At the Baththa audio launch, Vijay Sethupathi recalled a brief Jailer 2 scene with Rajinikanth — watched with “absolute awe and admiration.”

Nelson had kept betel leaves, areca nut and cloves on set. Instead of long rehearsals, Rajini folded a betel leaf to check timing and Sethupathi’s dialogue delivery through a few run-throughs. Sethupathi said if he acts until the day he dies, he wants that same level of dedication.

Baththa (Balaji Tharaneetharan, Lijomol Jose, Atlee presenting) opens 1 October. Jailer 2 follows on 15 October.