Video: When Vidya Balan's Hands Shook While Blowing Cigarette Smoke at Rajinikanth, Director Reveals Behind-the-Scenes Secrets

Standing in front of South cinema megastar Rajinikanth is enough to give the biggest actors jitters. Imagine the plight of an actress who, on the very first day of her shoot, is required to blow cigarette smoke right into his face! Something similar happened with Bollywood versatile actress Vidya Balan. While shooting for the upcoming film 'Jailer 2', Vidya was so nervous about a particular scene with Rajinikanth that her hands reportedly started shaking. This fascinating behind-the-scenes story was recently revealed by director Nelson Dilipkumar himself.

Vidya Balan's Nervousness In Front of Rajinikanth

Vidya Balan is set to play a powerful character named 'Kantha' in 'Jailer 2'. During a promotional event for the film, director Nelson shared that the teaser scene featuring Vidya's grand entry was shot on the very first day of production itself. In this sequence, her character needed to appear fearless and commanding, standing tall in front of Rajinikanth's character, Tiger Muthuvel Pandian.

However, bringing such an intense persona to life was no walk in the park for Vidya, especially because the script demanded her to smoke a cigarette and blow smoke towards Rajinikanth's face. According to Nelson, the actress was already jittery about the sequence, and her anxiety multiplied manifold when the cameras began rolling.

How the Shot Was Finally Okayed in Three Takes

Recalling the hilarious incident, Nelson said, “The scene you see in Vidya mam's trailer was scheduled for day one of our shoot. Her character is fiercely independent and stands up to Rajinikanth sir. But she admitted she was terrified of pulling off such a strong act. When I asked her to smoke and blow the smoke towards Rajinikanth sir's face, her stress doubled instantly.”

The director further added that when the action was called, looking at the monitor made him realize that she wasn't projecting the fearless attitude required for the frame. Due to nervousness, her hands were shaking so much while holding the cigarette that it looked more like she was applying lipstick rather than smoking! However, maintaining her professional composure, Vidya pulled herself together, and after a few rehearsals and about three takes, the perfect shot was successfully canned.

Star-Studded Cast of 'Jailer 2'

Directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, 'Jailer 2' marks the return of Rajinikanth as the iconic retired jailer Tiger Muthuvel Pandian. The movie features an ensemble cast including Ramya Krishnan, Yogi Babu, Mirnaa, and Rithvik. Additionally, powerhouse performers like SJ Suryah, Mithun Chakraborty, Vidya Balan, Suraj Venjaramoodu, and Jatin Sarna have joined the franchise. Slated to hit the silver screens on October 15, fans are eagerly waiting to witness the epic on-screen face-off between Rajinikanth and Vidya Balan.