‘It felt like I had won an Oscar’_ Suraj Venjaramoodu recalls Rajinikanth’s gesture on ‘Jailer 2’.

Actor Suraj Venjaramoodu has shared a memorable experience from the sets of ‘Jailer 2’. Speaking at a promotional event ahead of its release, he recalled how Rajinikanth applauded his performance after a late-night shoot. The gesture left a lasting impression on the Malayalam actor, who described it as one of the most meaningful moments of his career.Suraj Venjaramoodu plays a villain in the sequel to the 2023 hit ‘Jailer’. He said Rajinikanth stayed on the set to watch him perform, even after completing his own portions.

Rajinikanth waited to watch the actor’s scene

Recalling the incident, Suraj Venjaramoodu explained that he and Rajinikanth had been shooting together until approximately 2.30 am. After the superstar completed his portions, the Malayalam actor’s shot was scheduled. Suraj said he finished performing the scene and heard applause shortly after the director called cut.“One day, we were shooting until the early hours of the morning. Rajinikanth sir and I had scenes together until around 2.30 am. His portions were completed by then, and my shot was scheduled next. After I finished performing in character, sir called ‘cut’. It must have been around 2.45 am. That was when I heard the sound of clapping. When I looked, Rajinikanth sir was walking towards me, applauding,” Suraj recalled, as quoted by Reporter website.

‘It felt like I had won an Oscar’

Suraj Venjaramoodu said the applause was accompanied by appreciation from others present on the set. He described the incident as a lifetime moment and recalled telling Rajinikanth how much the gesture meant to him.“Everyone on the set who was with him was clapping too. That was a lifetime moment for me. I went up to sir and told him that I had received a National Award, but it was only then that I felt as though I had won an Oscar.”“Even at such a late hour, for someone like him to wait there, watch a co-actor’s performance and appreciate it is no small thing. I will never be able to forget that moment. It was a great source of inspiration for me,” Suraj said.

‘Jailer 2’ features Rajinikanth and Mohanlal

Directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, ‘Jailer 2’ is the sequel to the 2023 movie ‘Jailer’. Rajinikanth returns to play Tiger Muthuvel Pandian, the retired jailer at the centre of the franchise. The upcoming film also features several performers from Malayalam cinema, including Mohanlal in an important role.The cast includes S. J. Suryah, Vidya Balan, Mithun Chakraborty, Yogi Babu and Hakim Shahjahan, alongside Suraj Venjaramoodu. The sequel is scheduled to release in theatres on October 15.