‘Jailer 2’ brought Mohanlal back as Mathew, but the actor’s screen time has disappointed some fans. Now, his costume designer, Jishad Shamsudeen, has claimed that several scenes and looks featuring the Malayalam star were edited out, adding that he would not be part of ‘Jailer 3’ if the franchise continues.

Jishad shared his concerns on Instagram on Thursday, posting a note alongside several looks he had designed for Mohanlal’s character in the Rajinikanth-starrer. According to the designer, the actor had three distinct looks that did not make it into the film. He also claimed that a scene featuring Mohanlal, which appeared briefly in the trailer, was shortened.

In his Instagram post, Jishad said he had been confident about the work that went into creating Mohanlal’s looks, even when the trailer offered only a brief glimpse of the actor.

Also Read: ‘Jailer 2’ review: Rajinikanth’s mass moments hit, but did Nelson play it too safe? 

He expressed disappointment that three of the looks he had worked on were cut from the final film, along with part of the scene featured in the trailer.

The designer also questioned the decision to reduce Mohanlal’s screen time, given the actor’s stature and popularity among fans. He added that he would not be part of a potential Jailer 3, explaining that his work was driven by his respect for the actor, the craft and the audience rather than commercial considerations.

Jishad concluded his note by thanking those who had supported him and apologising to people who had placed their trust in his work.

Mohanlal fans rally behind the designer

Jishad’s post drew responses from several fans who expressed support for him and disappointment over Mohanlal’s limited presence in ‘Jailer 2’.

One user called his statement powerful.
"Powerful Statement Brother"
While another criticised the decision to use Mohanlal’s popularity to build excitement around the film before cutting his scenes during editing.

"Using his stardom for hype and then trimming out his hard work at the editing table was completely unnecessary," the user

Other fans said they had entered theatres hoping to see more of the Malayalam superstar and felt let down by his brief appearance.

Some also praised Jishad for speaking openly about the issue, with supporters arguing that the reduced screen time affected not only Mohanlal’s presence but also the work of the technicians involved.

Also Read: ‘One Sun. One Moon. And ...’: Anirudh’s special Rajinikanth tribute goes viral

"When you bring in a legendary superstar like Mohanlal Sir, reducing his presence to practically nothing feels like a huge disrespect—not just to him and the dedicated technicians who worked behind the scenes"

Mohanlal returns as Mathew in ‘Jailer 2’

Mohanlal first appeared as Mathew in the 2023 film ‘Jailer’. Sporting colourful shirts and sunglasses, the character is a powerful smuggler and an ally of Rajinikanth’s Muthuvel Pandian.

The actor returned as Mathew in ‘Jailer 2’, appearing in a key sequence towards the climax.