Madras High Court bars illegal online release of Rajinikanth's Jailer 2

The Madras High Court has blocked the illegal online release of Rajinikanth's Jailer 2. The order comes a day before the Nelson Dilipkumar film opens in theatres worldwide on October 15.

Justice P. B. Balaji passed the order on October 13. Sun Pictures, the production house behind the sequel, had asked the court to stop unauthorised streaming and distribution of the film on websites and digital platforms.

In their petition, the makers said new films are often uploaded illegally within 30 minutes of their theatrical release. They argued that such leaks cause serious losses to producers and could hurt the film's earnings.

The interim injunction covers unauthorised copying, uploading, downloading, streaming and online screening of the film, including its dubbed versions. Internet service providers have been told to block access to identified piracy websites. The order also covers new mirror or redirect links that the producer flags later, so the makers do not have to return to court each time a fresh link appears. The case will be heard again on November 10.

The ban applies only to illegal online copies. Authorised screenings and licensed releases are not affected.

Jailer 2 brings Rajinikanth back as the hero of Jailer, the 2023 box office hit. Vidya Balan, SJ Suryah and Suraj Venjaramoodu also star in the film.