Multiplex Chains Skip Rajinikanth's Jailer 2 in North India Over Streaming Window Dispute

Major multiplex chains PVR INOX and Cinepolis have decided not to screen Rajinikanth's new action thriller Jailer 2 outside of Southern states, blocking its release across North India. The standoff stems from a dispute over the digital streaming window, as producer Sun Pictures signed a deal to release the film on an OTT platform just four weeks after its theatrical debut on October 15.

The Window Dispute

Exhibitors in the Hindi market insist on a minimum gap of eight weeks between a film's theatrical release and its OTT premiere to protect box office earnings. PVR INOX and Cinepolis applied this eight-week rule to the film's dubbed Hindi version as well as its native Tamil and other South Indian language prints outside the South. Because the producers refused to change the four-week streaming deal, the major theater chains opted out entirely. After being contacted by SCREEN, neither PVR INOX nor Cinepolis provided an official response. Consequently, the dubbed Hindi version—titled Rajini the Jailer—is currently playing only in secondary multiplex chains and select single screens in major cities like Mumbai and Delhi.

Box Office Impact

Despite the North Indian roadblock, Jailer 2 achieved strong advance bookings by selling 19.60 lakh tickets across 17,615 shows, generating Rs 41.48 crore including blocked seats. The Tamil version led the collections with Rs 32.63 crore, followed by the Telugu version at Rs 6.94 crore and the Hindi version at Rs 1.74 crore. Directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, the film features an ensemble cast including Vidya Balan, Mithun Chakraborty, SJ Suryah, Ramya Krishnan, and a cameo by Hrithik Roshan. It serves as a sequel to the 2023 blockbuster Jailer, which grossed Rs 607 crore worldwide.

Context

Disputes between cinema chains and film producers over digital streaming windows have become common as studios push for faster online releases. Major theater operators rely on exclusive theatrical windows to draw audiences to big screens, while producers increasingly look to early digital distribution to secure wider revenue streams.