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Hrithik Roshan joins Jailer 2, reunites with Rajinikanth after nearly four decades

Hrithik Roshan is reportedly set to make a crucial special appearance in Jailer 2 after Shah Rukh Khan stepped away from the project due to scheduling conflicts.

By Shaptadeep Saha

Jun 11, 2026 19:46 IST

The buzz surrounding Jailer 2 has received another major boost with reports suggesting that Hrithik Roshan will feature in a significant special appearance alongside Rajinikanth. The development comes after earlier reports indicated that Shah Rukh Khan was originally being considered for the role but was unable to participate due to his packed filming schedule.

While the makers have not officially confirmed the casting, industry reports suggest Hrithik's appearance will play an important role in the narrative rather than serving as a brief cameo.

A pivotal role in Rajinikanth's action-packed sequel

According to the Hindustan Times, Hrithik is expected to shoot his portions in Chennai later this month. Sources indicate that his character will enter the story at a crucial stage and assist Rajinikanth's Tiger Muthuvel Pandian in advancing the plot.

The production team is also reportedly working on a distinctive look for the actor, with multiple costume and appearance tests planned before filming begins.

Directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, the sequel aims to build on the massive success of the original film, which emerged as one of the biggest Indian box-office hits of recent years.

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A reunion that dates back to the 1980s

According to the Hindustan Times, for cinema fans, the casting carries an added emotional connection. Hrithik first shared screen space with Rajinikanth as a child actor in the 1986 film Bhagwaan Dada.

In that film, Hrithik played the foster son of Rajinikanth's character, making their reunion nearly four decades later a nostalgic moment for audiences.

An old interview featuring Hrithik recently resurfaced online, where he fondly recalled Rajinikanth's kindness during the shoot. The actor described how the superstar would often shield him from criticism whenever a scene went wrong, ensuring the young performer remained comfortable and confident on set.

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Shah Rukh Khan's exit and a star-studded cast

According to the Hindustan Times, before Hrithik entered the picture, Shah Rukh Khan was reportedly the preferred choice for the role. The prospect of seeing Rajinikanth and Shah Rukh together on screen had generated enormous excitement among fans across the country.

However, scheduling commitments linked to King, which also features his daughter Suhana Khan, reportedly prevented the collaboration from materialising.

Even without Shah Rukh, Jailer 2 is shaping up as a major pan-India spectacle. Reports suggest appearances by Mohanlal, Shiva Rajkumar, Vijay Sethupathi and Mithun Chakraborty, alongside a supporting cast that includes Ramya Krishnan, Vidya Balan and S. J. Suryah.

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