Actor Hakim Shahjahan has opened up about missing an opportunity to feature in Rajinikanth’s ‘Jailer’ and eventually joining its sequel, ‘Jailer 2’. In an interview with Reporter Films, Hakim recalled how he was initially approached for the first instalment but did not hear back from the makers. He also revealed how look tests and auditions led to his casting as Sharva Kalpak in Nelson Dilipkumar’s film. Meanwhile, ‘Jailer 2’ has reportedly recorded a rise in its third-day box-office collections.
Hakim Shahjahan recalls missing out on Rajinikanth’s ‘Jailer’
Hakim Shahjahan has recalled how he came close to being part of Rajinikanth’s ‘Jailer’ but ultimately missed out on the opportunity. Speaking to Reporter Films, the actor said he had initially been approached for a character in the first instalment and had even shared his details and look with the team. However, the process did not move forward.At the time, Hakim was busy shooting for ‘Kadha Ithuvare’. He later watched ‘Jailer’ in Kumily, Kerala, and was struck by the enthusiastic response from the audience. Seeing the film turn into a theatrical celebration made him wish he had been part of the project.“I was approached for the first ‘Jailer’ as well. Back then, I had sent them details, including my look, for a character. However, there was no follow-up after that. At the time, I was shooting for the film ‘Kadha Ithuvare’. I was extremely excited after watching ‘Jailer’. I watched it in Kumily and witnessed the theater turning into a massive celebration. I kept thinking about how I had missed the chance to be part of the film,” Hakim told the afore mentioned publication.
‘Jailer 2’ gave Hakim Shahjahan three character options
Hakim’s opportunity to join the franchise arrived with ‘Jailer 2’. The actor said he initially expected the casting process to unfold much like it had for the first film. This time, however, the makers invited him for look tests and considered him for multiple characters.According to Hakim, the team eventually presented him with three options and allowed him to choose the role he felt suited him best. He described being given that choice as a privilege, particularly because it offered him a more active role in deciding how he would fit into the film.“When I was approached for ‘Jailer 2’, I assumed it would be the same as the first part. However, this time, they called me for a look test. After experimenting with different looks for various characters, three options were presented to me. They gave me three options and said I could choose whichever character I wanted. I consider that a tremendous privilege,” the actor recalled.
How Hakim Shahjahan chose Sharva Kalpak in ‘Jailer 2’
Hakim initially selected one of the other characters offered to him and went through a look test and an audition to assess his suitability for the role. However, the look did not come together as expected, prompting him to consider another option.He eventually chose Sharva Kalpak, the character he plays in ‘Jailer 2’. The actor said the look for this role came together quickly during the testing process.“Regardless, being part of the film itself is a big thing. I got the look for the character Sharva Kalpak in a single stretch. The look tests took place around January and February last year. The shooting for the film was completed approximately a month and a half ago. There were different stages of filming, including reshoots and minor patchwork,” Hakim said.
‘Jailer 2’ records a 28.8% rise in day 3 collections
Meanwhile, ‘Jailer 2’ has reportedly registered an increase in its box-office collections on its third day in theatres. According to the figures attributed to Sacnilk in the supplied report, the Rajinikanth-starrer collected Rs 47.80 crore in India net collections on Saturday, October 17.The reported third-day collection marks a 28.8% increase over Friday’s Rs 37.10 crore. The rise added to the film’s opening-weekend earnings, while its worldwide gross collection was reported at Rs 317.15 crore after three days. The film’s India net collection has also reportedly crossed the Rs 100 crore mark.