In a move that’s sending tremors of excitement through both Bollywood and Kollywood, acclaimed Hindi actress Vidya Balan is reportedly making her full-fledged Tamil cinema debut in the eagerly awaited sequel Jailer 2, starring legendary actor Rajinikanth. According to an exclusive production source speaking to Hindustan Times, Vidya will play the role of the eldest daughter of the antagonist, portrayed by Mithun Chakraborty, in what is shaping up to be one of the most high-profile cross-industry moves this year.
Vidya’s move into Tamil cinema
Vidya, whose body of work in Hindi cinema includes memorable films like Kahaani and The Dirty Picture, is taking on a new challenge by venturing into Tamil mainstream with Jailer 2. Though she made a brief appearance in the Tamil film Nerkonda Paarvai (2019), this project is being billed as her first substantial role in Tamil cinema. Interestingly, she also recently entered Marathi cinema with Raja Shivaji, Riteish Deshmukh’s upcoming historical epic where she stars alongside Riteish and Genelia D’Souza.
Jailer 2 Production
The Jailer sequel, directed by Nelson Dilipkumar and produced by Sun Pictures, has already completed more than half of its Chennai-schedule shoot and is expected to head into post-production by January.
The production insider detailed the following: “Vidya plays the role of Mithun Chakraborty’s eldest daughter. Mithun is the leading antagonist in the film and will be seen alongside Rajinikanth sir.” The source added that after finishing the Chennai schedule, the team will move to Goa for the remaining two months of shooting beginning late October. With the makers reportedly aiming for an August 2026 release, this casting announcement marks a major expansion of the film’s pan-Indian ambitions.
(Also read: Thalaivar Has Spoken: Rajinikanth Reveals The Action Comedy, ‘Jailer 2’ Will Release On June 12, 2026)
Vidya Balan on self-belief and career choices
In a separate interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Vidya spoke candidly about her career mindset: “I think I am shamelessly optimistic. I have so much self-belief. I have put myself out there at my biggest and not batted an eyelid. I’ve had people tell me I should work on myself, that I should shed weight. But I actually believe there is nothing wrong with me.” This philosophy appears to coincide with her decision to break into Tamil cinema at a time when she is comfortable taking challenging and non-traditional roles.
Vidya Balan in Jailer 2
Vidya’s inclusion in Jailer 2 is significant on multiple fronts: it bridges Bollywood and Tamil cinema in a meaningful way, adds a strong female presence to a star-led masala entertainer, and elevates the project’s pan-Indian profile. For Vidya herself, this move reinforces her willingness to step into bold new territory, underlining her career reinvention. For fans of Rajinikanth and Tamil cinema, the casting adds curiosity and freshness to an already anticipated sequel.
As the filming progresses and more details emerge about Vidya’s character and her dynamic with Rajinikanth and Mithun Chakraborty, expectations will continue to build for what may well be one of next year’s most talked-about releases.
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