Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, a self-professed long-time fan of superstar Rajinikanth, recently went to extraordinary lengths to celebrate his admiration. The Kerala cricketer reserved an entire cinema hall in Bengaluru to host a private screening of Rajinikanth's highly anticipated film, Jailer 2.
A Cricketer's Fanboy Moment
Samson's grand gesture stemmed from missing the film's opening-day screening due to professional commitments in Delhi. Determined not to miss the cinematic event, he arranged an exclusive show at Cinepolis in Bengaluru's Lulu Mall, ensuring a personal and celebratory viewing experience.
In a social media video, Samson expressed his excitement, stating, "But today, fortunately, I was lucky enough to book the entire theatre. I’ve invited my friends, and my wife is here too. I’m very excited to watch Rajini sir on the big screen."
Teammates Join the Celebration
The private screening wasn't just for family and friends; Samson extended invitations to several members of the Indian team and support staff who understand Tamil. This transformed the event into a unique group outing for fellow Rajinikanth admirers within the cricketing fraternity. "Everyone in the team and the support staff who knows Tamil is coming," Samson confirmed, highlighting the shared enthusiasm for the Tamil cinema icon.
Rajinikanth's Enduring Appeal
Samson's deep connection to Rajinikanth is well-known, with the cricketer previously stating he has been a "periya fan" (big fan) since childhood. This special screening underscores the enduring appeal of Rajinikanth and the vibrant culture of fan appreciation in Indian cinema.
About Jailer 2
Jailer 2 is the sequel to the 2023 blockbuster Jailer. Directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, the action entertainer sees Rajinikanth reprise his role as retired jailer "Tiger" Muthuvel Pandian, who is drawn back into action to protect his family and legacy from a new criminal threat. The film features a star-studded cast including SJ Suryah, Vidya Balan, Mithun Chakraborty, Ramya Krishnan, Suraj Venjaramoodu, and Yogi Babu, with special appearances by Mohanlal, Shiva Rajkumar, and Jackie Shroff.
According to Sacnilk, Jailer 2 has achieved significant box office success, collecting ₹373 crore net in India after 11 days, with a worldwide gross estimated at ₹666.30 crore.