo is used by characters as a form of humor, while people smoke excessively throughout. Language includes "s--t," "bloody," "hell," "damn," etc.. The film is in Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi with English subtitles also available. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

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What's the Story?

In JAILER, when his son goes missing, "Tiger" Muthuvel Pandian (Rajinikanth) leaves no stone unturned to find those who killed him and exact his violent revenge.

Is It Any Good?

Directed by Nelson Dilipkumar , this Indian Tamil-language action comedy is full of violence and gore. Jailer hovers around themes of crime, revenge, and betrayal, with central character Muthuvel full of machoism as he sets off on a mission to exact punishment on his son's abductors. It's a familiar path told endless times. Even the much-loved Rajinikanth fails to bring any charisma to an otherwise bland movie. Prolonged action sequences, endless bloodbaths, and gruesome torture scenes barely spare time for anything interesting to take place, despite the near three-hour duration. While the few female characters remain on the sidelines and have absolutely no role in the development of what exists as a plot.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about the violence in Jailer . How did it make you feel? Did you find it entertaining or over the top? Do some types of media violence have different impact than others ?

What was central character Muthuvel's motivation? Did it remind you of any other movies you've seen?

How were women portrayed in the movie? What purpose did they serve to the plot? Did you find it problematic? How can I find positive gender representations in movies and on TV?

Movie Details

• In theaters : August 9, 2023
• On DVD or streaming : September 7, 2023
• Cast : Rajinikanth , Mohanlal , Shivarajkumar
• Director : Nelson Dilipkumar
• Inclusion Information : Indian/South Asian actors
• Studio : Ayangaran International Films
• Genre : Action/Adventure
• Run time : 168 minutes
• MPAA rating : NR
• Last updated : May 20, 2024

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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‘Jailer’ Review: Rajinikanth returns to supreme form in Nelson Dilipkumar's film

Director nelson dilipkumar’s ‘jailer’, starring rajinikanth, vinayakan and vasanth ravi, is a proper paisa-vasool commercial entertainer. with solid performances and good camera work, ‘jailer’ is strictly a theatre watch, says our review..

Listen to Story

• 'Jailer' released in theatres on August 10.
• The film is helmed by Nelson Dilipkumar.
• Jackie Shroff, Mohanlal and Shiva Rajkumar play cameo roles in the film.

Release Date: 10 Aug, 2023

Rajinikanth is truly back and how! Whenever Thalaivar scores a hit, it almost feels personal. After ‘Annatthe’, which received unfavourable reviews, it has been quite a while since Rajinikanth delivered a solid entertainer. And for Nelson Dilipkumar, who is coming back from Thalapathy Vijay’s ‘Beast’, getting ‘Jailer’ right was much-needed. And he did a great job!

‘Jailer’ opens with a group of people involved in idol smuggling, with its main leader as Varma (Vinayakan). Arjun (Vasanth Ravi) is an honest police officer who wants to track the idol smuggling network and bust them. However, Arjun gets kidnapped by Varma, and everyone in the police department fears that he is dead. His father, Muthuvel Pandian (Rajinikanth), an ex-police officer himself, is distraught.

Muthuvel Pandian is a doting father as well and now wants to take revenge. He goes on a killing spree, which leads him to Varma. But that’s not the end. Varma gives Muthuvel a daunting task as well. And Muthuvel agrees to it on one condition. The whys, whats, and hows are explored in nearly three hours.

Director Nelson Dilipkumar is known for his impeccable comedy timing, and he incorporates dark comedy in all his films. ‘Jailer’ is no different. In fact, Rajinikanth gets a subdued introduction as a retired man taking care of the household chores. He helps his grandson with his YouTube channel, buys vegetables for the house, and has absolute fun. It is great to see Thalaivar do mundane stuff as opposed to the stylish antics we’d always see. But Nelson has struck a balance in tapping into both sides of Rajinikanth, which is essentially why ‘Jailer’ works.

It is Rajinikanth who does all the heavy lifting in ‘Jailer’. The story of ‘Jailer’ has shades of Kamal Haasan’s ‘Vikram’. The two films are about a father going to any lengths for their sons, even if it means taking on a criminal gang. While ‘Vikram’ sticks to its genre righteously, ‘Jailer’ is a commercial actioner, with the right doses of action. The initial portions of Jailer have Rajinikanth attempting black comedy. While the comedy works in some parts, it also falls flat in many places. The film takes its sweet time to get into the main conflict. But Rajinikanth makes up for his subdued performance whenever the film lags.

‘Jailer’ is a film that celebrates the film industry at its core. We have Shiva Rajkumar, Jackie Shroff, and Mohanlal with their explosive cameos setting the screen on fire. And seeing these greats share screen space with Rajinikanth offers several whistle-worthy moments. The film also has many callback moments to Rajinikanth's superhit movies like 'Baasha' and 'Enthiran', among others, which add a nice touch of nostalgia.

The interval sequence, which shows Rajinikanth's epic transformation, is a total banger! It is one of those sequences that brings forth the best of everyone. And when Anirudh's 'Hukum' plays, you are sold!

‘Jailer’ also has its own shortcomings. While the story is extremely predictable, there are places where you’d begin to question how Rajinikanth has people all over the country to chip in and help him. The flashback to his early days as a police officer looks unconvincing. Several murders take place, but there are no repercussions. The story begins in Arakonam and travels to Kavali, Bangaluru and several other cities in India. And sometimes, we feel that ‘Jailer’ is incohesive.

‘Jailer’ is Rajinikanth’s return to form. Even at 72, his charisma and style make you scream in theatres. After Rajinikanth, it is Vinayakan, who has stolen the show completely. His piercing gaze and deadly wrongdoings make him a worthy villain for Rajinikanth. Vasanth Ravi, too, has a meaty role in the film.

While the performance of Rajinikanth is an asset to ‘Jailer’, it is also Anirudh Ravichander, who acts as a solid pillar of support for the film. His thumping background score will make you enjoy Rajinikanth’s swag. Whenever the ‘Hukum’ song plays on screen, the theatre erupts in joy.

Cinematographer Vijay Kartik Kannan’s frames are grand and offer visual extravaganza. Editing by R Nirmal complements the film's mood as well. Ramya Krishnan, Sunil, Tamannaah, Yogi Babu and several others appear in short-lived roles.

‘Jailer’ is a film that celebrates Rajinikanth for what he is. There are sparks of Nelson’s intelligence in ‘Jailer’ which makes it quite enjoyable.

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Jailer Reviews

Jailer is yet more of the same type of long-winded revenge action tale with fake-looking stunts, mediocre-to-bad acting, and an absurd plot that doesn't look believable.

Full Review | Aug 15, 2023

The guest stars do their bit and move on. It is left to Rajinikanth to shoulder the weight of the erratic script.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/5 | Aug 15, 2023

Nelson, whose last big screen outing was Beast, is back with his signature style of filmmaking - packed with subtle, dark comedy in the first half.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Aug 14, 2023

Who can take an avenging hero seriously when the threats are so feeble? A high-wattage star can bring only so much value to an indifferently written movie.

Full Review | Aug 14, 2023

The makers of “Jailer” toggle between emotional registers with confidence and alarming frequency.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4 | Aug 11, 2023

JAILER is full-on Rajinikanth love. Nelson brings his flair for black and absurd comedy and presents us with a super stylish mass spectacle in a class of its own.

Full Review | Original Score: 7/10 | Aug 11, 2023

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'Jailer' review: Rajinikanth roars back to form in this mass entertainer

Superstar Rajinikanth's latest release 'Jailer' has graced the theatres, marking a triumphant return to his iconic form following the setback of 'Annaatthe.' The film presents Rajini in a spectacular display of energy and action, evoking fond memories of his youthful vigour.

Helmed by Nelson Dilipkumar, 'Jailer' is an absolute entertainer, with Rajinikanth commanding the screen with his singular presence.

However, the movie's appeal hinges on individual perspectives. Those seeking logical coherence might find themselves disappointed. On the contrary, for those who embrace the movie's mass appeal and set aside the need for rationality, 'Jailer' will be a good cinematic experience.

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Centred around Tiger Muthuvel Pandian (Rajini), a retired police officer, the narrative delves into his unexpected descent into a world of action and conflict. This transition is catalysed by the mysterious disappearance of his son, Assistant Commissioner Arjun (Vasanth Ravi), who vanishes while on the trail of Varman (Vinayakan) and his notorious criminal syndicate.

Regrettably, the female characters, portrayed by Ramya Krishnan (as Rajinikanth's wife) and Mirnaa Menon, are severely underutilised. Their roles appear reduced to mere stereotypes of gullible and naive women, devoid of substantial involvement in the narrative.

Furthermore, certain scenes where Rajini's character berates his wife seem contrived solely for a dramatic flair, resulting in a dissonance that diminishes their suitability in the movie.

The film encompasses all the quintessential elements that define a Rajini movie: elegance, mass appeal, dynamic action, power-packed dialogues, and even a dance sequence (although Rajini's participation was limited, allowing Tamannaah to shine).

Vinayakan's presence in the film is undeniably robust. While he embodies a formidable villain, his mannerisms become somewhat repetitive over the course of the movie. 

The film strikes a balance between action and comedy.  Actors like Yogi Babu and Sunil adeptly handle the comedic aspects.

While the pacing wanes in the second half, potentially losing the audience's attention, the cinematic climax sequences compensate admirably.

The inclusion of cameos from stalwarts like Mohanlal, Jackie Shroff and Shiva Rajkumar adds a flavorful blend of ingredients that prevents the movie from unravelling. Their performances resonate warmly on screen, particularly in tandem with the ever-present Rajini. Witnessing Rajini in his full charismatic splendour after a considerable hiatus is indeed invigorating for the audience.

'Jailer' warrants a theatrical experience, especially for those who revel in mass entertainers. Amid the whirlwind of elements within the movie, Nelson has successfully delivered a commendable entertainment package.

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Rajinikanth's 'Jailer' film review: A glorious first half tapers off into oblivion

Even if director Nelson hadn’t flaunted the  Breaking Bad  tee in that teaser video of  Jailer ’s single, we all know by now, on evidence of his films, that the series has had a serious impact on him. Cocaine smuggling in  Kolamavu Kokila , twin assassins in  Doctor , Walter White masks in  Beast … and now,  Jailer   gives us more evidence of its influence on him.

In this film, people get dissolved in acid, a ceiling comes crashing down, a policeman pretends to be drunk and lures away two enemies before finishing them off… and perhaps most importantly, a cop father deals with the loss of his cop son.

We also know by now that Nelson’s film universe milks tragedy for comedy—and that, and his visual signatures, make him such a unique filmmaker. In  Jailer , heads get lopped off, family members disappear, women are perpetually unsafe… and like its men, the universe of  Jailer  feels cold. Nelson isn’t interested in your tears (not unless they are of laughter)—and so, he shows little interest in capturing the emotional consequences of events like the disappearance of Muthuvel’s son (Vasanth Ravi). In fact, soon after this event, you see Muthuvel and their grandson enjoying an ice cream—which is a strange scene to come up with so early after a profound loss. But I wasn’t in the mood to resist these developments. This is Nelson’s world, after all, and he has proven ways of delivering unique entertainment. He thrives in unexpected, cool violence; he specializes in deadpan humor. And often, he combines both to powerful effect. When Muthuvel drags a sack to Yogi Babu’s car, we know it’s the aftermath of a murder. But that doesn’t stop the scene from being funny. Quite the opposite, in fact.

These are such great moments in a wildly entertaining first half. Every time Rajinikanth agrees to work with a filmmaker, a question that pops up immediately is, ‘Will the filmmaker, in making the Rajini brand work, compromise on his previous strengths?’  Jailer ’s first half suggests no dilution in the Nelson brand of filmmaking. In his fascinating world, when Muthuvel smiles, it’s an expression of pain. When characters squeal in pain, it’s often for laughs (like when a character is hung from a fan). You know it’s the Nelson world when a husband calmly looks at his wife, who’s shocked about a dead body falling on her, and simply advises, “Just push it.” Rajinikanth, at one point, refers to himself as a dinosaur—and somehow, Nelson ensures that this lands as a mass moment. It’s the first half in which Yogi Babu’s quips seem like the perfect foil for Rajini’s serious demeanor. The film, in these portions, establishes enough motivation for ‘Tiger’ Muthuvel Pandian to go berserk; it establishes a menacing, nutty villain and actor Vinayakan’s performance (those unforgettable eyes!) is wonderfully physical. And above all, perhaps the most important—and likable—decision Nelson seems to have taken in this film concerns Rajinikanth’s fight sequences. This film almost wholly does away with hand-to-hand combat. Even when it uses it, Nelson ensures it delivers maximum impact (like in that memorable interval scene). Finally, we are realizing that Rajinikanth has enough charisma to ensure that he doesn’t need to do all the killing. It’s enough if, like in that pre-interval scene, he sits down and asserts control, while someone else takes care of the shooting.

So, yes, I do think the world of everything that happens in this film before it breaks for an interval, but then, as the click-bait text goes on social media, ‘what happened next shocked me’. The film, for no rhyme or reason, goes into freefall, in directions that don’t feel organic at all. There’s a flashback in which we see a ‘younger’ Rajinikanth—and the Rajini admirer in me felt compelled to enjoy it (make the most of everything you get from him, right?). Let it not matter that the walk of the younger Muthuvel isn’t as dynamic as it needed to be, or that the look itself is not-so-convincing. This scene also shows the policeman, Muthuvel, happily lopping off a prisoner’s ear as punishment, and declaring that he won’t follow ‘rules’ when dealing with those who don’t follow them. Such blatant romanticization of police violence has always made me uncomfortable—and this time too, it was no different. This film, interestingly, also talks of how cops are generally corrupt—and it’s perhaps for this reason that Muthuvel seems to have closer alliances with reformed gangsters than he does with those in his department. So, no, it’s definitely not a film that’s out to whitewash the police department—but still, the preeminent star of our times, wearing a police uniform, unleashing brutality to Anirudh’s thumping music, doesn’t exactly scream responsibility.

Soon, the film, bizarrely, turns into a sort of heist; suddenly, it’s all a far cry from the pre-interval joys. You get something about a film shoot; there’s something about a bad actor vying to win Tamannaah over a rival, his own assistant; wigs are worn and removed; Redin Kingsley, who was so funny in  Doctor , stares aimlessly and mumbles something about ‘refraction’… All these flabby portions fill up big chunks in the second half, and Rajinikanth seems strangely absent for a while. To prop things up perhaps, top actors from other languages play cameos, and we get representatives from across regions including Shiva Rajkumar, Mohan Lal, Sunil, and Jackie Shroff, all making brief, forgettable appearances… Even more forgettable are the women in this film. Ramya Krishnan plays Rajinikanth’s wife in the film, and she’s largely relegated to looking meek and frightened. Somewhere around the interval, there’s a striking visual of Ramya Krishnan rising and Padayappa, sorry, Rajinikanth sitting down, but the film doesn’t make any more of it or of her.

A last-ditch attempt to wrest control over the film feels too little, too late—and there’s a downer of an end as well, for a film that seemed so dynamic, so explosive for long periods in the beginning. I went with the film with all its fanciful leaps (like the convenient idea of CCTV footage bailing out Muthuvel, like allies constantly showing up when needed), in the hope that consistent, memorable payoffs would come, but there just aren’t enough.

None of this is Rajinikanth’s fault though. The man seems to belong as organically in Nelson’s universe as Sivakarthikeyan did in  Doctor . He’s smiling while killing. He’s crying while laughing. He’s lopping off heads like a vendor slices vegetables, which perhaps leads Yogi Babu to confuse bloodstains with beetroot coloring. He polishes the shoes of younger actors; he even does a self-deprecatory jig as a backup dancer at one point. This is an actor who clearly doesn’t have a problem submitting, on evidence of this film; if there are problems in  Jailer —and the second half is a sackful of it—it has to be attributed to the writing.

As  Jailer  ended, I was left with many thoughts. I thought about whether that brief flashback was enough to justify the title. I thought about the film seeming so full of promise at the halfway mark and bizarrely losing direction from then on. I thought about another unforgettable Tamil film from 27 years ago that spoke about an incorruptible father dealing with his son, without compromising on ‘commercial entertainment’. Above all, I thought about how many more films Rajinikanth has in him and whether we are making the most of his willingness to submit to filmmakers.

Rating: 3/5

(This story first appeared on  Cinema Express )

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Jailer Movie Review: Rajinikanth Delivers an Electrifying Performance in This Gripping Black Comedy-Action Film

Jailer Movie Review: Jailer is a testament to the power of storytelling and solidifies Rajinikanth's legacy as a cinematic icon.

Jailer Movie Review: Rajinikanth’s portrayal of Muthuvel Pandian, a strict yet empathetic jailer, is a masterclass in itself. His commanding presence on screen is balanced beautifully with moments of subtle vulnerability, making Muthuvel a character that audiences will root for throughout the film. The evolution of his character, from a stern disciplinarian to a determined protector, is portrayed with finesse by the actor.

Jailer Movie Review Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4/5

Jailer Movie Cast: Rajinikanth, Jackie Shroff, Shiva Rajkumar, Tamannaah Bhatia , Ramya Krishnan, Sunil, Vinayakan, Yogi Babu, Mohanlal and the ensemble

Jailer Movie Director: Nelson

Jailer Movie Plot: Muthuvel Pandian, a jailer known for his strictness and empathy, discovers that a gang is attempting to free their leader from the prison. In response, he embarks on a mission to thwart their escape plan.

Jailer Movie Review

Jailer is an electrifying Tamil-language black comedy-action film that showcases a gripping narrative skillfully woven by the talented writer and director, Nelson. The film’s premise revolves around the character “Tiger” Muthuvel Pandian, portrayed by the legendary Rajinikanth, who delivers a performance that solidifies his iconic status in the industry.

Rajinikanth’s portrayal of Muthuvel Pandian, a strict yet empathetic jailer, is a masterclass in itself. His commanding presence on screen is balanced beautifully with moments of subtle vulnerability, making Muthuvel a character that audiences will root for throughout the film. The evolution of his character, from a stern disciplinarian to a determined protector, is portrayed with finesse by the actor.

Mohanlal’s cameo appearance as Mathew adds an extra layer of intrigue to the story. Despite his limited screen time, Mohanlal’s charismatic presence leaves a lasting impact, enhancing the film’s overall appeal. The chemistry between Rajinikanth and Mohanlal in their brief interactions is a highlight that fans of both actors will cherish.

The supporting cast, including Jackie Shroff, Shiva Rajkumar, Sunil, Ramya Krishnan, and Tamannaah Bhatia, among others, contributes immensely to the film’s success. Each actor brings their A-game to the table, creating a tapestry of characters that enrich the narrative. Noteworthy performances include Shiva Rajkumar’s intense portrayal of Narasimha and Ramya Krishnan’s poignant depiction of Muthuvel’s wife.

Nelson’s direction shines as he expertly balances the black comedy elements with gripping action sequences. The film’s pacing keeps the audience engaged from start to finish, seamlessly transitioning between moments of humor and high-octane action. The screenplay is crafted with precision, ensuring that every character has a significant role to play in the unfolding drama.

The film’s technical aspects are equally commendable. The cinematography captures the essence of the prison environment, effectively conveying both the grim reality and the occasional moments of lightness. The music and background score enhance the film’s emotional resonance, elevating the viewing experience.

Jailer explores themes of family, duty, and morality against the backdrop of a high-stakes prison break plot. The narrative unfolds in a manner that allows the audience to connect with the characters on a personal level, while also delivering unexpected twists and turns that keep the suspense alive.

In summary, Jailer is a cinematic gem that showcases the best of Tamil cinema. Rajinikanth’s magnetic performance, Nelson’s skillful direction, and the ensemble cast’s exceptional acting make it a must-watch. The film seamlessly blends action, comedy, and drama, creating a truly entertaining experience for audiences. Jailer is a testament to the power of storytelling and solidifies Rajinikanth’s legacy as a cinematic icon.

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Jailer movie review: Superstar Rajinikanth, Mohanlal and Shiva Rajkumar are the triple threat that keeps giving

One of the most memorable things about Nelson’s directorial, Jailer, starring Rajinikanth, is the fact that the superstar doesn’t get into a zone where he performs unbelievable action sequences

Director: Nelson

Cast: Rajinikanth, Vasanth Ravi, Vinayakan, Jackie Shroff, Mohanlal and Shiva Rajkumar

Spoilers ahead for Jailer …

The unending love a father has for his son, allows him to take a back seat. He is no more a man to be feared, but someone that the family feels extremely comfortable around. His grandchild trusts him, his wife isn’t at the beck and call of his, to fulfil his every wish, and his son is affectionate enough. Certain moments, however, make it clear that he is more than what he showcases on the surface and Jailer does a brilliant job of revealing his true self one layer at a time. Initially, he is Muthu, the one that we have all met before. Playful, charming and quite witty. Then he is Muthuvel Pandian, and this man too is familiar to those of us who have met Alex Pandian. The ego, pride and even the arrogance that Muthuvel Pandian exudes in Jailer, seems like an unintentional or intentional call back to the superstar’s popular movie Moondru Mugam (1982). Beyond that, he is Tiger Muthuvel Pandian. This is the layer, that Muthu had hidden deep down for years.

The layer which had left his wife sleepless many nights in the past, the one that put him in danger often is the one that is quite intriguing. He had given up his starched khakhi uniform, traded it with familial love, and simple, carefree life. Yet, Tiger was always alive within Muthu. It is a play on Hyde and Jekyll really, and in Jailer, Nelson adds his own twist. He gives Mr Hyde a dangerous, yet incredible sense of humour. In fact, certain scenes remain memorable because of this incredible humour. For instance, Nelson takes a usual confrontation between a hero and villain, turns this scene on its head, and it transforms into something that leaves us laughing out loud. This twisted sense of humour is just the cherry on top, as the film has a lot more going for it.

One of the most memorable things about Nelson’s directorial, Jailer , starring Rajinikanth , is the fact that the superstar doesn’t get into a zone where he performs unbelievable action sequences. This is not to say that the film has less action, no. It simply means that the fights are more believable. This is because Muthuvel Pandian lets the others do the work for him, while he remains the brain behind the operation. It is intriguing from the very beginning because now fans know that Rajinikanth doesn’t have to beat up 100 people to confirm that he is powerful. So, because he is the brains that he chooses to associate with others for the brawn. Not just any brawn either, but ones who he has managed to overpower over the years as a jailer in Tihar. These are all men who understand the power of Muthuvel Pandian, and would prefer to be his ally than his enemy. They also seem to have developed a bond of sorts. It is here that Jackie Shroff, Shiv Rajkumar and Mohanlal come into play.

To be honest, fans were able to guess the roles to be played by these stars in the film. However, what was surprising was the clever use of such actors and the star power that they come with. It could have easily gone sideways, considering the following that both the actors have in their own states. If the roles were not upto mark, the risk was not just about being trolled like with Beast , but being boycotted as well. Thankfully, Nelson has craftily gotten his way around this problem by giving space to each of the star to bring their pizzazz to the film. Especially the pre-climax portion of the film takes care of any lingering doubts about the presence of these stars in the film. This is also one of the most electrifying sequences in the film.

Nelson has also put in a lot of work along with cinematographer Vijay Kartik Kannan, because the film is not just aesthetically beautiful but has a language. The shots of Muthu that establishes him as a jailer during a flashback, and the shot of him right before he steps out to exact revenge — the connection is stunning. There is also a scene of Vinayakan in the latter half of the film when he confronts Dhanraj with a bloody smile, and that single shot personifies the entirety of the villain, Varma. In fact, I personally loved the build-up that this character got visually, and in writing as well. After all, three stars had to come together to take him down. Beyond that, the fact that he is not redeemable, and the conviction with which actor Vinayakan played this role is what made the climax that much more enjoyable. Visually, there are a lot more stunning shots in the film on a closer look.

Yet, the one thing that the director hasn’t risked is the writing. Meaning, he has kept it all very formulaic. He has played like a kid in a candy store when it comes to the treatment of the film, but the core plot in itself is pretty formulaic. That is in a way good for the film, as this was the very department that let Beast down in the first place. So, if you are reading this to simply understand if Jailer is better than Beast , then in a single word, yes!

But wait, if you are looking for well-rounded female characters and representation. Then stop right here. Jailer is a film that will be successful despite failing the Bechdel test, because it passes on entertainment value with flying colours like many other successful commercial films. I refuse to address the female characters that were part of the film because they were nothing but props to hype up the other characters in the film. Sure, Ramya Krishan’s reaction in the trailer must have got you all excited, but if you were seriously looking for female characters with well-deserved arcs, then your might as well look for a unicorn in a desert.

Rating: 3 (out of 5 stars)

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Jailer Twitter review: Rajinikanth's film gets a thunderous response, Hukum wins hearts

Many praised rajinikanth for his performance in jailer. the song hukum was also loved by many and started trending on twitter..

Rajinikanth's action film Jailer released in theatres worldwide on Thursday. The film received mostly positive response from reviewers, trade analysts and the general public on Twitter. Directed by Nelson, the film also stars Jackie Shroff, Shiva Rajkumar, Ramya Krishnan, Vinayakan, Tamannaah Bhatia, Vasanth Ravi, Yogi Babu and Mohanlal. The song Hukum also found a mention in several tweets and started trending on Twitter. Here are some of the reactions to the film. Also read: Jailer movie release live updates

Filmmaker Karthik Subbaraj was all praise for Jailer. He wrote on Twitter after watching the film, "#Jailer Speechless… Goosebumps... Thalaivaaaa on fire in every frame.. @Nelsondilpkumar extraordinary writing & Loved the Humour all thro @anirudhofficial Special blast @sunpictures cast and crew...Hat's off for Theri Massss Thalaivar Padam (extraordinary performance)."

Film trade analysts on Jailer

Film trade analyst Ramesh Bala claimed the film could break several box office records. He tweeted, "#Jailer [4/5] : The OG is Back! RIP All BO Records! If you are a #Thalaivar fan, you will watch 5 to 10 times.. Neutral fan will watch a minimum of 2 times.. #Thalaivar VERITHANAM (terrific) MAX! After #SureshKrishna , Director @Nelsondilpkumar has done the most Mass to #Thalaivar @anirudhofficial Theri Max.. "

Industry tracker Manobala Vijayabalan also gave a thumbs up to the film. He wrote in his reaction to Jailer, “This is a MAMMOTH come back from Nelson Dilipkumar after an ultra disastrous outing with Joseph Vijay's #Beast. #Jailer #JailerReview #JailerFDFS.”

More reactions to Jailer

Social media influencer Amutha Bharathi looked impressed with the film. He wrote on Twitter, “#Jailer - Winner [#ABRatings - 3.75/5]. Superb first half & Above average second half. Few Lags in the second half!! It's Superstar #Rajinikanth's one man show. Interval & Climax were Goosebumps. Excellent response for #Mohanlal & #Shivarajkumar extended role. Anirudh BGM & Songs are backbone. Nelson has bounced back stronger this time.”

He further added, "#Jailer - Though #Mohanlal and #Shivarajkumar have less space, their character was well driven. - Had equal mass opening shots like superstar #Rajinikanth - One mass scene. - Climax was a blaster." Praising Vinayakan, he wrote, “#Jailer - Appreciation post for Vinayakan. He carried the negative shade character very well and an interesting play was set up between him & superstar #Rajinikanth. Good finding from Nelson to cast in the movie.”

Movie buff Laxmi Kanth wrote, “#Jailer First Half Review.. - Thalaivar on Full Form..What a Charisma.. What a Energy.. What a swag.. Marana Mass Screen presence.. - Nelson's Screenplay is Interesting and Engaging So Far..- Hero vs Villain Play is Good.. - Anirudh BGM is Thaaru maaru (senseless).. - Vijay Karthik Kannan's Frames are super fresh - Mass Scene Elevations & Dark Humour worked well.. - Stage is Set for second half with a Bang on Interval block..”

For the second half, he added, “#Jailer Second Half Review. - After the Neat First Half, The Film Takes a Completely different Route in Second Half..- It's a Thalaivar show all the way.. He Completely Holds the Attention with his swag & Screen presence…- Anirudh Hukum BGM is a Backbone of the Film- Vinayagan Did a Fine Job.. - Long Crown episode & its Comedy was a Downer. Few Lags & Emotional Connect missing - Flashback & Climax Mass scenes will be a Treat for the fans..- Overall it was a Worth Watchable."

Jailer has Rajinikanth in the role of a jailer named Muthuvel Pandian, hailed as Tiger, for his way of working. He takes it as a challenge to stop a gang from trying to rescue their jailed leader. It boasts of several impressive action scenes.

Dedicated professionals who write about cinema and television in all their vibrancy. Expect views, reviews and news. ...view detail

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Jailer Review: Solid Start, Regular End

Movie: Jailer Rating: 2.75/5 Banner: Sun Pictures Cast: Rajnikanth, Mohan Lal, Jackie Shroff, Shiva Rajkumar, Sunil, Ramya Krishnan, Tamannaah, Yogi Babu and others. Music: Anirudh DOP: Vijay Kartik Kannan Editor: R.Nirmal Art: Drk Kiran Action: Stun Siva Presents: Kalanithi Maran Produced by: Sun Pictures Written and directed by: Nelson Release Date: Aug 10, 2023

The recent speech by Rajinikanth, along with the trailer and songs, has collectively fueled the hype around "Jailer." The movie has garnered significant attention even in the absence of any Telugu promotion.

It remains to be seen if this film will signify Rajinikanth's resurgence in his career.

Story: Varma (Vinayakan) leads a mafia gang that steals temple idols and sells them in other countries. Varma and his gang kidnap an ACP who has been studying and documenting this gang's operations for months. Muthu (Rajinikanth), the ACP's father and a retired police officer, is devastated by the news of his son's kidnapping and possible murder.

So Muthu decides to exact his vengeance by killing the gang members one by one. Varma, on the other hand, threatens to kill Muthu's wife (Ramya Krishna), daughter-in-law, and grandson.

How will Muthu save his family and also finish the mission?

Artistes’ Performances: Rajinikanth not only portrays a role that suits his age but also delivers an exceptional performance. Throughout the first half, his presence captivates the audience's attention. His smile, idiosyncrasies, and intensity are all portrayed brilliantly. He holds our complete focus until the intermission. His interactions with Yogi Babu also add to the entertainment.

Vinayakan portrays the villain's character with a menacing aura, even though the role itself follows a familiar pattern.

Ramya Krishna portrays the conventional housewife character, but unfortunately, she doesn't have any particularly engaging scenes.

Mohanlal, Jackie Shroff, and Shiva Rajkumar make cameo appearances. Tamannaah Bhatia also appears in a few scenes and a song. However, the song on screen doesn't match the impact it had in the trailers.

Technical Excellence: The cinematography is superb. The cinematographer's capture of interior fight scenes deserves special mention. The production values are also impressive.

The film is held together by Anirudh's musical score, which includes both the background score and songs.

Highlights: Superb first half Rajinikanth’s performance Anirudh’s musical score

Drawback: Sunil’s boring episode Routine scenes in the second half Slow-paced moments

Analysis "Jailer" kicks off on a high note, with Rajinikanth portraying a mild-mannered retired police officer. When his son is kidnapped, Rajinikanth transforms into an angry old man, putting an end to the sequences depicting his simple domestic life. From this point on, the film becomes engaging.

Nelson has crafted some remarkable sequences for Rajinikanth. The introduction of Yogi Babu's character and Rajinikanth's utilization of this comedic persona for his mission to avenge the mafia gang's actions deserve praise. The standout moment is the fight scene within Rajinikanth's house, where his wife and daughter-in-law sit at the dining table.

As the intermission arrives, the impression is that the film will offer another riveting experience akin to Kamal Haasan's blockbuster action thriller "Vikram." Such is the excellence of the first half. Nelson adeptly employs action, comedy, and family moments, and the interval climax generates immense excitement for the audience.

However, the second half of "Jailer" takes a contrasting direction from the first. It adopts the formulaic approach often seen in mass-entertainers. The film features conventional episodes, such as Rajinikanth's flashback as a jailer, a comedy segment involving Sunil and Tamannaah, Tamannaah's item song, extended fight sequences, and so forth.

Regrettably, these moments not only adhere to the formula but also become tedious. Despite Tamannaah's song "Kaavaalaa" gaining viral popularity on YouTube, its impact in the film is diminished because it's filmed on Sunil and Tamannaah instead of being a duet with Rajinikanth and Tamannaah.

Similarly, even the episodes featuring other superstars like Shiva Rajkumar and Mohanlal function as standard heroism-elevating scenes rather than advancing the plot.

Nonetheless, the climax of the second half serves as its redeeming feature.

In summary, "Jailer" starts strong but concludes with an unpredictable climax. It presents a regular action drama with an impressive beginning and a lack of impact in the second half but a hitting end.

Bottom line: Star-studded One Man Show

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Jailer Movie Review

10 Aug 2023 | U/A | 170 Mins

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Jailer Movie Review: An out and out Rajinikanth show with dynamic cameos of Mohanlal and Shiva Rajkumar

Planning to watch the Nelson Dilipkumar directed Jailer starring Rajinikanth in cinema halls this week? Read Pinkvilla review and let us help you decide

By himesh mankad.

Key Highlight

• Jailer works, but in parts. When it’s good, it’s very good. But when it’s bad, it just drags
• Jailer has enough mass moments to appease the die hard Rajinikanth fans
• Howeever, Nelson's celebration of Rajinikanth's aura warranted a little better screenplay

Name: Jailer

Director: nelson dilipkumar, cast: mohanlal,shiva rajkumar,rajinikanth,jackie shroff,ramya krishnan,yogi babu, writer: nelson dilipkumar.

Rajinikanth films are like a festival - They open to packed houses on the shows as early as 6 am, even in a city like Mumbai. It’s a surreal experience to watch his cinema in packed houses, as fans celebrate, the walk, and every appearance, which at times even makes up for the slips and flips in the screenplay. The experience and the slips in screenplay is what Jailer is all about. Here’s our review.

Jailer revolves around Tiger Muthuvel Pandian (Rajinikanth), an ex-jailer, who is on a mission to seek revenge for the death of his son, ACP Arjun (Vasanth Ravi) against a mafia dealing in temple antique artifacts. However, he encounters several unexpected conflicts that puts his own family – Vijaya (Ramya Krishnan), Shwetha (Mirnaa Menon) and grandchild Rithvik – in danger. Through the journey, he gets support from old alleys, Mathew ( Mohanlal ), Narasimha (Shiva Rajkumar) and (Jackie Shroff). Does he succeed to save his family and avenge his son? All of this unfolds in Jailer.

What works?

Jailer celebrates the aura of Superstar Rajinikanth. He gets some of the biggest crowd-pleasing moments in the drama space – be it the extended introduction block, or the pre and post interval sequence, the pre-climax twist and the climax. The film has enough ‘Rajini-Moments’ which will be enjoyed by the hardcore fans.

The plot is driven by father and son emotion, which is relatable and Nelson does well to add an interesting dynamic to the screenplay as the film progresses. It’s a film that rides primarily on the emotion, and drama rather than the action. The comic track featuring Rajinikanth with Yogi Babu work’s brilliant in the narrative, and we wished the comic talent had more to do, especially in the second half. Much like the film, the humour of Jailer also works in bits and pieces.

Watch the Jailer Trailer

Anirudh’s background score is one of the biggest pluses of the film and elevates the mass moments to another level. The aforementioned 4 blocks leave an even better impact due to the background score of Anirudh, which does complete justice to the aura of Rajinikanth. The dialogues ensure enough claptrap moments. The family angle, especially in the initial few frames are done well and brings a smile on your face.

The entire villain track, led by Vinayakan, is also done well, when in the intense space.

What doesn’t work?

Jailer is tad too long for the plot that Nelson has in his hand. The filmmaker could have easily put out a crisper version of the same film for a better impact. While the film has enough in terms of standalone moments, it does go off the track for a major part of the second half, which is thankfully lifted by a good climax. While the entire track of heist would have read great on paper, it is not well executed and hampers the pace of the film in a big way. The Blast Mohan (Sunil) subtract also doesn’t click as well as expected. While the humour works in the first half, the film gets derailed on the comic front in the second half.

Some of the sub-plots are left unexplored – be it the entire nexus of the police department working hand-to-hand with the stolen artifact’s mafia, or the arc of Tiger Muthuvel Pandian’s family members. The antagonist track doesn’t work when Nelson attempts to marry the intensity with his dark comedy. The entire psychiatrist angle in the first half doesn't land well. Pacing is also an issue through the film, as there are a lot of moments which drag and there are also some sequences which add nothing to the narrative.

Jailer Star Performances

Jailer is a superstar Rajinikanth show. The film isn’t just about the display of Rajinikanth’s superstardom and antiques, but also has enough scenes that puts forward Rajinikanth – The actor. He aces the emotional, dramatic, comic and heroic scenes with perfection and has a screen presence that very few in Indian can command. The film rides on Rajinikanth’s shoulders and they are strong enough to take the film through.

Vinayakan is menacing in his part of a dangerous antagonist, Verma and does well to be the baddie alongside a force like Rajinikanth. Mohanlal has a stellar cameo and his appearance is sure to be greeted with seeti’s and taali’s all across the board, especially in Kerala. He has a dynamic presence. Same for Shiva Rajkumar, who gets an excellent introduction to this tale. Jackie Shroff is decent in his appearance. Ramya Krishnan has limited screen time, but she does well in the allotted role. Same for Mirnaa Menon and the child artist, Ritvik. Tamannaah’s cameo is decent, but her track is a complete let down.

Jailer Movie Review: Final Verdict :

Jailer works, but in parts. When it’s good, it’s very good. But when it’s bad, it just drags. Nelson succeeds in his attempt to celebrate the stardom of Rajinikanth and blends it with a performance driven character, however, the film warranted a better screenplay to drive the proceedings. It’s a decent entertainer that works due to the aura of Rajinikanth in mass blocks alongside the dynamic cameos by Mohanlal and Shiva Rajkumar. Jailer has enough moments to emerge a box office winner. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

• Rajinikanth

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Jailer Movie Review

Article by Nanda Gopal Published by GulteDesk --> Published on: 10:13 am, 10 August 2023

168 minutes   |   Action   |   10 August 2023

Cast - Rajinikanth, Ramya Krishna, Vinayakan, Sunil, Jackie Shroff, Mohanlal and Shiva Rajkumar

Director - Nelson

Producer - Kalanithi Maran

Banner - Sun Pictures

Music - Anirudh Ravichander

Superstar Rajinikanth has been waiting for a solid success. He teams up with Nelson who made Beast with Thalapathy Vijay. The duo’s Jailer garnered good buzz. Rajini’s fans are going gaga over the film. Will Rajini make a comeback and deliver a blockbuster? Let’s check out.

What is it about?

Muthu (Rajinikanth) is a retired man who has no big goals in life, but leads a normal life with a beautiful family. His son Arjun is a sincere police officer dealing with dreaded criminal Varma (Vinayakan). Arjun risks life and fights against Varma and goes missing. Muthu learns about his son Arjun’s death. He shifts to violence path. He takes revenge against his son’s killers and goes against Varma. But things aren’t easy as Varma threatens Muthu’s family. Muthu has a past. What is his flashback? How Muthu takes on Varma and what are the shocks that he gets in between. The rest of the film is how Muthu deals with Varma.

Performances :

Undoubtedly, Rajinikanth excelled in his role. He single-handedly pulled off the film. His style and swag are what entice his fans. Director Nelson made sure there are elevations for Rajini and gave some fan moments. His look and dress are impressive. His old getup is terrific in particular. Even in vintage character, Rajini didn’t miss his swag. It’s a treat to fans to see him in different shades. His dialogues and subtle performance is the strength of the film. Sunil’s sequence is wasteful and irritating. The film has an ensemble cast and significant cameos like Mohanlal, Shiva Rajkumar, Naga Babu. Jackie Shroff is seen in a decent role. Yogi Babu’s comedy is alright. Some comedy scenes in the first half are engaging. 

Technicalities :

Nelson weaved a very old story and presented it by making some fancy touch ups. He failed as a writer and does a decent job as a director. But that is not enough to steer the film of this magnitude. Anirudh Ravichander shines and rescues the film. The Hukum song is well composed. The background score adds weight to the crucial sequences. Visuals are appealing. Action scenes have been shot well. The scale of the film is large and grand.

Highlights :

Rajinikanth’s Style & Swag Action Scenes & BGM

Drawbacks :

Villain’s Characterisation & Conflict Failed Emotion Dragged Portions in Second Half

Jailer starts well, without wasting time. Rajini makes a simple entry as a family man. The plot of the hero’s son being a sincere guy and facing problems is as age old as hills. How the hero takes control to protect his family and takes revenge is the Jailer’s plotline. This is packaged with a lot of other factors. The packaging is where some worked and some failed miserably.

The emotion of father-son is not handled well and it backfired. The villain’s characterisation is irritating at portions. He is crooked and gruesome, but he is not taken seriously. The comedy portions in the first half are decent. But they could have been better. 

The writing of Jailer is where the problem is. It is formulaic and predictable. The scenes lack enough gravity to hook to the film. The Sunil episodes in the second-half are very forced. That’s where the film nosedived. And then it travels on a predictable path. Rajini couldn’t rescue the film owing to its writing. The film appears to be dragged and stretched.

The climax is somewhat decent though. The guest appearances of Shivaraj Kumar and Mohanlal are not effective enough. Director Nelson made a futile attempt despite getting such a solid cast and crew. He tried to make Vikram-like film but couldn’t deliver it. On the whole, Jailer is strictly made for Rajini fans. Barring this, it has nothing much to offer.

Verdict: Only For Rajini Fans!

Rating: 2.5/5

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Stream It Or Skip It: ‘Civil War’ on VOD, a Thorny, Provocative and Action-Packed Slice of Speculative Fiction That Offers No Easy Answers

Where to stream:, new movies on streaming: ‘civil war,’ ‘the fall guy,’ + more, ‘civil war’ comes to digital, but when will ‘civil war’ stream on max, nick offerman says he spent a “whole night” in jail as a teen after smoking marijuana.

I walked into Civil War ( now streaming on VOD services like Amazon Prime Video ) carrying a 10-foot pole: Watching a harrowing slice of speculative fiction exploring the what-could-bes of a deeply divided America feels like too damn much right now. But Alex Garland – writer of 28 Days Later and Sunshine , writer and director of Ex Machina and Annihilation – is one of the current cinema’s most vital filmmakers, and I was relieved to learn that his story plays out in an ideological fog that I’d argue doesn’t take “both sides” as much as it takes no side at all. His narrative decisions inevitably sparked divisive reactions, some admiring its more subtle provocations, some calling it vague and shallow. I stand by the former sentiment; Garland’s vitality remains wholly intact.

CIVIL WAR : STREAM IT OR SKIP IT?

The Gist: We open on the President of the United States (Nick Offerman) practicing his speech prior to a national TV address. What he says – that the U.S. is defeating the, Western Forces, consisting of united secessionists from Texas and California – sounds, shall we say, unconvincing. Bullshit detectors at full blare. Major fascist-clown vibes. We won’t see this guy again for quite a while, but we will eventually learn that he’s in his third term as president, has disbanded the FBI, ordered attacks on American citizens and ordered journalists at the Capitol to be shot on sight. Do the math. It’s not hard. 

Cut to New York City. Citizens clamor for water that’s being guarded by cops with riot gear. No surprise, violence erupts, and Lee Smith (Kirsten Dunst) is there to photograph it. She’s a renowned war photographer, and wears the hollowed-out expression of someone who’s seen and now carries way, way too much. In the melee, young photographer Jessie Cullen (Cailee Spaeny) is clipped by a billy club, and Lee whisks the kid to safety. The grizzled veteran – who will soonsit in a bathtub and try to repress traumatic memories while staying at a hotel that absolutely reminds us of the Saigon hotels where reporters commiserate and got drunk during ’Nam  – gives Jessie some advice: get a helmet and some kevlar. It’s the standard-issue uniform for journos these days. Jessie, we learn, aspires to be Lee, who made a name for herself after photographing the “Antifa massacre.” Who exactly was massacred or doing the massacring is left hanging in the air like a bad smell on a humid day.

The two women part ways but will reconvene the next day. Jessie, it seems, has convinced Lee’s partner, Reuters reporter Joel (Wagner Moura), to let her accompany them on their road trip to D.C. Their goal? Interview the president. “Shot on sight” doesn’t scare them, it seems. Lee and Joel already agreed to drop New York Times journo Sammy (Stephen McKinley Henderson), Lee’s friend and mentor, in Charlottesville on the way. Lee’s already not happy about having an old man who walks with a cane tagging along, and now she has to babysit a greenhorn. It’s all over her face and in her tone: God dammit . She reluctantly agrees, and off they go. Subtitle: 857 MILES TO WASHINGTON, D.C. It wouldn’t be a terribly difficult trip if things were, uh, “normal” – why did I use that loaded-ass word? – but as soon as they hit the road we see absolute carnage. Wrecked and burned-out cars line the highways, the interstates are destroyed and you can only imagine how many bodies are lost in the mess. Feel free to speculate about how, exactly, all this happened. One thing is clear, though – in America, chaos reigns.

You won’t be shocked to learn that their East Coast road trip is a journey through hell. They barter with heavily armed men for some gas – 300 highly valuable Canadian dollars. They capture images from a conflict between one group of men and another group of men, embedded in the action and dodging bullets. They stop at a refugee camp where families gather in tents, trying to be happy in the moment. They drive through a small town that’s surreally, suspiciously idyllic, because everyone who lives there has their heads in the sand. They come across a Christmas drive-thru display rendered haunted and deranged by the war, and a sniper puts holes in their SUV; they pull over and take cover and find two other snipers trying to snipe the first sniper. Lee asks them who’s in charge around here. “No one’s giving us orders. Someone’s trying to kill us, we’re trying to kill them,” is the reply. 

What Movies Will It Remind You Of?: Apocalypse Now . It’s an obvious one in many ways. I’m not comparing the two films, Coppola’s being an all-timer, and Garland’s being too new and raw and knotty. But goddamn if it doesn’t remind me of Apocalypse Now .

Performance Worth Watching: There’s plenty of buzz around Jesse Plemons’ gruesomely chilling drop-in cameo as a militant, but let’s not lose sight of Dunst’s work here. She’s the broken down and exhausted soul of the movie, playing a character bearing the weight of unfathomable horror; it seems that her quest for journalistic objectivity is the only thing keeping her alive.

Memorable Dialogue: Two purposely decontextualized single-line quotes from different scenes:

A terrifying man with a gun played by Plemons: “What kind of American are you?” Joel: “I need a quote.”

Sex and Skin: None.

Our Take: How exactly does one wrap one’s head around Civil War ? Around its complex and sympathetic but not always flattering portrayal of journalists? Around its intense, brilliantly executed action sequences? Around its horrifying violence? Around its wildly creative needle drops? Around its thinly written characters rendered robust by Moura, Henderson, Spaeny and especially Dunst? Around Plemons’ latest-among-many deeply, troublingly crepuscular representation of psychopathy? Around its stubborn unwillingness to engage in the current political discourse?

It’s the last question that’ll frustrate many, or come as a relief. Count me among the latter group, grateful that Garland shows no interest in telling us what to think and how to think, against our keen interest – whether we choose to admit it or not – in wanting someone to tell us what to think. I find it crucial to our well-being as logic-and-reason-driven humans that we resist the urge to let emotions, e.g. weariness and ennui, dictate our response to something as disturbing as the current American cultural divide. It’s where Garland’s provocations turn away from hammer-to-noggin obviousness to understatement – and let there be no doubt that Civil War is indeed a provocation. There’s no other way a story like this can exist in the current world.

On one level, Garland’s intent is simple: Violence is barbaric, the end result of a devolved manner of thinking. That notion is underscored by the visceral thrills we experience when watching this film’s high-intensity depictions of street-level warfare (an early shootout set to a De La Soul classic is especially gripping; the third-act climax is on par with Full Metal Jacket or Saving Private Ryan , and is among the best action sequences in recent memory). Only after the fact do we question our response to violence on the screen, and that may function as a metaphor for real-life violence as well.

The film’s protagonists, the people witnessing such violence, are more complex, ciphers of sorts for our questions about morality within “objective” journalism. Consider how people struggle to contend with the erosion of journalistic integrity in the face of its purpose as the fourth estate, an entity that serves as a vital check on power. The protagonists of Civil War are in pursuit of what? A good story? The truth? They’re driven by noble intentions, but also by ego, an obsession to get the money shot. The film is driven more by this internal push-and-pull rather than 

Within Dunst’s character is the sense that documenting excessively violent history, especially in the context of a modern American civil war, may be futile, a scream swallowed by an abyss. And she paid dearly – everything about her screams that she’s dead inside. But her other option is to be like her parents, who she says are holed up comfortably in Colorado, pretending that the war isn’t happening. It seems as if Garland is implying that there’s more to the American divide than left vs. right; there’s violent vs. nonviolent, engaged vs. unengaged, delusional vs. truthful. In other words, don’t subscribe to the tidiness of the binary, an idea that Garland embeds into the narrative’s linear, episodic structure. His America – and our own future America, perhaps – isn’t divided into halves that can easily be glued back together. It’s shattered, splintered and scattered and, well, now what?

Our Call: It’s too simplistic to call Civil War a polemic or a cautionary tale – it’s a smorgasbord of food for thought, its urgent and incisive visual and thematic construction generating a bracing immediacy. STREAM IT.

John Serba is a freelance writer and film critic based in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

• Kirsten Dunst
• Prime Video
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