Jailer (2023) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 8 May 2026
Jailer (2023) Review
Jailer (2023) (Tamil action, comedy, crime) — directed by Nelson Dilipkumar. Featuring Rajinikanth, Vinayakan, Vasanth Ravi. Muthuvel Pandian, a retired, stern yet compassionate jailer lives a peaceful life with his family, but trouble knocks his door when his cop son’s tryst with an antique mafia gang goes awry and forces Muthu to step back into a dark world he had voluntarily took a break from. Our Rating: 3/5. Verdict: BLOCKBUSTER. Produced by Sun Pictures, Released: 10 Aug 2023. Runtime: 2h 45m.
Jailer(2023)
Tamil · Action, Comedy, Crime
2h 45m · 10 Aug 2023
Music: Anirudh Ravichander | DOP: Vijay Kartik Kannan | Writer: Nelson Dilipkumar
Ratings
Our Rating
3
📖 Story
Jailer follows the story of Muthuvel Pandian, a retired prison officer who is drawn back into action when his family is threatened by a powerful criminal syndicate. The narrative explores themes of justice, redemption, and familial bonds, weaving a tale that balances intense action with emotional depth. The screenplay cleverly integrates moments of humor and sentiment, making the protagonist's journey compelling and relatable.
Jailer delivers a gripping narrative anchored by a strong screenplay that balances action and emotional storytelling effectively. The first half sets a brisk pace introducing characters and conflicts with a mix of humor and tension, while the second half intensifies the drama and action sequences, maintaining audience engagement throughout.
The music by Anirudh Ravichander complements the film well, with songs that enhance the narrative without disrupting the flow. The background score elevates key moments, adding to the film's emotional and dramatic impact. Cinematography by Vijay Kartik Kannan captures the gritty and intense atmosphere, supporting the film's tone.
Overall, the film's pacing is well managed, with a screenplay that avoids unnecessary lulls. The blend of Rajinikanth's charismatic presence, strong supporting performances, and technical finesse makes Jailer a satisfying cinematic experience.
Rajinikanth: Commanding and charismatic, delivering a nuanced portrayal of a retired jailer with depth and gravitas.
Vinayakan: Powerful and intense, providing a formidable antagonist presence.
Vasanth Ravi: Solid supporting role with convincing emotional moments.
Yogi Babu: Effective comic relief that blends well with the film’s tone.
Ramya Krishnan: Strong and impactful in a pivotal role.
Mirnaa: Good screen presence with a natural performance.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Rajinikanth’s commanding screen presence
- ✓Engaging and well-paced screenplay
- ✓Anirudh Ravichander’s impactful music and BGM
- ✓Strong supporting cast performances
- ✓Cinematography that enhances the gritty tone
Weaknesses
- ✕Some predictable plot elements
- ✕Occasional tonal shifts that may feel uneven
- ✕Limited character development for some supporting roles
🎬 Direction & Writing
Nelson Dilipkumar’s direction balances mass appeal with a tight narrative, delivering a film that plays to Rajinikanth’s strengths while maintaining a fresh and engaging storyline. His writing ensures a good mix of action, emotion, and humor, making the film accessible to a broad audience.
- - Music by Anirudh Ravichander
- - Cinematography by Vijay Kartik Kannan
- - Editing that maintains brisk pacing
- - Sound design that complements action sequences
📰 Ratings Sources
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 3.50 / 5 | |
| 3.75 / 5 | |
| 4.00 / 5 | |
| 3.50 / 5 | |
| 3.75 / 5 |
Our Rating
💰 Box Office Collection
No collection data available yet.
🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards
No centers data available.
No awards data available.
🏆 Records & Box Office
- - Strong opening weekend collections reported
- - Sustained box office performance over initial weeks
😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 70% |
| Neutral | 20% |
| Negative | 10% |
Critics
Critics praised Rajinikanth’s performance and Nelson Dilipkumar’s direction, highlighting the film’s engaging screenplay and strong technical aspects. The music and background score by Anirudh Ravichander were noted as significant contributors to the film’s atmosphere. Some criticism was directed at predictable plot points and uneven tonal shifts, but overall, the reception was positive.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Jailer release in theatres?▾
Jailer released on 10 August 2023 (2023).
Is Jailer a hit or flop?▾
Jailer is declared a BLOCKBUSTER at the box office.
Where to watch Jailer online? OTT release date?▾
Jailer is available on provider-27 from 3 April 2025.
Who directed Jailer?▾
Jailer directed by Nelson Dilipkumar. Produced by Kalanithi Maran.
Who are the main cast members of Jailer?▾
Jailer stars Rajinikanth, Vinayakan, Vasanth Ravi, Yogi Babu, Ramya Krishnan.
What is the Tollybo rating for Jailer?▾
Tollybo rates Jailer 3/5. Verdict: BLOCKBUSTER.
Who composed the music for Jailer?▾
Music for Jailer composed by Anirudh Ravichander.
What is the genre and runtime of Jailer?▾
Jailer — Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime, Runtime: 165 minutes, Language: Tamil.