Hareesh Peradi reveals why he sacrificed Rajinikanth’s Jailer for Mohanlal’s Malaikottai Vaaliban

Actor Hareesh Peradi, who is one of the few Malayalam character actors who shuttle between Malayalam and Tamil successfully, recently revealed that he was offered a role in Rajinikanth’s Jailer, but decided to choose another character instead.

In a recent interview, he said that he couldn’t take up the offer due to his commitment towards Mohanlal-starrer Malaikottai Vaaliban, which is directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery. 

“Rajini sir had invited me to Jailer, but I was busy preparing for the role in Lijo’s film Malaikottai Vaaliban. The movie has me as a bullock cart rider and Lijo was firm about the character being well-versed in cart riding. I informed the Jailer team about my prior commitment and they gave me their blessings to proceed with Lijo’s film,” Hareesh told Can Channel.

The actor also said that he admires Rajinikanth as an actor and it is his longstanding desire to act with him. Hareesg had previously worked with Jailer’s director Nelson in Kolamavu Kokila, in which he portrayed the antagonist.

Hareesh also acknowledges that such “losses” are common in the film industry, but also doesn’t regret it as he is hopeful about what the audience will get to witness once Malaikottai Vaalibhan releases.

The actor had previously appeared alongside Vijay and Kamal Hassan in films like Mersal and Vikram, respectively. He was also seen in Mohanlal’s Marakkar Arabikadalinte Simham. 

Malaikottai Vaaliban marks the first collaboration between Mohanlal and the Jallikattu director. The glimpses of the film hint at an action flick with a touch of fantasy. In the poster and sneak peek released, Mohanlal is seen pulling ropes with his back to a full-sized moon. According to its producer Shibu Baby John, the movie, scripted by PS Rafeeque, is an out-and-out action entertainer, slated to hit theatres by the end of 2023. The film’s shooting spanned 130 days, covering multiple locations like Rajasthan, Chennai, and Pondicherry.