One of the biggest excitements for audiences about Rajinikanth’s Jailer 2 was the rumored cameo of Balakrishna. However, it is now confirmed that Malayalam actor Fahadh Faasil will replace him in the film.
Fans were eagerly waiting to see the powerful combination of Balakrishna and Rajinikanth on screen. Reports suggest that director Nelson and his team were very keen to bring the Akhanda actor on board and held several discussions with him.
Unfortunately, Nelson couldn’t convince Balakrishna to be part of Jailer 2, leading to his exit from the project. The role will now be played by Malayalam star Fahadh Faasil, who had earlier worked with Rajinikanth in Vettaiyan. Fans are excited to see them share the screen once again. The film is slated to be released in June 2026.
Before Pranav Mohanlal‘s arrival, his father Mohanlal was claiming the top 3 spots in the list of the biggest Malayalam openers of 2025. With son’s arrival, Mohanlal’s own Hridayapoorvam, with an opening of 3.25 crore, took an exit from the top 3.
Dies Irae Box Office Day 1
Some fans even feel Dies Irae has redefined Malayalam horror and raised the standard for storytelling in the genre. But not everyone agrees. While most agree the film isn’t bad, some found it less layered than Bramayugam. They say that apart from Pranav’s acting, the music, and the visuals, there’s little to discuss. They felt the scares were mild, and the tension didn’t build as expected. The first half moves slowly, with a few repetitive moments, though it ends on a solid twist. The second half drags again until the final fifteen minutes, when the main conflict appears — only to end predictably. As a result, Dies Irae has divided opinions. For some, it’s a bold and fresh take on horror. For others, it’s a missed opportunity that promised more than it delivered.
The film landed right on time for the spooky season, and fans expected a true scare-fest. The trailer and teaser kept the mystery alive, revealing nothing about the story and only teasing its eerie tone. That secrecy built strong word of mouth. Viewers praised Christo Xavier’s haunting sound design for adding depth to the atmosphere and enhancing the tension. Many also called Pranav Mohanlal’s performance the best of his career. Director Rahul Sadasivan has been lauded for pushing Pranav to explore his full range as an actor.
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