Vijay Sethupathi on Rajinikanth: 'I want to be as dedicated as him'
Synopsis
At the audio launch of his upcoming Tamil film 'Baththa', Vijay Sethupathi revealed a quietly powerful anecdote — watching Rajinikanth rehearse a minor 'Jailer 2' scene five to six times, timing dialogues to the folding of a betel leaf. The story is a rare, candid window into what separates an icon from everyone else.
Key Takeaways
Vijay Sethupathi expressed deep admiration for Rajinikanth at the 'Baththa' audio launch held at Sathyabama Engineering College, Chennai .
He recalled watching Rajinikanth rehearse a brief 'Jailer 2' scene five to six times , timing his dialogue delivery to the folding of a betel leaf. 'Baththa' is directed by Balaji Tharaneetharan and presented by director Atlee , starring Vijay Sethupathi and Lijomol Jose .
The film is set in the 1980s and features a crime-drama narrative centred on a feared, morally complex protagonist. 'Baththa' is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on 1 October 2026 .
Actor Vijay Sethupathi, starring in director Balaji Tharaneetharan's upcoming Tamil film 'Baththa', has spoken openly about his admiration for Superstar Rajinikanth, saying he aspires to match the veteran actor's legendary work ethic. The remarks came during the audio launch event of 'Baththa', held at Sathyabama Engineering College in Chennai.
What Vijay Sethupathi Said
“The one person who I’ve looked up to with fascination and have been totally in awe of is Superstar Rajinikanth,” Sethupathi told the audience. He went on to recount a recent experience on the sets of 'Jailer 2', where he had a brief scene alongside Rajinikanth. According to Sethupathi, director Nelson offered Rajinikanth betel nuts, leaves, and cloves before the shot — and what followed left a deep impression on him.
“For the kind of experience Rajinikanth sir has, he did not have to rehearse. But he took a piece of clove, some betel nuts and started chewing on them, even as he began folding the betel leaves. I realised he was checking the time I took to speak the dialogues and if they were synchronised to the time he took to fold the betel leaf. He rehearsed it some five to six times,” Sethupathi recalled.
Reflecting on what that moment meant to him, the actor added: “If there is one thing that I wholeheartedly long and wish for, it is that till the time I die, if I am an actor, I have to be like that. I wish to be as dedicated in my work as he is.”
About the Film 'Baththa'
'Baththa' stars Vijay Sethupathi and Lijomol Jose in the lead roles and is presented by acclaimed director Atlee. Director Balaji Tharaneetharan is best known for the superhit 'Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom', and 'Baththa' marks his return to the big screen with considerable anticipation.
On the technical front, the film features music by Sai Abhyankkar, cinematography by Selvakumar S.K., editing by R. Kalaivanan, and production design by T Muthuraj.
A Glimpse Into the World of Baththa
Ahead of the audio launch, the makers released a glimpse video titled 'The World of Baththa', which sets the film firmly in the 1980s. The video introduces Baththa as a feared, rough-edged figure whose return is anxiously awaited by his family. A child's voice in the glimpse sums up the character’s aura: “Everybody is scared of him but he isn’t scared of anything.”
The video also hints at a complex domestic life. In one scene, Baththa is shown dismissively spitting out food served by his wife. In another, when his wife asks where he had been, he responds in an arrogant tone: “You shouldn’t search for me. I will be found by myself.” The glimpse paints a morally ambiguous protagonist at the centre of a crime-laced narrative.
Release Date and What to Expect
'Baththa' is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on 1 October 2026. With a strong ensemble, a well-regarded director, and the buzz generated by Sethupathi’s heartfelt tribute to Rajinikanth, the film enters its final stretch of promotions with significant audience interest.
Point of View
He zeroes in on something unglamorous: repetition, precision, and craft in a throwaway scene. That framing resonates deeply with Tamil cinema's current moment, where a new generation of actors defines stardom through versatility rather than spectacle. Whether the 'Baththa' audio launch buzz translates to box-office momentum on 1 October 2026 remains to be seen, but Sethupathi's sincerity in this tribute is undeniable promotional currency.
NationPress
19 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Vijay Sethupathi say about Rajinikanth at the 'Baththa' audio launch?
Vijay Sethupathi said Rajinikanth is the one person he has always looked up to in awe, and that he aspires to be as dedicated as him till the end of his acting career. He recounted watching Rajinikanth rehearse a small scene in 'Jailer 2' five to six times, carefully timing his dialogue to the folding of a betel leaf.
What is the film 'Baththa' about?
'Baththa' is an upcoming Tamil film set in the 1980s, centred on a feared and morally complex protagonist played by Vijay Sethupathi. The story revolves around a community anxiously awaiting Baththa's return against the backdrop of crime and tension.
When does 'Baththa' release in cinemas?
'Baththa' is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on 1 October 2026.
Who is directing 'Baththa' and who else is in the cast?
'Baththa' is directed by Balaji Tharaneetharan, known for 'Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom', and presented by director Atlee. Lijomol Jose stars alongside Vijay Sethupathi, with music by Sai Abhyankkar and cinematography by Selvakumar S.K.
What is the significance of Vijay Sethupathi's 'Jailer 2' story?
The anecdote highlights Rajinikanth's meticulous preparation even for brief scenes — a quality Sethupathi found remarkable given the superstar's decades of experience. It offers a rare, candid glimpse into Rajinikanth's on-set discipline and has resonated widely with fans of both actors.
