Nelson Dilipkumar Reveals How He Convinced Rajinikanth For Smoking Scene In Jailer

One of the biggest blockbusters of last year was Jailer. It was directed by Nelson Dilipkumar and starred superstar Rajinikanth in the lead role. Sivakumar and Mohanlal appeared in a cameo role in the film. This ensemble cast was supported by the gripping screenplay and impactful music by Anirudh Ravichander. The movie collected over Rs 600 crore worldwide at the box office. Jailer became successful for numerous reasons, the primary being the revival of Rajinikanth’s old style.

Being all-powerful and punchy dialogues of Rajinikanth in the movie helped the audience to remember the peak era of the actor. He was also seen smoking in the movie. In the latest interview, the filmmaker Nelson Dilipkumar revealed that Rajinikanth was initially not ready to do the smoking scenes in the movie but he later decided to add it.

In a recent interview with Behindwoods, Nelson was shown a special snap from the film in which Rajinikanth was smoking and looking as stylish as his classic smoking scenes from old films. After watching the photo, the filmmaker said that it was one of his favourite scenes from the film. “I like the lighting, mood and Rajni sir’s style in it. After this shot, I told my DOP i.e. cinematographer that he had done a great job," said Nelson. He also shared that the shot was taken ten days before the conclusion of the shooting. Nelson called this photo, “Total Fire" and used to watch it on his phone from time to time. Rajinikanth later liked the photo and agreed to the shot.

Nelson mentioned that the superstar was seen in such a smoking scene after a long time and it satisfied his fans to a great extent. He also admitted that for the scene, he took help from Rajinikanth’s 1995 film ‘Baashha’ to give justice to the scene. Even after the agreement, the actor asked Nelson to use the shot only if necessary. On his opposite, Mohanlal and Shiv Rajkumar have cameo roles in the action flick, Rajinikanth had to take the film forward with the signature smoking scene, he added. Therefore, he was sure about the theatrical acceptance of the scene.