Jailer 2 Release: Rajinikanth Film's Advance Bookings Cross Rs 70 Crore, Hindi Version Hits a Snag in North India

Rajinikanth's much-awaited Jailer 2 has arrived in cinemas, and the buzz around it is translating into serious box office numbers on day one. According to The Indian Express, advance bookings for the film have already crossed Rs 70 crore, with trade watchers eyeing an opening day collection of around Rs 140 crore. Reviews of the film are also rolling out live as audiences flock to theatres on release day.

How big are the advance bookings?

The Indian Express reports that pre-release ticket sales alone have pushed past the Rs 70 crore mark, a sign of the massive anticipation surrounding the sequel to the original hit. Trade trackers cited in the report suggest the film could touch Rs 140 crore by the end of its opening day, which would mark one of the biggest openings for a Rajinikanth film in recent years. Final numbers will only be confirmed once the full day's collections are tallied.

Why won't the Hindi version show at some major chains?

According to NDTV, the Hindi-dubbed version of Jailer 2 will not be screened at PVR-INOX and Cinepolis theatres in North India. The report does not specify the exact reason behind this decision, so the commercial or distribution logic remains unclear for now. This means Hindi-speaking audiences in several North Indian cities hoping to catch the film in their preferred language at these chains may need to look for alternative theatre options or opt for the original Tamil version with subtitles.

This development is notable because Rajinikanth films have historically drawn strong crossover audiences beyond Tamil Nadu, and a limited Hindi release at two major multiplex chains could affect how the film performs in Hindi-speaking markets during its opening weekend.

Rajinikanth fever spills into Navratri celebrations

The excitement around Jailer 2 is not confined to cinema halls. The Hindu reports that a temple in Madurai, known locally as the Rajini Temple, has put up a Rajinikanth-themed kolu as part of its Navratri display. A kolu is a traditional arrangement of dolls and figurines set up during the Navratri festival, and devotees and fans visiting this particular display this year can see it centred around the superstar, reflecting the cult following he commands in Tamil Nadu.

The timing of the kolu, coinciding with both Navratri festivities and the release of Jailer 2, underscores how deeply the actor's films are woven into popular culture in the state, with fan devotion often extending well beyond the screen.

What we still don't know

As of now, there is no official confirmation on the final first-day box office collection, nor is there a clear explanation for why the Hindi version has been kept out of PVR-INOX and Cinepolis screens in North India. Audiences and trade analysts will likely get clearer figures and reasons in the coming days as more outlets report on the film's performance.