Jailer 2 row: Mohanlal's stylist says 3 looks axed, fans say he deserved better

Malayalam superstar Mohanlal’s screen time in Jailer 2 has left some fans disappointed, with questions being raised over why the actor’s appearance in the Rajinikanth-starrer was limited. The debate has now intensified after Mohanlal’s personal stylist and costume designer, Jishad Shamsudeen, claimed that three distinct looks created for the actor were removed from the final cut. He also alleged that a scene featuring Mohanlal in the trailer was trimmed in the theatrical version.Jishad’s remarks have added to the discussion among fans who were looking forward to seeing more of the superstar alongside Rajinikanth in the sequel. His criticism of the cuts, coupled with his declaration that he would not work on a possible third instalment, has put the spotlight on Mohanlal’s role in the film.Mohanlal’s stylist says three looks were cut from Jailer 2After Jailer 2 released in theatres, Jishad Shamsudeen expressed disappointment over the changes made to Mohanlal’s portions in a strong post on Instagram. He said he had been confident about the work that went into the actor’s looks, even when his appearance was reduced to a brief glimpse in the trailer.“With the release of Jailer 2, I want to share an important update !! Based on what was shot, I was completely confident in our work-even when reduced to a 2-second glimpse in the trailer. But with the film’s release, three of Mohanlal Sir’s distinct looks were cut entirely, and even that trailer scene was trimmed out,” he wrote. Mohanlal's shot in Jailer 2 trailer. (Photo credit: Sun Pictures) Jishad questioned the decision to trim scenes featuring a superstar like Mohanlal and said he would not associate himself with a possible sequel.“From my experience in cinema, trimming scenes involving a superstar like Mohanlal Sir is simply unnecessary. Seeing our superstar reduced like this, if there is a Sequel, I will not be a part of it. I am truly sorry to everyone who trusted me,” he added. The stylist also said his support for Mohanlal and his fans mattered more to him than commercial considerations.“I don’t stand for favors, profits, crore clubs, or stardom. I stand solely for the fans, lovers of the craft, and Mohanlal Sir. Thank you for always standing by my journey,” he wrote.Jishad’s post, however, does not explain why the scenes were cut or establish whether the decision was made because of creative, narrative or runtime considerations.Mohanlal fans question Jailer 2 team over limited screen timeSeveral Mohanlal fans have taken to social media to express disappointment over his brief appearance in Jailer 2. Some questioned why the actor was brought back for the sequel if his role was not going to be more substantial, while others urged him to reconsider taking up cameo appearances in future films.One fan questioned why Mohanlal had so little screen time, while another appealed to the actor to put an end to what they described as a pattern of cameo roles.Here are some reactions:The debate has also highlighted the expectations surrounding Mohanlal’s return as Mathew, whose appearance in the first Jailer was a major talking point among fans. Jishad’s post has given viewers a possible explanation for why some of the actor’s planned looks and scenes did not make it to the theatrical version, though the filmmakers have not been quoted here responding to his claims.About Jailer 2Directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, Jailer 2 features Rajinikanth as Tiger Muthuvel Pandian, with Ramya Krishnan returning as his wife, Vijaya Pandian. Mohanlal reprises his role as Mathew, while Shiva Rajkumar and Jackie Shroff also return to the franchise.The ensemble cast includes Yogi Babu, Mirnaa, SJ Suryah, Vidya Balan, Suraj Venjaramoodu and Mithun Chakraborty, alongside special appearances by Hrithik Roshan and other familiar faces. Produced by Sun Pictures, the film has music composed by Anirudh Ravichander, cinematography by Vijay Kartik Kannan and editing by R Nirmal. Jailer 2 released in theatres on October 15.- Ends