Jailer: All you need to know about the controversy surrounding title of Rajinikanth's film

The Rajinikanth starrer Jailer is set to open in theatres on August 10. A Malayalam film with the same title is also set to hit screens on the same day. This has garnered a fair deal of attention. With the films embroiled in controversy, here is a look at everything that has transpired in this unusual case so far. 

3 things you need to know

• The Rajinikanth starrer Jailer is a black-comedy action film, also starring Tamannaah Bhatia.
• Jailer, the Malayalam film, is a historical thriller directed by Sakkir Madathil.
• Both films are hitting theatres on August 10.

What is the controversy about?

The month of July brought to light the brewing controversy involving two films carrying the same title. Sakkir Madathil, director of the Malayalam Jailer, had allegedly requested the makers of the Tamil Jailer to change its title. The reasoning was that  the Malayalam film was a significantly smaller project and hence was already entering the field at a disadvantage. The team behind the Malayalam Jailer also claimed the identical titles would confuse the  audience. Sun Pictures, however, refused to change the Rajinikanth-led film’s title.

(Rajinikanth plays the role of Muthuvel Pandian | Image: X)

Madathil had reportedly registered the title Jailer with the Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce back in 2021. When this information too did not have any desired impact, the Malayalam director decided to file a legal complaint over the matter. Judgment in this matter is awaited.

The issue intensifies

Sakkir Madathil took the denial of his request as an all-out challenge. He went ahead and decided on August 10 as the release date for his film. The Malayalam director is reportedly also facing issues with exhibitors as they are giving preference to the Rajinikanth movie. He has asked for a 75-day window but the best he is being allotted is a 42-day one. What's more, the director has also staged a day-long protest regarding this matter in front of the KFCC. As of today, both films retain their original titles and will be clashing at the box office on August 10.