EXCLUSIVE: Jailer 2-star Apeksha Porwal opens up on sharing screen space with Rajinikanth

Following the massive global blockbuster success of the 2023 action-drama Jailer, expectations are soaring sky-high for its eagerly awaited sequel, Jailer 2. Directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, the high-octane spectacle brings back 'Superstar' Rajinikanth in his iconic role, alongside an impressive ensemble cast that includes legendary stars like Mohanlal, Shiva Rajkumar, Jackie Shroff, and Mithun Chakraborty. Slated to hit the big screen as a major theatrical event, the sequel promises even bigger action and an expanded cinematic universe. Joining this stellar star cast is actor and former pageant queen Apeksha Porwal, who plays a key role in the film's climax sequence.

In an exclusive conversation with Zee News Digital, Apeksha Porwal opened up about her experience sharing screen space with Rajinikanth, preparing for her action-heavy role, and transitioning from beauty pageants to big-budget cinema.

Excerpts from the conversation:

Q. How does it feel to step into a massive, high-profile franchise like Jailer 2 alongside Superstar Rajinikanth?

"It feels like a dream. I am extremely grateful to get to be a part of this highly successful franchise. Rajinikanth is a myth, a legend; he is larger than life and to get to work with him is absolutely a dream. And to work with Nelson Sir and get to be a part of the universe he creates."

Q. What was it like sharing set space and observing screen legends like Rajinikanth, Mohanlal, Shiva Rajkumar, and Jackie Shroff?

"Because our climax sequence was shot over a number of days, I actually got to share set space with Rajini Sir over a few days. He is an institution in himself, and there was so much to learn by just observing him. He is the humblest superstar I have ever seen and is so extremely kind to everyone around. He has an unmatched aura. I realised his greatness over years and years comes from the human being he is. He is extremely dedicated to the scene.

I also got to work alongside Mithun Sir. In fact, there’s a moment where I had to knock the gun out of his hand. Being an action legend himself, he was also gracious enough to give me little tips to look more stylised and was kind to speak to me."

Q. Did Superstar Rajinikanth offer you any advice or guidance on set during filming, and what was your biggest takeaway from working alongside him?

"He is an absolute inspiration, and my biggest takeaway was literally from observing his humility and kindness. He emanates a kind of peace, positivity and aura that is unmatched."

Q. From winning Miss India Delhi 2015 and Miss Teen India International 2009 to being 2nd runner-up at Miss Diva 2017, what was the transition like?

"Being a Miss India was a childhood dream. I worked for it for years starting from teenage pageants to multiple pageants in the middle to finally having the crown on my head. I am glad little Apeksha got to live that dream."

Q. How many hours of physical and action training went into preparing for your role in the film?

"I am quite a fitness enthusiast and have been training in martial arts for the past couple of years, including katana, nunchucks, long stick, kickboxing, etc. I honestly love the art form and enjoy ancient weapons. I also go to the gym 5-6 days a week. So I pretty much maintained that during the filming. I would also finish my shoot days, go to the gym, then for a quick swim for cardio, get a quick steam in and then sleep. That was pretty much my routine every day in Chennai."

Q. With Jailer 2 poised to be a massive theatrical spectacle, what kind of roles or genres are you hoping to explore next?

"I am hoping to explore everything! I have two projects that I am working on as lead currently that are in a completely different avatar. To explore different characters in well-written stories is the thing that excites me the most as an actor."

Q. You’ve worked across OTT, Hindi feature films (Badhaai Do), and international series like Slave Market with MBC Studios. How does navigating international sets differ from big-budget Indian cinema?

"The Arabic web series Slave Market was also a big-budget project and a period drama with massive sets and a huge star cast. So in that sense it was also a big budget experience. At the end of the day, whether international or Indian, I believe today, the story matters more than anything else, and as an actor, that’s what matters to me as well, whether big budget or independent. The only difference that can sometimes come is a slight language barrier, but navigating that is a wonderful part of the experience itself!"