Indian cricketer Sanju Samson secured an entire cinema theatre on Tuesday to host a private screening of Rajinikanth’s newly released action thriller, Jailer 2, after a prior work commitment in Delhi forced him to miss opening shows.

A Sports Icon Turns Cinephile

While Samson is widely recognized for generating roaring cheers in cricket stadiums, his personal enthusiasm shifted entirely toward the silver screen as he sought to experience the return of Tamil cinema’s veteran headliner. The wicketkeeper-batter explained in a viral video that a scheduled event in the national capital had temporarily delayed his opportunity to participate in opening-day celebrations.

Eager to make up for lost time, the cricketer chose not to attend alone. Samson arranged the exclusive auditorium booking to share the viewing experience with a specific contingent of his inner circle and sports colleagues.

“I love watching Rajini sir’s movies, and I always look forward to his next film. So, I’m actually a day late. I try to watch as many of his movies as possible. Yesterday, we had an event in Delhi, which is why I couldn’t watch it.”

Samson detailed the roster of attendees assembled for the private viewing, remarking that his wife, close friends, and every member of his team and supporting staff proficient in Tamil were present for the special screening.

The Phenomenon of Jailer 2

Helmed by filmmaker Nelson Dilipkumar, Jailer 2 operates as the direct successor to the 2023 box-office blockbuster Jailer. The narrative brings Rajinikanth back to the screen as retired lawman Tiger Muthuvel Pandian, tracing a fresh sequence of events that pulls the veteran protagonist back into conflict.

The production features returning ensemble cast members including Ramya Krishnan, Yogi Babu, Mirnaa, and Rithvik. Expanding its canvas, the sequel introduces performances by SJ Suryah, Mithun Chakraborty, Suraj Venjaramoodu, and Vidya Balan, while retaining cameo appearances from Mohanlal, Shiva Rajkumar, and Jackie Shroff, alongside surprise entries from prominent Kollywood and Bollywood personalities.

Box Office Trajectory

The cinematic spectacle has quickly turned into an international commercial powerhouse, with worldwide box office collections climbing past ₹477 crore. Director Nelson Dilipkumar took to X to share a photograph featuring Rajinikanth and music director Anirudh Ravichander, acknowledging the massive turnout across theatres.

Dilipkumar observed that audience celebrations have reached historic levels in movie halls, thanking spectators for driving the sequel’s early theatrical run to exceptional heights.