Nelson remembers Puneeth Rajkumar at Jailer audio launch: 'Shivarajkumar has a deadly screen presence'

In a star-studded audio launch of Jailer, filmmaker Nelson Dilipkumar shared some fascinating details about how he managed to gather some of the biggest names from the Indian film industry to collaborate on the project. 

Nelson humbly acknowledged the immense goodwill and reputation that Superstar Rajinikanth enjoys across the country. He revealed that it was Rajinikanth's name alone that convinced other prominent stars to join the movie, without the need for a detailed narration of the storyline.

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Recalling an unforgettable encounter, Nelson shared his first impression of Kannada superstar Shivarajkumar during the shooting of Beast. "When I saw him walk towards me, he had a swag of a real gangster. Later, when I watched a few of his movies, I was mesmerized by his deadly screen presence," said the filmmaker, expressing his admiration for Shivarajkumar's screen presence.

The event took an emotional turn as Nelson recounted a heartwarming conversation he had with the late movie icon, Puneeth Rajkumar. "After the release of my film Doctor, Puneeth Rajkumar sir called me and praised my work. He offered to play even a five-minute role if I had one in my next film. Unfortunately, just ten days after that conversation, he passed away," Nelson recalled with a tinge of sorrow. He expressed that every time he sees Shivarajkumar, it reminds him of Puneeth sir, as no one had appreciated his talent as Puneeth Rajkumar did.

In Jailer, Shivarajkumar is said to have a pivotal cameo role, which lasts for a mere 11 minutes. The movie is also graced by special appearances from the Malayalam superstar Mohanlal and seasoned Hindi star Jackie Shroff, adding to the star power of the film.

Jailer boasts an ensemble cast that includes Tamannaah, Ramya Krishnan, Yogi Babu, Vasanth Ravi, Redin Kingsley, and Vinayakan. The movie is due in cinemas on August 10.