Action director Chethan D’Souza has spoken about designing the action sequences for ‘Jailer 2’ and working with superstars Rajinikanth and Mohanlal. He shared how the team planned the stunts while keeping the actors’ safety in mind and explained why Rajinikanth’s style and involvement make him special. He also discussed balancing Rajinikanth and Hrithik Roshan in a scene, explaining how the action choreography is planned to give both characters the right attention without one overshadowing the other.In a conversation with Variety India, the action director shared that action sequences involving big stars require careful planning. The team works on the emotions, build-ups and choreography well before filming begins.
How Chethan D’Souza plans action for superstars
“High-octane action in big-budget films, especially those featuring superstars, must be scripted and carefully planned. The emotions, build-ups and action need to flow together. We establish these moments in advance because the actors’ time and safety matter,” he said.He further added that creating a heroic moment is not always about how well an actor fights. A star’s style, swagger and screen presence also play an important role.“We consider how to bring the actor’s star appeal into the choreography. With stars, it is often less about how well they fight and more about their style and swagger. Safety remains central. We consider the actor’s age, capabilities and what looks convincing on screen, then design the action accordingly,” he said.Chethan revealed that Malayalam veteran Mohanlal performed a driving stunt himself under his direction, including driving at high speed. However, dangerous moments involving explosions and collisions with vehicles or aircraft require technology rather than being filmed live.
Balancing Rajinikanth and Hrithik Roshan
‘Jailer 2’ also features Hrithik Roshan in a special appearance with Rajinikanth. Chethan shared about balancing two major stars in the same scene begins with the script. The director explains the sequence, after which the action team develops the details and adds ideas to improve the scene.“That balance is established in the script, not improvised on set,” he said.He said the team plans everything, from a vehicle’s arrival and impact to the actor stepping out and the shots that follow. He said, “We work out details such as the vehicle’s arrival and impact, the actor stepping down, and the shots that follow to make the entrance iconic. Each character needs the right emphasis without overpowering or being overshadowed by the other. Hrithik’s character must work in harmony with Rajini sir’s. We plan this well before filming and assess whether it will work.”Chethan also shared about Rajinikanth’s involvement with the action sequences. He revealed that the Superstar approached the work with the enthusiasm of a newcomer.“He was completely involved and approached the work with the openness of a newcomer. I never felt, even for a day, that I was working with a superstar. He stays on set rather than retreat to his trailer, he watches our preparations, even for sequences involving pyrotechnics and sometimes comes over with ideas.”Chethan also remembered an incident in which another performer was nervous while reacting to Rajinikanth’s strike. As Chethan corrected the performer, Rajinikanth asked him, “Am I doing it right? Is what I’m doing okay?”“That humility, rather than an attitude of knowing everything, is part of his X factor and makes him a genuine collaborator,” Chethan said.
Rajinikanth’s X factor
Chethan added that Rajinikanth’s screen presence and swagger make even simple actions distinctive. Whether he holds a knife or a gun, or simply looks at someone, the actor brings his own style to the moment.He has an unmistakable presence, style and swagger. Give him a knife, a gun or any object — or simply ask him to look — and he brings something distinctive to it. Although we must consider his age, he still comes up with ideas beyond what we have planned or imagined. Sometimes we explain only the sequence, without suggesting a particular gesture, and he surprises us with his interpretation. That is his X factor,” he said.Speaking of ‘Jailer 2’, the film has become the highest-grossing Tamil film of all time surpassing Rajinikanth his 2018 mega hit ‘2.0’. According to trade analyst Sacnilk, the film’s worldwide gross collection has crossed over Rs. 733.35 crore as of Day 12.
