Mumbai: Pen Marudhar, one of the prominent distribution companies in Indian cinema, has expanded its upcoming slate by acquiring the distribution rights to Emraan Hashmi-starrer Gunmaaster G9 and the Hindi version of Rajinikanth’s Jailer 2.

According to a report by Bollywood Hungama, Pen Marudhar has secured the rights to Gunmaaster G9 for more than Rs 35 crore, while the Hindi distribution rights of Jailer 2 have reportedly been acquired for upwards of Rs 15 crore.

The latest deals come after the company recently added major projects such as Awarapan 2, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War and Shah Rukh Khan-starrer King to its distribution portfolio.

Gunmaaster G9 deal crosses Rs 35 crore

The source quoted by Bollywood Hungama said Pen Marudhar was confident about the commercial prospects of both films and therefore bid aggressively to secure their rights.

Gunmaaster G9 has reportedly been acquired for Rs 35 crore-plus. The film stars Emraan Hashmi in the lead, along with Genelia Deshmukh and Aparshakti Khurana.

The film is directed by Aditya Datt, who previously helmed Aashiq Banaya Aapne in 2005. Gunmaaster G9 is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on November 27.

The distribution company is also reportedly looking at the film’s association with Emraan Hashmi as an advantage, particularly following the performance of Awarapan 2, which was also distributed by Pen Marudhar.

According to the source, the company believes the success of Awarapan 2 could create additional momentum for Gunmaaster G9 among the actor’s audience.

Jailer 2 Hindi rights bought for over Rs 15 crore

Pen Marudhar has also acquired the Hindi distribution rights to Jailer 2 for more than Rs 15 crore, according to the report.

The sequel brings back Rajinikanth as Muthuvel Pandian, popularly known as Tiger. The cast also includes Vidya Balan, Mithun Chakraborty and other prominent actors.

Jailer 2 is scheduled for a theatrical release on October 15.

The first instalment, Jailer, was released in 2023 and became a major success in its original-language markets. However, its Hindi theatrical performance was comparatively limited, with the film facing competition from major releases including Gadar 2 and OMG 2.

The Hindi version also had a limited theatrical presence and did not release in national cinema chains, according to the report.

Jailer franchise gains Hindi-speaking audience

Despite its initial theatrical run in Hindi, Jailer reportedly gained a wider audience through its subsequent availability on OTT and satellite platforms.

The increased popularity of the franchise among Hindi-speaking viewers is one of the factors reportedly considered by Pen Marudhar while acquiring the Hindi rights to the sequel.

The source quoted by Bollywood Hungama said the second instalment is expected to receive a wider theatrical release, including in national chains. This, according to the source, could provide the film with a larger Hindi-market footprint than its predecessor.

The reported distribution strategy comes at a time when South Indian films featuring established stars continue to seek wider theatrical releases in Hindi-speaking markets.

Coolie performance cited as a benchmark

Pen Marudhar’s experience with Rajinikanth’s Coolie has also reportedly influenced its expectations for Jailer 2.

Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, Coolie was released in 2025 with a broad theatrical presence, including across multiplex chains. According to the source cited by Bollywood Hungama, the Hindi version of Coolie collected around Rs 34 crore during its lifetime theatrical run.

The film was also distributed by Pen Marudhar in the northern belt.

The company is reportedly using the performance of Coolie as an indicator of the potential for Rajinikanth’s next Jailer instalment in the Hindi market. However, the eventual box-office performance will depend on factors including release scale, audience response, competition and screen availability.

Pen Marudhar expands major-film portfolio

With Gunmaaster G9 and Jailer 2 joining its slate, Pen Marudhar has strengthened its portfolio of upcoming theatrical releases.

The company has already secured distribution rights for several high-profile projects, including Awarapan 2, Love & War and King.

The latest acquisitions also give Pen Marudhar films targeting different segments of the Hindi theatrical market. Gunmaaster G9 brings together Emraan Hashmi, Genelia Deshmukh and Aparshakti Khurana, while Jailer 2 carries the established appeal of Rajinikanth and the popularity of the Jailer franchise.

With Jailer 2 scheduled to release on October 15 and Gunmaaster G9 following on November 27, the two titles will form an important part of Pen Marudhar’s upcoming theatrical distribution slate.