The Mohanlal body double row over the climax car scene in Jailer 2 has drawn responses from both sides. Jobi Kodakara, a mimicry artiste who worked as the Mohanlal body double in the Rajinikanth-starrer, says only his hands and legs were used in the film. The film's action director, Chethan D'Souza, has confirmed that Mohanlal performed the sequence himself.
What the Mohanlal body double said
Jobi Kodakara, who worked as the Mohanlal body double in Jailer 2, spoke to the YouTube channel Jango Space about his role. He said only one or two shots featuring him were retained in the final cut, showing parts of his hands and legs during the airport sequence near the climax. One shot involved changing gears while driving; another showed someone pressing the accelerator.
"My face has not been shown anywhere. The face that people claim is shown in the climax isn't mine. I am certain about that," Jobi said. He rejected claims that he had replaced Mohanlal in the disputed sequence. He also rejected speculation that artificial intelligence had been used instead of the actor.
The Mohanlal body double suggested the filmmakers may have used him for these shots because of scheduling or time constraints. He said the only mistake he made was posting photographs of himself dressed as Mathew, Mohanlal's character in the film, on the day of release. The pictures showed him dressed exactly like Mohanlal, which led viewers to question whether a body double had performed some of the superstar's scenes. He expressed regret over sharing the behind-the-scenes photographs, saying he was excited to work on a Rajinikanth film and wanted people to know about his involvement.
The action director's reply to the Mohanlal body double claim
The Mohanlal body double claim reached the action director after a fan asked him directly. Responding to a question in the comments section of an Instagram post, Chethan D'Souza, credited as Chethan Ramshi D'Souza, wrote simply: "It's him." The two-word reply dismissed speculation that a stand-in had replaced Mohanlal in the climax car scene. The action director had posted a joint update with cinematographer Vijay Kartik Kannan on Instagram, thanking him for making his work look good on screen, when the fan posed the question in the comments. Chethan did not answer the fan's other question, about scenes fans believe were trimmed from the final film.
Speculation around the Mohanlal body double had gathered momentum after Jobi shared the set photographs on the film's release day. Fans of the Malayalam star had also questioned the extent of Mohanlal's role in the Rajinikanth-starrer, with some disappointed by scenes they believe were cut from the final version. Cinema Express reported that the disappointment extends beyond the car scene to Mohanlal's overall screen time in the film.
The fan's question also asked why Mohanlal's introduction appeared trimmed, a point Chethan did not address in his reply. The action director's two-word answer settled only the car scene question. Fans continue to debate the extent of the Malayalam star's role in the film.
The Mohanlal body double row in context
The row centres on Mohanlal's guest appearance as Mathew, a character he reprises in the sequel, alongside Shiva Rajkumar and Hrithik Roshan in guest roles. The scene at the centre of the debate brings Rajinikanth, Mohanlal, Shiva Rajkumar and Jackie Shroff together, according to the Hindustan Times. Another scene featuring only Mohanlal has also become a point of contention.
The film, directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, stars Rajinikanth as retired jailer Tiger Muthuvel Pandian, who seeks help from old and new friends to keep his family safe from an idol-smuggling network. The cast also includes Vidya Balan, SJ Suryah, Ramya Krishnan, Mithun Chakraborty and Suraj Venjaramoodu. Anirudh Ravichander composed the music, Vijay Kartik Kannan handled cinematography, and the film released in theatres on October 15, 2026.
The controversy has played out while the film continues a strong theatrical run. Jailer 2 grossed over Rs 540 crore worldwide in less than a week, according to the Hindustan Times, and crossed Rs 582.45 crore in seven days, per trade tracker Sacnilk. The Mohanlal body double debate has not dented that momentum.