Jailer director Nelson Dilipkumar says Rajinikanth 'trusted' him despite Beast's failure

Jailer director Nelson Dilipkumar recently opened up about the skepticism that surrounded him, when his film starring Rajinikanth was first announced. The Beast filmmaker was speaking at Jailer’s audio launch that was held a few days ago, where he talked about the support shown by Rajinikanth throughout the filming process. Jailer released today on August 10, to a great opening at the box-office.

3 things you need to know:

• Nelson’s previous film Beast had failed at the box-office
• Jailer’s approx nationwide  earnings for day 1 will be in the range of 40-45 crores nett.
• Rajinikanth was last seen in the Siruthai Siva-directed Annaathe.

'Rajinikanth never once made me feel insecure'

Nelson opened up about how he had observed skepticism and doubts about his credentials, when they had first announced Jailer with him in the director’s seat. Addressing the doubts and criticism that he was faced with, filmmaker Nelson Dilipkumar spoke about the immense support and encouragement given by the Thalaiva superstar who “never once made him feel insecure.”

(Nelson was humbled by Rajinikanth's support while working on Jailer | Image: Instagram/Nelson Dilipkumar)

According to the filmmaker, the doubts over his credibility among Thalaivaa fans had particularly grown after his previous film Beast was not well received by the audience. Nelson recalls being humbled and emotionally touched by the faith Rajinikanth showed in him as a filmmaker, refusing to listen to those who were trying to intervene and “warn him against Nelson.” Nelson added, “He made me feel good about myself and the film I was trying to make.”

Thalapathy Vijay encouraged me to approach Rajini sir: Nelson

At the same event, Nelson also revealed that it was Thalapathy Vijay who first provided him with the much-needed confidence to approach Rajinikanth and narrate to him the script for Jailer. Beast, the previous film on which Vijay and Nelson had collaborated, had not worked at the box-office. 

(The 'Kaavaaalaa' song video from Jailer has hit over 100 million views on youtube | Image: Instagram/Sun Pictures)

The Kaavaalaa song from the film, featuring Rajinikanth and Tamannaah Bhatia, generated huge buzz from the word go, and went on to garner over 100 million views on youtube. Jailer's nation-wide earnings for day 1 will fall somewhere between 40 to 45 crores nett. Besides Rajinikanth and Tamanaah, Jailer also features actors like Mohanlal and Ramya Krishnan.