“Jailer” Movie Review: “Rajnikanth and the films direction are the strong points!” CineEye, August 11, 2023 Rajinikanth steps into the shoes of Muthuvel Pandian, a retired prison warden known by the name ‘Tiger.’ Despite being 72, Rajinikanth’s charisma shines brightly in the role. Muthuvel spends his days aiding his grandson’s YouTube channel, enjoying a peaceful life. However, this tranquility is disrupted when his son Arjun (Vasanth Ravi), a dedicated police officer, stumbles upon an illicit idol smuggling operation. Muthuvel’s strong principles thrust him into a crisis, compelling him to re-enter the world he had left behind. Director Nelson Dilipkumar deftly steers ‘Jailer’ through an array of emotions, providing Rajinikanth ample opportunities to display both Muthuvel’s legacy and his action-packed sequences. The film seamlessly navigates between different emotional tones, with Rajinikanth’s presence anchoring the narrative. Simultaneously, ‘Jailer’ introduces a fresh directorial approach, melding self-awareness with a firm commitment to storytelling. The film transitions between poignant moments, such as Muthuvel’s interactions with his grandson, and intense clashes with the formidable Varman (Vinayakan). The film harnesses Rajinikanth’s dynamic energy, showcasing his ability to transition seamlessly from heartfelt moments with his grandson to high-octane action sequences.. The compelling chemistry between Rajinikanth and co-star Vinayakan gives depth to the film’s character dynamics. Although The script is strong and well written, there are instances where the film’s tone seems a bit inconsistent. Despite its minor imperfections, ‘Jailer’ truly comes alive through Rajinikanth’s on-screen magnetism and the film’s distinct brand of humor. The synergy between Rajinikanth and Dilipkumar marks a triumphant comeback for both the iconic actor and the accomplished director. The movie also strikes a harmonious balance between nostalgia and innovation. Rajinikanth’s enduring appeal is accentuated by the film’s nods to his past, blending familiarity with novelty. Dilipkumar’s homage to Rajinikanth’s previous roles, including references to ‘Baasha’ and iconic dialogues, adds an extra layer of delight to the cinematic experience. While ‘Jailer’ occasionally grapples with maintaining its tonal consistency, its overall impact remains undeniably engaging. Dilipkumar’s skilled direction captures resilience and emotion in equal measure. From a technical standpoint as well, this film is strong. From cinematography to sound design, this film gets it just right! In summary, ‘Jailer’ masterfully fuses Rajinikanth’s magnetic on-screen presence with Nelson Dilipkumar’s storytelling finesse. The film effortlessly traverses a spectrum of emotions, cleverly blending nostalgia with innovation. Despite the occasional tonal shifts, the film thrives on Rajinikanth’s star power and Dilipkumar’s directorial prowess. ‘Jailer’ heralds an unforgettable return for the legendary actor and filmmaker, making an indelible mark on the world of cinema.” 3.5 out of 5 stars Movie Reviews