‘Jailer 2’: Does Shivarajkumar’s cameo live up to the hype in Rajinikanth-starrer?

How is Shivanna’s cameo? This was the most-asked question from fans of Kannada star Shivarajkumar, as reactions to Jailer 2started pouring in on October 15, 2026 (Thursday). For ardent followers of the Sandalwood veteran, the Rajinikanth starrer, directed by Nelson, was highly anticipated thanks to Shivarajkumar's terrific cameo in the first installment.

In Jailer(2023), Shivarajkumar played a reformed criminal, Narasimha, from Mandya, Karnataka, who is also an ally of Rajinikanth’s Tiger Muthuvel Pandian. Rather than being a tame cameo, Shivarajkumar’s character got one of the most memorable scenes in the first part, earning the actor a large number of fans from Tamil Nadu. Narasimha arrives just in time to save the family of Muthuvel Pandian. The staggering scene, which reflected Shivarajkumar’s fiery eyes and ‘mass’ appeal, floored fans across languages.

So, does the second part offer Shivarajkumar a meatier role? Fans are divided about it. In the sequel, Nelson gives Shivarajkumar’s character a better arc. His role is integral to a major conflict that pits Muthuvel Pandian against mightier enemies than Varman, whom actor Vinayakan masterfully played in the first part.

Rajinikanth and Shivarajkumar, two of the biggest stars of their respective industries, have been good friends for years. The actors share a similar bond in the movie, and the friendship feels natural and realistic. This time, Muthuvel Pandian repays Narasimha’s help, and Nelson weaves in an interesting plot point to achieve that. And watch the film to see how Shivarajkumar’s Tamil fandom is intact. In my show, fans went berserk just by hearing the actor’s voice!

Now, the big question is: are the high moments involving Shivarajkumar organic, or do they play only to the gallery? The actor’s cameo in the first part was a pleasant surprise. This time, with the novelty factor gone, fans might be expecting bigger and better set pieces featuring the actor.

“My only disappointment was Shivanna’s screen time. Expected more of Narasimha’s character,” wrote @MrAnderson on X (formerly Twitter). “Shivanna’s entry saves the second half. Narasimha’s character travels along the movie,” wrote a handle named @NimmaAbhiii on X.

While fans may be hoping for more screen time for Shivarajkumar, one thing is certain: his terrific screen presence gets the recognition it deserves. Nelson also has a big surprise for people looking to see all the big stars set the screen on fire in this star-studded sequel!