Actress Apeksha Porwal has spoken about her experience working alongside superstar Rajinikanth in the recently released action thriller Jailer 2, describing the encounter as a 'surreal' moment that left a lasting impression — not just because of his legendary status, but because of the warmth and simplicity he brought to the set.

A Mythical Star, Up Close

'It was an absolutely surreal experience working with Rajinikanth Sir. Till now, he was a mythical phenomenon whose stardom I had heard of, but then I actually got to see it up close,' Apeksha said. For a debutante stepping into Tamil cinema, sharing screen space with one of the industry's most iconic figures was, by any measure, an extraordinary introduction.

What Stood Out: Humility Beyond Stardom

What impressed Apeksha most, she said, was not the magnitude of Rajinikanth's fame but the manner in which he carried himself around everyone on set. 'I've never seen a star of his stature be this humble and kind to everyone around. His simplicity, his humility, and the aura he carries — that's his greatness. He would always have a smile on his face and greet everybody,' she said. The remark stands out given Rajinikanth's decades-long dominance in Indian cinema and the near-mythological fandom that surrounds him across South Asia and beyond.

Apeksha's Role in Jailer 2

Jailer 2 marks Apeksha Porwal's Tamil cinema debut. She plays an assassin and femme fatale, appearing in the film's climax alongside Hrithik Roshan to assist Rajinikanth's character, Tiger Muthuvel Pandian, in a high-energy action sequence. The role, while compact, placed her at the centrepiece of one of the film's most anticipated set pieces.

About Jailer 2

The film was directed and written by Nelson Dilipkumar and produced by Kalanithi Maran under the banner of Sun Pictures. A sequel to the 2023 blockbuster Jailer, the film sees Rajinikanth, Ramya Krishnan, Yogi Babu, Mirnaa, and Rithvik reprising their roles from the original. New additions to the cast include S.J. Suryah, Mithun Chakraborty, Suraj Venjaramoodu, and Vidya Balan. The film released in theatres on 15 October 2026.

The Bigger Picture

Apeksha's account adds to a consistent narrative that has followed Rajinikanth across decades — peers and co-stars frequently highlight his approachability despite a stature that few actors in world cinema can match. As Jailer 2 draws audiences in its opening weeks, the film also marks a milestone for several newcomers entering one of Tamil cinema's most high-profile franchises. How the film performs in the weeks ahead will shape the trajectory of several careers, including Apeksha's own.