Exhibitors in Keralam Jubilant as Rajinikanth’s Jailer 2 Earns Record First-Day Collections

The enthusiastic response from audiences to veteran actor Rajinikanth’s latest film, Jailer 2, has rekindled optimism among exhibitors in Keralam. The highly anticipated release has achieved record-breaking box office figures, prompting theatres to plan additional shows to capitalize on the overwhelming support from moviegoers.

Background on Keralam’s Film Industry

The release of Jailer 2 comes at a time when the Kerala film industry has been navigating mixed fortunes since the beginning of 2026. With the ongoing Navaratri celebrations, theatres are expecting further boosts in revenue as families flock to cinemas during the extended holidays.

Staggering Opening Day Collections

On its first day, Jailer 2 reportedly grossed an impressive ₹12.65 crore in Keralam alone, setting a new record for Tamil films in the state. Suresh Shenoy, a member of the executive committee of the Film Exhibitors’ United Organisation of Kerala (FEUOK), shared insights on the film’s performance: “This opening day gross is unprecedented for a Tamil movie released in Kerala. The previous record was held by actor Vijay’s Leo, which earned approximately ₹12 crore on its debut day. Notably, Jailer 2 also benefited from remarkable advanced bookings that matched its pre-release hype.”

Hope for Sustained Success

The robust opening is a lifeline for exhibitors, with many expressing hope that the sustained interest in Jailer 2 will help them navigate through the rest of October. The optimism is fueled by the film’s capacity to draw audiences systematically to cinema halls, thereby providing much-needed relief amidst rising maintenance and operational costs.

P.V. Basheer Ahamed, president of the Kerala Film Exhibitors’ Association, remarked on the industry’s recent challenges, noting, “The blockbuster Bethlehem Kudumba Unit, which was released on August 21, has already brought some relief to our industry, but we need consistent releases that can keep our cinemas vibrant.”

The Movie’s Popularity Reflected in Show Times

The success of Jailer 2 has been evident not only in ticket sales but also in the sheer number of shows being screened across Keralam. K. Vijayakumar, a former president of FEUOK, highlighted that several theatres operated screenings for as long as 18 continuous hours on the opening day, signaling the film’s extraordinary popularity.

Future Projections

Looking ahead, there is a strong anticipation that the momentum generated by Jailer 2 may persist through the coming weekends, especially with upcoming Puja holidays extending till Wednesday. This could significantly enhance the film’s longevity in theaters as well as its overall box office performance.

Conclusion

The jubilant reception of Jailer 2 does not just celebrate Rajinikanth’s star power but also invigorates Keralam’s film exhibition landscape, which has faced uncertainties in recent months. With record first-day collections, theatres across the state are poised to benefit from the ongoing excitement around the film, paving the way for a hopeful October for the industry.