Superstar Rajinikanth has never been keen on revisiting the stories of his hit films through sequels. The actor, who is now preparing for the release of ‘Jailer 2’, has revealed that he previously turned down proposals for follow-ups to two popular films, ‘Baasha’ and ‘Petta’. He also explained what convinced him that his latest blockbuster had the potential for a second instalment.

Speaking about his reservations, Rajinikanth said he was not particularly interested in sequels because filmmakers often rely on the elements that made the original successful, simply amplifying them for the next chapter.

“Sathya Movies approached me for Baasha 2. Karthik Subbaraj approached me for Petta 2, with a story that would have taken Vijay Sethupathi’s character forward. But I wasn’t interested in making those sequels,” the actor said.

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His decision to revisit the world of ‘Jailer’, however, came from a different place. Rajinikanth recalled watching the Nelson Dilipkumar directorial again after its OTT release, when a particular sequence made him see the possibility of continuing the story.

Towards the climax, Varma warns Tiger Muthuvel Pandian that his powerful network will not let him escape unscathed. The film also leaves behind the mystery surrounding three containers carrying goods worth Rs 1,000 crore. For Rajinikanth, these details offered a natural starting point for another chapter.

Recalling his thought process, the actor said the ending made him feel that there was a compelling story to explore in a sequel.

What to expect from ‘Jailer 2’

Directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, ‘Jailer 2’ will see Rajinikanth return as Tiger Muthuvel Pandian. Ramya Krishnan, Yogi Babu and Mirnaa are among the actors reprising their roles, while SJ Suryah, Mithun Chakraborty, Vidya Balan, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Anna Rajan and Jatin Sarna are among the new additions.

Mohanlal, Shiva Rajkumar, Jackie Shroff and Vijay Sethupathi are also expected to make special appearances, continuing the crossover-style casting that became a notable feature of the first film. Anirudh Ravichander returns as the music composer.

The film is scheduled to arrive in theatres on October 15.

Can ‘Jailer 2’ beat the first film at the box office?

The commercial success of the first instalment has set a high benchmark for its sequel. Reportedly made on a budget of Rs 200 crore, ‘Jailer’ collected Rs 604.50 crore worldwide at the box office.

‘Jailer 2’, meanwhile, is reportedly being made on a budget estimated at Rs 250 crore to Rs 350 crore. With a larger reported investment and expectations riding high on Rajinikanth's return as Tiger Muthuvel Pandian, the sequel will have a substantial box-office target to chase.

Whether the second instalment can surpass the original's reported collection remains to be seen.