{{Short description|2012 Indian film by Chakri Toleti}} {{Use Indian English|date=February 2026}} {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2026}} {{Infobox film | image = Billa II poster.jpg | caption = Theatrical release poster | director = Chakri Toleti | producer = Sunir Kheterpal<br />Suresh Balaje<br />George Pius<br />Chakri Toleti | writer = Chakri Toleti<br />Sarath Mandava<br />Eric Felberg<br />Jaffer Mohammed<br />Era Murukan | starring = Ajith Kumar<br />Vidyut Jammwal<br />Parvathy Omanakuttan<br />Bruna Abdullah<br />Sudhanshu Pandey<br />Manoj K. Jayan<br />Yog Japee<br />Krishnakumar<br />Rohit Khurana<br />Dinesh Lamba<br />Rahman | music = Yuvan Shankar Raja | cinematography = R. D. Rajasekhar | editing = Suresh Urs | studio = Wide Angle Creations<br />IN Entertainment | distributor = Aascar Films <small>(India)</small><br />GK Media <small>(USA)</small> | released = {{Film date|2012|07|13|India|df=y}} | runtime = 126 minutes<ref>{{Cite web |title=Billa 2 |url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/billa-2-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc00mzawndk |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022162615/https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/billa-2-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc00mzawndk |archive-date=22 October 2021 |access-date=10 November 2020 |website=British Board of Film Classification}}</ref> | language = Tamil | country = India | budget = <!--Must cite a reliable published source with a reputation for fact-checking. No blogs, no IMDb. no fan-sites.--> | gross = <!--Must cite a reliable published source with a reputation for fact-checking. No blogs, no IMDb. no fan-sites.--> }}
'''''Billa II''''' is a 2012 Indian Tamil-language action film<ref>{{Cite web |title='Hardcore action is really tough' |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-south-interview-with-chakri-toleti/20120712.htm#7 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628091925/https://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-south-interview-with-chakri-toleti/20120712.htm |archive-date=28 June 2024 |access-date=12 July 2012 |website=Rediff.com |date=12 July 2012|last=Warrier|first=Shobha|author-link=Shobha Warrier}}</ref> directed and co-written by Chakri Toleti. A prequel to ''Billa'' (2007), it focuses on how David Billa, an ordinary man from the coastal region of Sri Lanka, becomes a dreaded underworld don. The film stars Ajith Kumar reprising the role of the titular character, leading an ensemble cast including Vidyut Jammwal, Parvathy Omanakuttan, Bruna Abdullah, Sudhanshu Pandey, Manoj K. Jayan, Yog Japee, Rohit Khurana, Dinesh Lamba, Krishna Kumar, Sricharan, Janaki Sabesh, Madhusudhan Rao and Rahman. The film's soundtrack and background score were composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja, while R. D. Rajasekhar handled the cinematography and Suresh Urs worked as the editor.
The film, produced by Wide Angle Creations in association with the Hinduja Group company IN Entertainment, was officially announced in November 2010, with Vishnuvardhan as the director. Due to schedule clashes, Vishnuvardhan was replaced by Chakri Toleti, with a new script having been penned by a team involving Toleti, Sarath Mandava and Eric Felberg. Principal photography happened between July 2011 and December 2011. The filming primarily took place at Tamil Nadu, Goa, Hyderabad and in Georgia.
Followed by multiple delays and an extensive marketing campaign, ''Billa II'' was released worldwide on 13 July 2012.<ref name="autogenerated3">{{Cite web |date=26 June 2012 |title=Billa 2 to release wide in foreign languages! |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/billa-2-to-release-wide-in-foreign-languages-news-tamil-mg0jN1dcgjg.html?scategory=tamil |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131107213055/http://www.sify.com/movies/billa-2-to-release-wide-in-foreign-languages-news-tamil-mg0jN1dcgjg.html?scategory=tamil |archive-date=7 November 2013 |access-date=13 July 2012 |website=Sify}}</ref> The film received mixed reviews from critics praising Ajith's performance and technical aspects while criticism was directed towards the script and screenplay.<ref>{{Cite news |date=13 July 2022 |title=10 years of Ajith’s ‘Billa 2’; Reason why the film did not work |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/10-years-of-ajiths-billa-2-reason-why-the-film-did-not-work/photostory/92848310.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221225315/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/10-years-of-ajiths-billa-2-reason-why-the-film-did-not-work/photostory/92848310.cms |archive-date=21 February 2024 |access-date=25 February 2026 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
==Plot== David Billa, a Sri Lankan refugee, along with several others, arrives at a camp in Rameswaram, where he befriends Ranjith. The refugee camp is constantly terrorised by corrupt police Inspector Raghubir Sinha. Billa attacks Raghubir when he tries to forcefully detain one of his friends and, in return, gets tortured in a police cell. Billa vows to make him suffer. He goes to meet his widowed sister in Chennai as she is his sole living relative, but is shunned by her due to his criminal past in Lanka. A few days later, Billa and Ranjith are hired to transport fish from Rameswaram to Chennai, which is a plot by Raghubir to trap them as the truck they are driving has diamonds inside. Police intercept them to arrest them, but Billa realises the play and kills all the cops. Despite Ranjith advising fleeing with the Diamonds, Billa drives the truck to its destination, where they meet Hotel owner Selvaraj. Raghubir's ally Mustafa bai comes minutes later and tells him that Billa has escaped with the Diamonds. Selvaraj realises the ploy and kills Bhai. Selvaraj is pleased with Billa's loyalty and employs him and Ranjith in his illegal business. Days later, Billa murders Raghubir in a brothel and also kills an egoistic immigration officer who had insulted him earlier.
Months later, Selvaraj's relative, Goan drug dealer Kotiswara Rao aka Koti, visits Selvaraj and asks for help in selling off the heroin he had brought along with him. Selvaraj refuses, but Billa volunteers to sell it off and tries to deal the heroin with a local thug who refuses to pay for it in return. In a brutal scuffle that ensues where one of Billa's friends is slaughtered, Billa kills them all and goes directly to Koti's boss Abbasi in Panaji with both the money and the heroin, who is very impressed and recruits him. Abbasi is a drug cartel leader and the boss of the biggest drug cartel in Goa. Abbasi is in business with powerful and dreaded Russian arms dealer, Dimitri.
When Billa and Ranjith retrieve Dmitri's arms consignment held by the Indian coastal guard, they enter his good books. Billa climbs the ladder of Abbasi's gang quickly. He learns of his elder sister's death and brings his niece Jasmine with him. He provides her with a big house and servants, and enrolls her in a medical college. Billa and Koti travel to Russia to meet Dimitri, who own a large arms and ammunition manufacturing unit. Billa meets corrupted interpol officer Jagdish in Dimitri's mansion, and is astonished by the functioning of the mafia and its international network. Billa signs a larger deal with Dimitri without Abbasi's knowledge. at the same time, Dimitri kills Bobby, Abbasi's henchman who comes with Koti and Billa as a translator. Dimitri and Jagdish then reveals that Bobby is actually a interpol spy who was really betraying Abbasi's gang. After coming back to Panaji, Koti misleads Abbasi as Billa kills Bobby and directly started business with Dimitri, which creates rivalry between Billa and Abbasi. Tensions further increase when Billa beats up Satish Kumar, son of influential minister, Praveen Kumar, when he tries to misbehave with Jasmine in a party. Abbasi expresses his discontent and vents at him. Billa, surprised and enraged at his ingratitude, walks away with Ranjith and two others. Billa, Ranjith, and ally Ram plot to venture into the drug business on their own during the carnival. At the carnival, Billa is betrayed by Ram and is brutally attacked. However, he survives and kills the assailants, Abbasi and Ram, eventually becoming Goa's most powerful gangster. He begins a relationship with Abbasi's girlfriend, Sameera.
Dimitri arrives in Goa and finds himself in a fallout with Billa, when they try to re-negotiate a deal. Dimitri thereafter seeks to oust him, with the help of Koti, Satish, and Praveen. They proceed to assassinate Chief Minister Mohan Kanth, and the blame falls upon Billa. However, Billa is freed by Ranjith, who threatens the judge and his family. Billa rescues Jasmine from Koti's men and informs Sameera to take Jasmine to safety. But Sameera betrays Billa, informs the minister's son, who holds Billa and Jasmine captives. Billa, while being held to the ground and is mocked at by Satish, who slits Jasmine's throat. Enraged at her death, Billa overpowers and kills everyone.
Meanwhile, in Russia, Dimitri is having a meeting with the African warlords, and Koti is present with him. He shows his factory in his computer via a series of webcams, and much to everyone's shock, Billa is seen destroying his factory. He also sees his consignment train go off course. He gets angered and kills Koti for not killing Billa, and he sets out himself to finish the task. The arms factory is destroyed by Billa, Ranjith and their men. Dimitri arrives and follows his delivery train, when to his shock, the delivery train is blown by Billa, who is waiting for him on his own helicopter. After an intense battle, Billa throws Dmitri off the flying helicopter. In the epilogue, Billa and Ranjith board a plane out of the country, and Sameera, Police Officer R.K. De Silva, Billa's Lawyer and Minister Praveen Kumar are killed by Billa's assassins.
==Cast== {{Cast listing| * Ajith Kumar as David Billa / Ranga "Rangayya" * Vidyut Jammwal as Dimitri, a Russian arms dealer * Parvathy Omanakuttan as Jasmine, Billa's niece * Yog Japee as Ranjith, Billa's friend and right-hand man * Bruna Abdullah as Sameera, Billa's girlfriend * Sudhanshu Pandey as Abbasi, Billa's former boss * Manoj K. Jayan as Kotiswara Rao alias "Koti", Abbasi's deputy and the second antagonist * Ilavarasu as Selvaraj * Sricharan as Bobby * Sriman as Billa's lawyer * Madhusudhan Rao as Goa Chief Minister Mohan Kanth * Dinesh Lamba as Praveen Kumar, an influential and corrupt minister * Rohit Khurana as Satish Kumar, Praveen Kumar's son and a gangster * Sarath Mandava as Ram * Janaki Sabesh as Billa's sister * Krishna Kumar as Raghubir Sinha, a corrupt inspector * Theepetti Ganesan as Muthu<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 March 2021 |title='Billa 2' actor Theepetti Ganesan passes away in Madurai |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/billa-2-actor-theepetti-ganesan-passes-away-madurai-145691 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210322073831/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/billa-2-actor-theepetti-ganesan-passes-away-madurai-145691 |archive-date=22 March 2021 |access-date=22 March 2021 |publisher=The News Minute}}</ref> * Ashok Bentwal * Rahman as Jagadish (cameo, reprising his role from ''Billa'') * Byron Gibson as Russian Mafia Boss * Ron Smoorenburg as Russian Martial Artist * Balaji Shathivel as Billa's henchman * Yuvan Shankar Raja in a special appearance * Meenakshi Dixit special appearance in the item number "Madurai Ponnu" * Nicole Amy Madell special appearance in the item number "Yedho Mayakkam" and "Gangster" * Gabriela Bertante special appearance in the item number "Yedho Mayakkam" * Ashok Selvan as young Billa in photograph (uncredited role)<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 April 2015 |title=Ashok Selvan's picture was featured in Billa 2 |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/did-you-know-/Ashok-Selvans-picture-was-featured-in-Billa-2/articleshow/46986564.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181014094317/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/did-you-know-/Ashok-Selvans-picture-was-featured-in-Billa-2/articleshow/46986564.cms |archive-date=14 October 2018 |access-date=30 September 2016 |work=The Times of India}}</ref> }}
==Production==
===Development=== In 2010, it was confirmed that Vishnuvardhan, the director of ''Billa'' (2007), had finished penning the script for a prequel, which would star Ajith Kumar as the title character again, and would commence in 2011.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 July 2010 |title=Vishnuvardhan to make Billa prequel! |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/vishnuvardhan-to-make-billa-prequel-news-tamil-kkfqe4cfeai.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20121008165517/http://www.sify.com/movies/vishnuvardhan-to-make-billa-prequel-news-tamil-kkfqe4cfeai.html |archive-date=8 October 2012 |website=Sify}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=28 August 2010 |title=Itsy-Bitsy |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Itsy-Bitsy/article16148500.ece |access-date=25 February 2026 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X|last=Raghavan|first=Nikhil|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260225080842/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Itsy-Bitsy/article16148500.ece|archive-date=25 February 2026|url-status=live}}</ref> The project was officially announced in late 2010, after Ajith Kumar signed up to the prequel and first production poster were published to the media.<ref name="Billa2sify">{{Cite web |date=4 November 2010 |title=Breaking News- Billa 2 confirmed |url=http://sify.com/movies/breaking-news-billa-2-confirmed-news-tamil-klel6kcbgfc.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101106004057/http://sify.com/movies/breaking-news-billa-2-confirmed-news-tamil-klel6kcbgfc.html |archive-date=6 November 2010 |access-date=4 November 2010 |website=Sify}}</ref> Further details were disclosed, with Suresh Balaje, son of producer and actor K. Balaji, who produced the original ''Billa'' with Rajinikanth, and George Pius from Wide Angle Creations banner, being confirmed as the producer, who would associate with Mumbai-based IN Entertainment Limited, a Hinduja group company.<ref name="Billa2sify" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=1 February 2011 |title=IN Entertainment ties up with Wide Angle Creations |url=http://www.indiainfoline.com/Markets/News/IN-Entertainment-ties-up-with-Wide-Angle-Creations/5071125059 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713024938/http://www.indiainfoline.com/Markets/News/IN-Entertainment-ties-up-with-Wide-Angle-Creations/5071125059 |archive-date=13 July 2011 |access-date=16 September 2011 |website=IndiaInfoline}}</ref> The entire production team of the ''Billa'' remake, including cinematographer Nirav Shah, editor A. Sreekar Prasad and music director Yuvan Shankar Raja, were announced to be retained for the prequel.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2 February 2011 |title=Vishnuvardhan's double dhamaka |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/news-interviews/Vishnuvardhans-double-dhamaka/articleshow/7404551.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104194143/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-02-02/news-interviews/28372663_1_vishnu-telugu-film-heroine |archive-date=4 November 2012 |access-date=16 September 2011 |work=The Times of India}}</ref>
In a turn of events, Vishnuvardhan opted out of the project since his dates clashed with the making of his Telugu film, ''Panjaa'' (earlier titled as ''The Shadow'').<ref>{{Cite news |date=18 February 2011 |title=Vishnu cancels billa date |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-02-18/news-interviews/28614918_1_director-vishnuvardhan-venkat-prabhu-directed-mankatha-film |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109043026/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-02-18/news-interviews/28614918_1_director-vishnuvardhan-venkat-prabhu-directed-mankatha-film |archive-date=9 November 2013 |access-date=16 September 2011 |work=The Times of India}}</ref> Chakri Toleti, who previously directed the 2009 film ''Unnaipol Oruvan'', was subsequently signed on by the producers to direct the venture.<ref name="indiatimes1">{{Cite news |date=22 February 2011 |title=Ajith gets new script, director for Billa 2 |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-02-22/news-interviews/28624795_1_ajith-billa-thala |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120707085223/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-02-22/news-interviews/28624795_1_ajith-billa-thala |archive-date=7 July 2012 |access-date=16 September 2011 |work=The Times of India}}</ref> In May 2011, Toleti held his first press conference stating that production would begin in late June 2011 and revealing that "''Billa 2'' would focus on how David, an ordinary man from the coastal Thoothukudi in South Tamil Nadu, becomes Billa, a dreaded underworld don".<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 May 2011 |title=Billa 2 to start by June end |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/billa-2-to-start-by-june-end-news-kollywood-lfsoQhdhgia.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110521005744/http://www.sify.com/movies/billa-2-to-start-by-june-end-news-kollywood-lfsoQhdhgia.html |archive-date=21 May 2011 |access-date=16 September 2011 |website=Sify}}</ref> David's character was afterwards widely reported to be either a refugee from Tamil Eelam or a Tamilian from Sri Lanka.<ref>{{Cite web |title='Billa II': Ajith not playing Sri Lankan refugee |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/ajith-not-a-sri-lankan-refugee-in-billa-ii/239098-62-128.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316222323/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/ajith-not-a-sri-lankan-refugee-in-billa-ii/239098-62-128.html |archive-date=16 March 2012 |access-date=28 March 2012 |website=IBNLive}}</ref> Both the director and the producer refused to confirm the statements, disclosing only that the film would depict David's journey over a period of five years.<ref name="articles.timesofindia.indiatimes">{{Cite news |date=13 March 2012 |title=Death-defying stunts, Ajith style! |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-03-13/news-interviews/31158865_1_billa-thala-ajith-death-defying-stunts |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116191350/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-03-13/news-interviews/31158865_1_billa-thala-ajith-death-defying-stunts |archive-date=16 January 2014 |access-date=28 March 2012 |work=The Times of India}}</ref>
With Vishnuvardhan's exit from the project, his script was also scrapped, and Toleti, along with Ajith Kumar, began penning a new script for the prequel.<ref name="indiatimes1" /> Yuvan Shankar Raja only was retained from the original production team, with the rest of the technical crew being finalised in the following weeks.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2 March 2011 |title=Ajith bonding with Yuvan |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/news-interviews/Ajith-bonding-with-Yuvan/articleshow/7601714.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130922011601/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-03-02/news-interviews/28646721_1_mankatha-ajith-billa |archive-date=22 September 2013 |access-date=16 September 2011 |work=The Times of India}}</ref> Hemant Chaturvedi, who hitherto had worked in Bollywood productions only, was signed on to replace Nirav Shah as the cinematographer after the latter's schedules clashed with the making of his other film, ''Vettai''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hemant Chaturvedi is Billa 2, cameraman |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/hemant-chaturvedi-is-billa-2-cameraman-news-tamil-lehlhliadcd.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110410205705/http://www.sify.com/movies/hemant-chaturvedi-is-billa-2-cameraman-news-tamil-lehlhliadcd.html |archive-date=10 April 2011 |access-date=16 September 2011 |website=Sify}}</ref> However, in July 2011, Hemant Chaturvedi too moved out of the project, fearing that the delay in commencement of ''Billa 2'' may hurt his chances in Bollywood,<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 July 2011 |title=Ajith to start Billa -2 soon |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/ajith-to-start-billa-2-soon-news-tamil-lhhjUIjcggb.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710015722/http://www.sify.com/movies/ajith-to-start-billa-2-soon-news-tamil-lhhjUIjcggb.html |archive-date=10 July 2011 |access-date=25 February 2026 |website=Sify}}</ref> and R. D. Rajasekhar was appointed as the new cinematographer.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kumar |first=S. R. Ashok |date=13 July 2012 |title=Showbitz: A blessed lot |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/showbitz-a-blessed-lot/article3635629.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260225081003/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/showbitz-a-blessed-lot/article3635629.ece |archive-date=25 February 2026 |access-date=25 February 2026 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Manigandan |first=K. R. |date=11 April 2012 |title=Shot Cuts |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/shot-cuts/article3303485.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251023192157/https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/shot-cuts/article3303485.ece |archive-date=23 October 2025 |access-date=25 February 2026 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> V. Selvakumar who had notably worked in ''Madrasapattinam'' was selected as the art director. The crew also announced that the film would become the first Indian production to be filmed with a RED EPIC Camera, being shot at 5K resolution.<ref>{{Cite news |date=18 July 2012 |title=Red, now in India |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/red-now-in-india/article3650508.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260225032004/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/red-now-in-india/article3650508.ece |archive-date=25 February 2026 |access-date=25 February 2026 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=18 May 2012 |title=Digital cinema breeds poor films |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/digital-cinema-breeds-poor-films/articleshow/13217128.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928230744/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/digital-cinema-breeds-poor-films/articleshow/13217128.cms |archive-date=28 September 2017 |access-date=25 February 2026 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Writer Ee. Raa. Murugan, who had previously collaborated with Chakri Toleti in ''Unnaipol Oruvan'', was appointed to write the dialogues.<ref name=":2" />
===Casting=== From the previous film, the producers made it clear that apart from Ajith Kumar, and Rahman, most of the other characters would not be retained.<ref name="Billa2sify" /><ref name=":3" /> The female lead role was expected to be handed to Anushka Shetty, but despite media speculation she was not signed on.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Will Anushka sign Billa-2 opposite Ajit? |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/will-anushka-sign-billa-2-opposite-ajit-news-tamil-lb1ufQdjjhj.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110130043613/http://www.sify.com/movies/will-anushka-sign-billa-2-opposite-ajit-news-tamil-lb1ufQdjjhj.html |archive-date=30 January 2011 |access-date=16 September 2011 |website=Sify}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=12 February 2011 |title=Most Wanted- Anushka |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/most-wanted-anushka-news-tamil-lcmlAiabeah.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110215050659/http://www.sify.com/movies/most-wanted-anushka-news-tamil-lcmlAiabeah.html |archive-date=15 February 2011 |access-date=16 September 2011 |website=Sify}}</ref> The female lead role was handed to debutant Huma Qureshi, a Mumbai-based theatre actor who had previously been featured in commercials, with Toleti finalising Qureshi after a nationwide search for an actress.<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 May 2011 |title=Huma Qureshi opposite Ajit in Billa 2 |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Huma-Qureshi-opposite-Ajit-in-Billa-2/785737/ |access-date=16 September 2011 |website=The Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=12 April 2011 |title=Meet Ajith's new heroine |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/south-first-look-ajiths-new-heroine/20110412.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130427183900/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/south-first-look-ajiths-new-heroine/20110412.htm |archive-date=27 April 2013 |access-date=16 September 2011 |website=Rediff.com}}</ref> However, she was removed from the project by September 2011, due to date clashes,<ref>{{Cite news |date=10 September 2011 |title=Huma Qureshi out of Billa 2? |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/news-interviews/Huma-Qureshi-out-of-Billa-2/articleshow/9933100.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120713103052/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-09-10/news-interviews/30138845_1_billa-ajith-50th-film |archive-date=13 July 2012 |work=The Times of India}}</ref> and became replaced by Miss India World 2008 Parvathy Omanakuttan later that month,<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 September 2011 |title=Parvathy is Ajiths heroine in Billa-2 |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/parvathy-is-ajiths-heroine-in-billa-2-news-tamil-lj3j5degaba.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111001111126/http://www.sify.com/movies/parvathy-is-ajiths-heroine-in-billa-2-news-tamil-lj3j5degaba.html |archive-date=1 October 2011 |access-date=29 September 2011 |website=Sify}}</ref> who the director had spotted and offered the role of Jasmine at a fashion show.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Jiji Ann Cherian |date=6 April 2012 |title=Bowled over by Billa |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/kochi/bowled-over-billa-935 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120406175351/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/kochi/bowled-over-billa-935 |archive-date=6 April 2012 |access-date=17 April 2012 |work=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref> Parvathy described her character as a "simple girl who transforms into a modern person" and that Billa looks up to, adding that she had more scenes in the "emotional part" of the film.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 December 2011 |title=Parvathy Omanakuttan signs Billa 2 |url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/view/regional/158051?device=iphone |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111216072853/http://www.ndtv.com/article/view/regional/158051?device=iphone |archive-date=16 December 2011 |access-date=28 March 2012 |publisher=NDTV}}</ref> Bollywood actress and model Bruna Abdullah was selected to portray another significant character,<ref name="Rediff">{{Cite web |date=18 October 2011 |title=Miss World runner-up in Billa 2 |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/miss-world-runner-up-in-billa-two/20111018.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111211064650/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/miss-world-runner-up-in-billa-two/20111018.htm |archive-date=11 December 2011 |access-date=17 December 2011 |publisher=Rediff}}</ref> which she went on term as "super powerful, very strong and sexy".<ref>{{Cite news |date=21 December 2011 |title=I'm here to stay: Bruna Abdullah |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/news-interviews/Im-here-to-stay-Bruna-Abdullah/articleshow/11190394.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120707060930/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-12-21/news-interviews/30542105_1_billa-ajith-chakri-toleti |archive-date=7 July 2012 |access-date=28 March 2012 |work=The Times of India}}</ref> Besides models Abdullah, and Parvathy Omanakuttan, Meenakshi Dixit was recruited for the item number "Madurai Ponnu". Another three models including, Gabriela Bertante, Nicole Amy Madell, and an unknown artist, was recruited to perform a dance number "Yedho Mayakkam".<ref>{{Cite news |date=8 April 2012 |title=Brazilian model for Ajith |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/tamil/news-interviews/Brazilian-model-for-Ajith/articleshow/12570697.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120710164158/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-04-08/news-interviews/31305238_1_billa-ajith-chakri-toleti |archive-date=10 July 2012 |access-date=17 April 2012 |work=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=17 June 2012 |title=Billa II's Oomph factor! |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/tamil/news-interviews/Billa-IIs-Oomph-factor/articleshow/14182747.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130126061401/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-06-17/news-interviews/32269934_1_ajith-dancing-tamil-film |archive-date=26 January 2013 |access-date=17 June 2012 |work=The Times of India}}</ref>
Television actor Krishna Kumar, was signed on to play a "dirty cop".<ref>{{Cite news |date=9 April 2011 |title=Krishnakumar is a happy man |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/news-interviews/Krishnakumar-is-a-happy-man/articleshow/7914851.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120919213544/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-04-09/news-interviews/29397248_1_malayalam-film-kk-three-films |archive-date=19 September 2012 |access-date=16 September 2011 |work=The Times of India}}</ref> In June 2011, Sudhanshu Pandey, a former model who had appeared in several Hindi films, was given the role of a "greying ganglord", who becomes the mentor to the young David,<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 December 2011 |title=Sudhanshu Pandey plays a baddie in Billa 2 |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/sudhanshu-pandey-plays-a-baddie-in-billa-2/885449/0 |access-date=28 March 2012 |website=The Indian Express}}</ref> while Malayalam character actor Manoj K. Jayan was roped in for a "key role".<ref name="autogenerated1">{{Cite web |title=Ajith's $7 million Billa 2 starts rolling |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/ajiths-7-million-billa-2-starts-rolling-news-tamil-lhorF9ecfia.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715000615/http://www.sify.com/movies/ajiths-7-million-billa-2-starts-rolling-news-tamil-lhorF9ecfia.html |archive-date=15 July 2011 |access-date=16 September 2011 |website=Sify}}</ref> Actress Vimala Raman was signed on to make a special appearance in the film,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Anupama Subramanian |date=2 July 2011 |title=Vimala Raman enters Bollywood |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/showbiz/kollywood/vimala-raman-enters-bollywood-078 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110704110455/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/showbiz/kollywood/vimala-raman-enters-bollywood-078 |archive-date=4 July 2011 |access-date=16 September 2011 |website=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref> however she opted out in July 2011 citing schedulig conflicts.<ref>{{Cite news |date=13 July 2011 |title=Vimala says no to Billa 2 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/news-interviews/Vimala-says-no-to-Billa-2/articleshow/9209399.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120701122317/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-07-13/news-interviews/29768327_1_billa-tamil-film-vimala-raman |archive-date=1 July 2012 |access-date=16 September 2011 |work=The Times of India}}</ref> Meenakshi Dixit was later finalised for that role and shot her scenes in July 2011 during the first schedule.<ref>{{Cite news |date=16 November 2011 |title=Meenaxi Dixit: Item girl for Billa 2 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/news-interviews/Meenaxi-Dixit-Item-girl-for-Billa-2/articleshow/10765607.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120708133524/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-11-16/news-interviews/30410671_1_billa-girl-flick |archive-date=8 July 2012 |work=The Times of India}}</ref> Vidyut Jamwal, who played negative roles in the Hindi film ''Force'' (2011) and the Telugu film ''Oosaravelli'' (2011), was selected to play the villain, also making his debut in Tamil cinema.<ref>{{Cite news |date=14 November 2011 |title=Vidyut takes on Ajith |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vidyut-takes-on-ajith/articleshow/10737226.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120709072723/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-11-14/news-interviews/30402013_1_billa-ajith-martial-arts |archive-date=9 July 2012 |work=The Times of India}}</ref> In December 2011 sources revealed that Sricharan, who starred in ''Payanam'', was shooting for a supporting role in the film.<ref>{{Cite news |date=3 December 2011 |title=Sricharan's dramatic airport experience |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/news-interviews/Sricharans-dramatic-airport-experience/articleshow/10968116.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120710141906/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-12-03/news-interviews/30471298_1_sricharan-tehran-flight |archive-date=10 July 2012 |access-date=18 December 2011 |work=The Times of India}}</ref> Reports in February 2012 suggested that the team was trying to sign Nayantara, who played the female lead in ''Billa'', for a cameo role;<ref>{{Cite web |last=Anupama Subramanian |date=26 February 2012 |title=Nayanthara 's cameo in Billa 2 |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/showbiz/kollywood/nayanthara-%E2%80%99s-cameo-billa-2-006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120227010151/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/showbiz/kollywood/nayanthara-%E2%80%99s-cameo-billa-2-006 |archive-date=27 February 2012 |access-date=11 March 2012 |website=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref> the actress refuted the rumours.<ref>{{Cite news |date=26 March 2012 |title=Nayanthara in the denial mode about Billa 2 Role |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/nayanthara-in-the-denial-mode-about-billa-2-role/articleshow/12415842.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241201100016/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/nayanthara-in-the-denial-mode-about-billa-2-role/articleshow/12415842.cms |archive-date=1 December 2024 |access-date=25 February 2026 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Furthermore, composer Yuvan Shankar Raja on Toleti's insistence agreed to make a brief appearance in one of the songs.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Janani Karthik |date=16 April 2012 |title=Yuvan dances in Billa 2 |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/showbiz/kollywood/yuvan-dances-billa-2-050 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120418202454/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/showbiz/kollywood/yuvan-dances-billa-2-050 |archive-date=18 April 2012 |access-date=17 April 2012 |work=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref>
===Filming=== The film's production was delayed as Ajith Kumar's previous film, ''Mankatha'', progressed beyond the anticipated completion dates. In March 2011, the producers released a press note that the film would begin in early May 2011, however this failed to happen.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Billa 2 – Press Release |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/billa-2-press-release-news-tamil-ldbjoSbaije.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110302103108/http://www.sify.com/movies/billa-2-press-release-news-tamil-ldbjoSbaije.html |archive-date=2 March 2011 |access-date=16 September 2011 |website=Sify}}</ref> During that period, it was also suggested that ''Billa II'' may not be Ajith Kumar's successive project and commence only after the actor completed a film with M. Raja.<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 April 2011 |title=Billa 2 isn't Ajith's 51sth film! |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-04-20/news-interviews/29459707_1_billa-50th-film-mankatha-thala |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130508193318/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-04-20/news-interviews/29459707_1_billa-50th-film-mankatha-thala |archive-date=8 May 2013 |access-date=28 March 2012 |work=The Times of India}}</ref> Eventually, a photo shoot was held in June 2011 with Ajith sporting an appearance of a man in his mid-twenties.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=27 February 2015 |title=New stills of Ajith's 'Billa 2': The story of don David Billa |url=https://www.news18.com/photogallery/movies/new-stills-of-ajiths-billa-2-the-story-of-don-david-billa-844978.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260225082620/https://www.news18.com/photogallery/movies/new-stills-of-ajiths-billa-2-the-story-of-don-david-billa-844978.html |archive-date=25 February 2026 |access-date=25 February 2026 |website=News18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=18 May 2011 |title=Billa 2 to start by June end |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/billa-2-to-start-by-june-end-news-kollywood-lfsoQhdhgia.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110823233645/http://www.sify.com/movies/billa-2-to-start-by-june-end-news-kollywood-lfsoQhdhgia.html |archive-date=23 August 2011 |access-date=25 February 2026 |website=Sify}}</ref> Principal photography commenced on 14 July 2011 at the Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad.<ref name="autogenerated1" /> Filming during the first 30-day schedule throughout July and August 2011 was held in Hyderabad and Vizag.<ref name="Rediff" /> As part of the schedule, one song was shot in Puducherry under the direction of choreographer Raju Sundaram.<ref name=":4" /> Both actresses Parvathy Omanakuttan and Bruna Abdullah joined the crew for the second schedule in Goa,<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 September 2011 |title=Ajith- The most wanted actor in K'wood |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/ajith-the-most-wanted-actor-in-k-wood-news-tamil-ljuqx9abgig.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110923172048/http://www.sify.com/movies/ajith-the-most-wanted-actor-in-k-wood-news-tamil-ljuqx9abgig.html |archive-date=23 September 2011 |access-date=25 February 2026 |website=Sify}}</ref> that lasted for 39 days and ended in the first week of November.<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 November 2011 |title=Meet the {{sic|villian|nolink=y}} of Ajith's Billa 2 |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/meet-the-villian-of-ajiths-billa-two/20111117.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111222172351/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/meet-the-villian-of-ajiths-billa-two/20111117.htm |archive-date=22 December 2011 |access-date=17 December 2011 |publisher=Rediff}}</ref> While filming an action sequence in this schedule, Ajith had injured his hands while smashing bottle in a stuntman's head and the bottle broke into pieces in his hands. However, he had completed the shot, despite the injuries.<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 October 2011 |title=Ajith does daring action scene and gets injured |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/ajith-does-daring-action-scene-and-gets-injured-news-tamil-lkrkuSjiicd.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111019142916/http://www.sify.com/movies/ajith-does-daring-action-scene-and-gets-injured-news-tamil-lkrkuSjiicd.html |archive-date=19 October 2011 |access-date=25 February 2026 |website=Sify}}</ref>
In the third week of November, a unit of thirty-six members left for Georgia in Eastern Europe for the final 20-day schedule of the film.<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 November 2011 |title=Billa 2, Goa schedule complete |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/billa-2-goa-schedule-complete-news-tamil-llfkmHceidd.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111107163257/http://www.sify.com/movies/billa-2-goa-schedule-complete-news-tamil-llfkmHceidd.html |archive-date=7 November 2011 |access-date=17 December 2011 |website=Sify}}</ref> In Georgia, the crew filmed at the country's capital, Tbilisi, Borjomi and Rustavi.<ref>{{Cite news |date=19 December 2011 |title=K-Town goes to Europe |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-12-19/news-interviews/30533751_1_shot-shooting-songs |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202193336/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-12-19/news-interviews/30533751_1_shot-shooting-songs |archive-date=2 February 2014 |work=The Times of India}}</ref> ''Billa II'' became the first Indian film to be shot at the Likani Palace, which functions as a summer residence of the President of Georgia.<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 May 2012 |title=Snowfall play games on the sets of Billa-2 |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/snowfall-play-games-on-the-sets-of-billa-2-news-tamil-mf4of4bhjaj.html?ref=false |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150517015153/http://www.sify.com/movies/snowfall-play-games-on-the-sets-of-billa-2-news-tamil-mf4of4bhjaj.html?ref=false |archive-date=17 May 2015 |access-date=13 July 2012 |website=Sify}}</ref> Midway through the filming, heavy snowfall began. The crew, however, carried on shooting and later reshot the complete sequence with the snowy background to maintain the continuity.<ref name=":4" /> The climax portions were also filmed there against a snowy backdrop, for which aerial shots were done from a helicopter.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last=Janani Karthik |date=19 December 2011 |title=Billa 2 is done! |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/showbiz/kollywood/billa-2-done-967 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205064914/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/showbiz/kollywood/billa-2-done-967 |archive-date=5 February 2012 |access-date=28 March 2012 |work=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref> Approximately half a million dollars were spent for the whole schedule in Georgia, which was finished by mid-December.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Billa-2 First "Bollywood" movie is shot in Georgia |url=http://www.investingeorgia.org/?107/1732/ |access-date=28 March 2012 |publisher=Invest in Georgia}}</ref><ref name=":1" /> In February 2012, the remaining scenes, including the film's title song,<ref>{{Cite news |date=18 February 2012 |title=Billa 2 title song finally shot! |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-02-18/news-interviews/31074689_1_billa-chakri-toleti-51st-film |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140117025222/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-02-18/news-interviews/31074689_1_billa-chakri-toleti-51st-film |archive-date=17 January 2014 |access-date=28 March 2012 |work=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=19 February 2012 |title=Billa 2 title song picturised |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/billa-2-title-song-picturised-news-tamil-mctmocicbae.html?ref=false |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150516123157/http://www.sify.com/movies/billa-2-title-song-picturised-news-tamil-mctmocicbae.html?ref=false |archive-date=16 May 2015 |access-date=28 March 2012 |website=Sify}}</ref> were canned at the Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad,<ref name="autogenerated2">{{Cite web |date=16 February 2012 |title=Billa 2 makes brisk progress |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/billa-2-makes-brisk-progress-news-tamil-mcqlVwagfeb.html?ref=false |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150516065832/http://www.sify.com/movies/billa-2-makes-brisk-progress-news-tamil-mcqlVwagfeb.html?ref=false |archive-date=16 May 2015 |access-date=17 April 2012 |website=Sify}}</ref> despite the ongoing strike in the film industry.<ref>{{Cite news |date=16 February 2012 |title=Billa 2 shoot despite strike |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-02-16/news-interviews/31066307_1_billa-chakri-toleti-strike |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120707050350/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-02-16/news-interviews/31066307_1_billa-chakri-toleti-strike |archive-date=7 July 2012 |access-date=28 March 2012 |work=The Times of India}}</ref> An item number "Yedo Mayakkam" featuring three models was shot in a studio in Goa.<ref name=":4" /> The entire filming was completed over a period of 90 days.<ref name=":1" />
Three stunt choreographers were involved in the making of ''Billa II''. The stunt sequences in Georgia were partly choreographed by an award-winning German-based company led by stuntman Stefan Richter,<ref name="articles.timesofindia.indiatimes" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=K. R. Manigandan |date=11 April 2012 |title=Shot Cuts |url=http://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/metroplus/article3303485.ece |access-date=17 April 2012 |work=The Hindu |location=Chennai, India}}</ref> while the climax action scenes were done by Kecha Khamphakdee's Jaika Stunt team.<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 April 2012 |title=Billa 2 stunt master praises Ajit! |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/billa-2-stunt-master-praises-ajit-news-tamil-mesoqxgaeih.html?ref=false |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140410011933/http://www.sify.com/movies/billa-2-stunt-master-praises-ajit-news-tamil-mesoqxgaeih.html?ref=false |archive-date=10 April 2014 |access-date=28 April 2012 |website=Sify}}</ref><ref name="indiatimes2">{{Cite news |last=Lakshmi |date=29 June 2012 |title=When Billa got into action! |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/tamil/news-interviews/When-Billa-got-into-action/articleshow/14467693.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103083306/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-06-29/news-interviews/32458399_1_chakri-toleti-stunt-action-sequences |archive-date=3 January 2013 |access-date=13 July 2012 |work=The Times of India|first=V}}</ref> K. Rajasekhar choreographed the fight sequences in Hyderabad and Goa.<ref name="indiatimes2" /> Madhu Sudhanan, a VFX creative director, said that VFX had been used in action sequences, in "set extensions" and in sequences involving 3D.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Jeshi |date=30 June 2012 |title=Behind the Frames |url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article3588625.ece |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130204072159/http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article3588625.ece |archive-date=4 February 2013 |access-date=13 July 2012 |work=The Hindu |first=K}}</ref>
==Soundtrack== {{main|Billa II (soundtrack)}} Yuvan Shankar Raja, who had also worked on the score of ''Billa'' (2007), composed the soundtrack and score of ''Billa II'', becoming his fifth project starring Ajith Kumar. The album consists of six tracks: five songs and a theme music track,<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 March 2012 |title=Sony Music snaps Billa 2 audio |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/sony-music-snaps-billa-2-audio-news-tamil-mdglVqbcgaf.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307223542/http://www.sify.com/movies/sony-music-snaps-billa-2-audio-news-tamil-mdglVqbcgaf.html |archive-date=7 March 2012 |access-date=28 March 2012 |website=Sify}}</ref> along with an additional song composed for a belly dance sequence, albeit not included in the film.<ref>{{Cite news |last=K. R. Manigandan |date=25 June 2012 |title=Shot Cuts: A weird friendship |url=http://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/metroplus/article3569004.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120629041931/http://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/metroplus/article3569004.ece |archive-date=29 June 2012 |access-date=13 July 2012 |work=The Hindu |location=Chennai, India}}</ref> The lyrics for the songs were written by Na. Muthukumar.<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 June 2011 |title=I compete only with myself |url=http://newindianexpress.com/entertainment/interviews/article432929.ece |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004221636/http://newindianexpress.com/entertainment/interviews/article432929.ece |archive-date=4 October 2013 |access-date=16 September 2011 |website=The New Indian Express |location=India}}</ref> Following multiple delays, the album was eventually released to the market by Sony Music India on 1 May 2012 coinciding with Ajith's birthday.<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 April 2012 |title=Billa 2 audio, on Ajith's birthday? |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/billa-2-audio-on-ajiths-birthday-news-tamil-metlCHjcabj.html?ref=false |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140410015059/http://www.sify.com/movies/billa-2-audio-on-ajiths-birthday-news-tamil-metlCHjcabj.html?ref=false |archive-date=10 April 2014 |access-date=28 April 2012 |website=Sify}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Billa 2 audio online! |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/tamil/news-interviews/Billa-2-audio-online/articleshow/12863056.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130922010822/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-04-25/news-interviews/31398664_1_billa-ajith-s-birthday-new-song |archive-date=22 September 2013 |access-date=28 April 2012 |work=The Times of India}}</ref>
==Marketing== ''Billa II'' underwent an extensive marketing spree before its release.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Nikhil Raghavan |date=28 April 2012 |title=The don of summer |url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article3364380.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120704093042/http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article3364380.ece |archive-date=4 July 2012 |access-date=14 July 2012 |work=The Hindu |location=Chennai, India }}</ref> A first teaser poster displaying the new logo design was published in Diwali 2011,<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 November 2011 |title=Ajith's Billa 2 logo design unveiled |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/ajith-s-billa-2-logo-design-unveiled-news-tamil-lk5nb5ibbif.html?ref=false |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131008171540/http://www.sify.com/movies/ajith-s-billa-2-logo-design-unveiled-news-tamil-lk5nb5ibbif.html?ref=false |archive-date=8 October 2013 |access-date=28 March 2012 |website=Sify}}</ref> while the first posters depicting Ajith Kumar's look were released in January 2012 during the Pongal festival.<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 January 2012 |title=Billa 2 first look unveiled |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/billa-2-first-look-unveiled-news-tamil-mbpolSijdej.html?ref=false |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131008170035/http://www.sify.com/movies/billa-2-first-look-unveiled-news-tamil-mbpolSijdej.html?ref=false |archive-date=8 October 2013 |access-date=28 March 2012 |website=Sify}}</ref> From late February onwards, further posters featuring Ajith were unveiled,<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 February 2012 |title=Ajith's Billa- 2 latest update |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/ajith-s-billa-2-latest-update-news-tamil-mc3jo1cgafh.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301205154/http://www.sify.com/movies/ajith-s-billa-2-latest-update-news-tamil-mc3jo1cgafh.html |archive-date=1 March 2012 |access-date=28 March 2012 |website=Sify}}</ref> with one poster in late March portraying a young Ajith carrying a kerosene can on a boat that led to speculations over the character's origin.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Anupama Subramanian |date=28 March 2012 |title=Young Ajith's first look from Billa 2 |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/showbiz/kollywood/young-ajith%E2%80%99s-first-look-billa-2-552 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329064207/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/showbiz/kollywood/young-ajith%E2%80%99s-first-look-billa-2-552 |archive-date=29 March 2012 |access-date=17 April 2012 |website=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref> On 13 April 2012, a one-minute teaser trailer was uploaded to YouTube.<ref>{{Cite news |date=15 April 2012 |title=Billa 2 teaser sets records |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-04-15/news-interviews/31344917_1_billa-ajith-teaser |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928101127/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-04-15/news-interviews/31344917_1_billa-ajith-teaser |archive-date=28 September 2013 |access-date=17 April 2012 |work=The Times of India}}</ref> The teaser garnered over 500,000 views within the first three days of its release, setting a new record for Tamil films.<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 April 2012 |title=Billa 2 teaser creates a sensation |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/billa-2-teaser-creates-a-sensation-news-tamil-meqk60eebhf.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120416233555/http://www.sify.com/movies/billa-2-teaser-creates-a-sensation-news-tamil-meqk60eebhf.html |archive-date=16 April 2012 |access-date=17 April 2012 |website=Sify}}</ref>
As part of the marketing, the makers planned to release a ''Billa 2'' calendar featuring the two lead actresses, Parvathy Omanakuttan and Bruna Abdulla; the stills were shot exclusively for the calendar in Goa.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lata Srinivasan |date=22 April 2012 |title=Parvathy Omanakuttan sizzles in Billa 2 calendar |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-04-22/miss-india/31379326_1_billa-audio-release-parvathy-omanakuttan |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140117042241/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-04-22/miss-india/31379326_1_billa-audio-release-parvathy-omanakuttan |archive-date=17 January 2014 |access-date=13 July 2012 |work=The Times of India}}</ref> An event to launch the official theatrical trailer was planned to be held on 2 July at the Anna Centenary Library auditorium in Kotturpuram, Chennai.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 June 2012 |title=Ajith's 'Billa 2' to have a new trailer launch |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/ajith-s-billa-2-to-have-a-new-trailer-launch-news-tamil-mg3iopecfih.html?scategory=tamil |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130202112100/http://www.sify.com/movies/ajith-s-billa-2-to-have-a-new-trailer-launch-news-tamil-mg3iopecfih.html?scategory=tamil |archive-date=2 February 2013 |access-date=13 July 2012 |website=Sify}}</ref> The entire cast and crew along with Russian dancers were expected to attend the function, which was to be telecast on television later.<ref name="indiatimes3">{{Cite news |last=Lata Srinivasan |date=3 July 2012 |title=Billa II trailer launch cancelled; fans upset |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-03/news-interviews/32509437_1_trailer-ajith-venue |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131206195106/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-03/news-interviews/32509437_1_trailer-ajith-venue |archive-date=6 December 2013 |access-date=13 July 2012 |work=The Times of India}}</ref> The event was cancelled at short notice.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 July 2012 |title=Billa 2 trailer launch cancelled |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/billa-2-trailer-launch-cancelled-news-tamil-mhcjXWidhdi.html?ref=false |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150516032728/http://www.sify.com/movies/billa-2-trailer-launch-cancelled-news-tamil-mhcjXWidhdi.html?ref=false |archive-date=16 May 2015 |access-date=13 July 2012 |website=Sify}}</ref> The trailer was however uploaded to YouTube the same day, gaining record views.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 June 2012 |title='Billa 2': Grand trailer launch on July 2 |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/billa-2-grand-trailer-launch-on-july-2/268433-71-180.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120701084838/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/billa-2-grand-trailer-launch-on-july-2/268433-71-180.html |archive-date=1 July 2012 |access-date=13 July 2012 |publisher=CNN-IBN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=3 July 2012 |title=Billa 2 new trailer rocks! |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/billa-2-new-trailer-rocks-news-tamil-mhdku4gjejg.html?ref=false |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130202105916/http://www.sify.com/movies/billa-2-new-trailer-rocks-news-tamil-mhdku4gjejg.html?ref=false |archive-date=2 February 2013 |access-date=13 July 2012 |website=Sify}}</ref> Moreover, a promotional video featuring Ajith with composer Yuvan Shankar Raja was shot as well, but was not released either.<ref name="indiatimes3" /> A video game based on the film was launched at the Sathyam Cinemas, preceded by Abdulla.<ref name=":5">{{Cite news |title=Ajith Billa 2 Movie Grand Release in USA |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-08/news-interviews/32588285_1_grand-release-screens-makers |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140118032135/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-08/news-interviews/32588285_1_grand-release-screens-makers |archive-date=18 January 2014 |access-date=11 July 2012 |work=The Times of India}}</ref> A day before its release, the entire cast and crew of Billa II, excluding Ajith and Yuvan attended a press interaction in a star hotel in Chennai.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 July 2012 |title=Billa 2 holds its first press meet |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/billa-2-holds-its-first-press-meet-news-tamil-mhmtB6bjddj.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120715050032/http://www.sify.com/movies/billa-2-holds-its-first-press-meet-news-tamil-mhmtB6bjddj.html |archive-date=15 July 2012 |access-date=25 February 2026 |website=Sify}}</ref>
==Release==
=== Theatrical === ''Billa II'' was initially planned to release on 13 April 2012 coinciding with Tamil New Year.<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 March 2011 |title=Billa 2 release postponed further |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/billa-2-release-postponed-further-news-kollywood-mdkj7kfbedg.html?ref=false |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140410004915/http://www.sify.com/movies/billa-2-release-postponed-further-news-kollywood-mdkj7kfbedg.html?ref=false |archive-date=10 April 2014 |access-date=25 February 2026 |website=Sify}}</ref> Later, the release was postponed to 1 May 2012, coinciding with Ajith Kumar's 41st birthday, with the makers considering to bring forward the film by four days to release it on a Friday.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ajith's Billa II's title song to be released in March 2012 |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/billa-iis-title-song-to-be-released-this-week/235197-8-68.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215215851/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/billa-iis-title-song-to-be-released-this-week/235197-8-68.html |archive-date=15 December 2013 |access-date=28 March 2012 |website=CNN-IBN}}</ref> However, due to the strike in the film industry, the film's release became further delayed and was pushed to the second half of May 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 March 2012 |title=Billa 2 release postponed further |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/billa-2-release-postponed-further-news-kollywood-mdkj7kfbedg.html?ref=false |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140410004915/http://www.sify.com/movies/billa-2-release-postponed-further-news-kollywood-mdkj7kfbedg.html?ref=false |archive-date=10 April 2014 |access-date=28 March 2012 |website=Sify}}</ref> After considering the first four Fridays in June 2012 for the film's release,<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 March 2012 |title=Billa 2 re-recording in Mumbai? |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/billa-2-re-recording-in-mumbai-news-tamil-mfvrmEjheeb.html?ref=false |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140410003353/http://www.sify.com/movies/billa-2-re-recording-in-mumbai-news-tamil-mfvrmEjheeb.html?ref=false |archive-date=10 April 2014 |access-date=13 July 2012 |website=Sify}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=18 March 2012 |title=Ajith's 'Billa- 2' on June 8? |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/ajith-s-billa-2-on-june-8-news-tamil-mfsh7Kgebfa.html?ref=false |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140410010424/http://www.sify.com/movies/ajith-s-billa-2-on-june-8-news-tamil-mfsh7Kgebfa.html?ref=false |archive-date=10 April 2014 |access-date=13 July 2012 |website=Sify}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2 June 2012 |title=The Biggies are coming! |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/the-biggies-are-coming-news-tamil-mgcmabddfjd.html?ref=false |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140410013445/http://www.sify.com/movies/the-biggies-are-coming-news-tamil-mgcmabddfjd.html?ref=false |archive-date=10 April 2014 |access-date=13 July 2012 |website=Sify}}</ref> the team had planned to release the film on 22 June.<ref>{{Cite news |date=5 June 2012 |title=Ajith's 'Billa 2' to hit theatres on June 22 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajiths-billa-2-to-hit-theatres-on-june-22/articleshow/13847926.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260225121901/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajiths-billa-2-to-hit-theatres-on-june-22/articleshow/13847926.cms |archive-date=25 February 2026 |access-date=25 February 2026 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=6 June 2012 |title='Billa 2' to now release on Vijay's birthday |url=http://www.news18.com:80/news/india/billa-2-to-now-release-on-vijays-birthday-480995.html |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20170505235744/http://www.news18.com:80/news/india/billa-2-to-now-release-on-vijays-birthday-480995.html |archive-date=5 May 2017 |access-date=25 February 2026 |work=News18}}</ref> It was again delayed a week later, to avoid clash with Karthi's ''Saguni'' which released on the same weekend.<ref>{{Cite news |date=16 June 2012 |title=Ajith's 'Billa 2' Movie Release Date Postponed! |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajiths-billa-2-movie-release-date-postponed/articleshow/14184287.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260225122025/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajiths-billa-2-movie-release-date-postponed/articleshow/14184287.cms |archive-date=25 February 2026 |access-date=25 February 2026 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> However, Sunir Kheterpal announced that the censorship process was the reason for the delay, and claimed he could not announce the release date until the censor certificate has been received.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Manigandan |first=K. R. |date=19 June 2012 |title=Billa 2 release postponed |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/billa-2-release-postponed/article3547210.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260225122001/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/billa-2-release-postponed/article3547210.ece |archive-date=25 February 2026 |access-date=25 February 2026 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> The makers finally zeroed in on 13 July as the release date.<ref>{{Cite news |date=26 June 2012 |title=Billa 2 from July 13 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/tamil/news-interviews/Billa-2-from-July-13/articleshow/14404611.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130126044056/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-06-26/news-interviews/32424299_1_wide-angle-creations-billa-aascar-films |archive-date=26 January 2013 |work=The Times of India}}</ref><ref name=":8" />
=== Screenings and statistics === ''Billa 2'' was released across over 2,500 screens worldwide, making it as the largest Tamil releases ever.<ref name=":0" /><ref name="autogenerated3" /> In Tamil Nadu, the film opened in 550 screens with the first show beginning at 4:00 a.m.<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 June 2012 |title=Billa 2 confirmed for July 13 |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/billa-2-confirmed-for-july-13-news-tamil-mgyqOzhdiid.html?scategory=tamil |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150522190517/http://www.sify.com/movies/billa-2-confirmed-for-july-13-news-tamil-mgyqOzhdiid.html?scategory=tamil |archive-date=22 May 2015 |access-date=13 July 2012 |website=Sify}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=12 July 2012 |title=Countdown- 1 day to Billa 2 |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/countdown-1-day-to-billa-2-news-tamil-mhml1Secchh.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120815101230/http://www.sify.com/movies/countdown-1-day-to-billa-2-news-tamil-mhml1Secchh.html |archive-date=15 August 2012 |access-date=25 February 2026 |website=Sify}}</ref> At the Mayajaal multiplex, the film opened in 102 shows across 14 screens, the highest single day release at the multiplex.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |date=13 July 2012 |title=Friday Fury – July 13 |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/friday-fury-july-13-news-tamil-mhniriihcah.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120713124018/http://www.sify.com/movies/friday-fury-july-13-news-tamil-mhniriihcah.html |archive-date=13 July 2012 |access-date=25 February 2026 |website=Sify}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=13 July 2012 |title=Ajith's Billa 2 releases today |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/ajiths-billa-2-releases-today-626440 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260225130315/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/ajiths-billa-2-releases-today-626440 |archive-date=25 February 2026 |access-date=25 February 2026 |website=NDTV}}</ref>
The film was released simultaneously in the four southern states, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala as well as in North India and international markets.<ref name="autogenerated3" /> A dubbed Telugu version of the film released in Andhra Pradesh as ''David Billa''.<ref name=":6">{{Cite news |date=9 June 2012 |title=Billa 2 in multiple languages |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-06-06/news-interviews/32078091_1_chakri-toleti-tinsel-town-subtitles |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130126170006/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-06-06/news-interviews/32078091_1_chakri-toleti-tinsel-town-subtitles |archive-date=26 January 2013 |access-date=9 June 2012 |work=The Times of India}}</ref> In Kerala, the Tamil version was screened and Karnataka saw the release of both the versions.<ref name=":6" /> The film was also released by Aanna Films in most of the major multiplexes in France with French subtitles.<ref name=":6" /> in Malaysia, North India and the Gulf Nations, Malay, Hindi and Arabic subtitles were added to the film, respectively, while in other international markets, it was screened with English subtitles.<ref name="autogenerated3" /><ref name=":6" /> In the United States, the film premiered in 34 screens in 28 states on 12 July and had a wide release in 59 states, the following day.<ref name=":5" />
=== Distribution === The overseas distribution rights were sold for {{INRConvert|5.3|c|year=2012}} to the US-based company GK Media, the highest ever for an Ajith film.<ref name="autogenerated2" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=18 January 2012 |title=Ajith joins the million dollar club |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/ajith-joins-the-million-dollar-club-news-tamil-mbskXciicja.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120120225529/http://www.sify.com/movies/ajith-joins-the-million-dollar-club-news-tamil-mbskXciicja.html |archive-date=20 January 2012 |access-date=25 February 2026 |website=Sify}}</ref> Three prominent production houses were reportedly trying to purchase the domestical theatrical rights,<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |date=13 March 2012 |title=Billa 2 satellite rights sold |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/billa-2-satellite-rights-sold-news-tamil-mdnro2fccdh.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314122826/http://www.sify.com/movies/Billa-2-satellite-rights-sold-news-tamil-mdnro2fccdh.html |archive-date=14 March 2012 |access-date=28 March 2012 |website=Sify}}</ref> until V. Ravichandran's Aascar Films eventually acquired the theatrical distribution rights of Tamil Nadu for {{INRConvert|26|c|year=2012}}.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Anupama Subramanian DC chennai |date=22 April 2012 |title='Billa 2 is worst film ever in Ajith's career |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/showbiz/kollywood/%E2%80%98billa-2-worth-shot%E2%80%99-877 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120423051453/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/showbiz/kollywood/%E2%80%98billa-2-worth-shot%E2%80%99-877 |archive-date=23 April 2012 |access-date=28 April 2012 |work=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=24 April 2012 |title=Billa 2 records Rs 3Crore sales in rights! |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/billa-2-records-rs-40-crore-sales-in-rights-news-tamil-meyjRKidiae.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120424234757/http://www.sify.com/movies/Billa-2-records-Rs-40-Crore-sales-in-rights-news-tamil-meyjRKidiae.html |archive-date=24 April 2012 |access-date=28 April 2012 |website=Sify}}</ref> All the distribution rights of the film, except the Kerala and Hindi dubbing rights had been sold at a record price of more than {{INRConvert|40|c|year=2012}}, making ''Billa II'' one of the top pre-release revenue generating films of all time in the Tamil film industry.<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 April 2012 |title=Ajith-starrer Billa 2 sold at record price |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-ajith-starrer-billa-2-sold-for-record-price/20120424.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120427093443/http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-ajith-starrer-billa-2-sold-for-record-price/20120424.htm |archive-date=27 April 2012 |access-date=28 April 2012 |website=Rediff.com}}</ref> In early May 2012, the Kerala release rights were finally sold to Sagara Entertainment and Money Tree Entertainment for {{INRConvert|8|c|year=2012}}, likewise a new record for an Ajith film.<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 March 2012 |title=Billa 2- Kerala rights sold |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/billa-2-kerala-rights-sold-news-malayalam-mfdkE1fcaig.html?scategory=tamil |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140410030644/http://www.sify.com/movies/billa-2-kerala-rights-sold-news-malayalam-mfdkE1fcaig.html?scategory=tamil |archive-date=10 April 2014 |access-date=13 July 2012 |website=Sify}}</ref>
=== Censorship === ''Billa II'' received an adult rating ("A" certificate) from the Central Board of Film Certification; according to the director, this was achieved without any major cuts, while producer Sunir Kheterpal said that the censorship process was not yet complete, and commented on his reluctance to compromise.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Billa 2 gets A certificate |url=https://www.sify.com/movies/ibilla-2i--gets-a-certificate-imagegallery-kollywood-mgqnPKiccgfsi.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210424140036/https://www.sify.com/movies/ibilla-2i--gets-a-certificate-imagegallery-kollywood-mgqnPKiccgfsi.html |archive-date=24 April 2021 |access-date=24 April 2021 |website=Sify |language=en}}</ref> In the United Kingdom, the film received an uncut 15 classification from the BBFC (British Board of Film Classification), for ‘strong bloody violence and revenge theme’.<ref>{{Cite web |title=British Board of Film Classification |url=http://www.bbfc.co.uk/AFF291235/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120715021705/http://www.bbfc.co.uk/AFF291235/ |archive-date=15 July 2012 |access-date=13 July 2012 |publisher=BBFC}}</ref>
=== Home media === In March 2012, Sun TV bought the satellite rights for a record price, with sources estimating the price at {{INRConvert|6.5|c|year=2012}}.<ref name=":7" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=27 August 2012 |title=New Censor laws -No 'A’ films on TV! |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/new-censor-laws-no-a-films-on-tv-news-tamil-mi1vlhgeffh.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103010412/http://www.sify.com/movies/new-censor-laws-no-a-films-on-tv-news-tamil-mi1vlhgeffh.html |archive-date=3 November 2012 |access-date=25 February 2026 |website=Sify}}</ref>
== Reception ==
=== Critical reception === ''Billa 2'' mainly received mixed reviews from critics and audience, with praise on cast's performances, Yuvan's music and cinematography, while the film's pace, screenplay and direction received criticism. Karthik Subramanian of ''The Hindu'' said, "Where the movie lacks in substance, it does try to score with technical aspects. The camerawork by R. D. Rajasekhar, background score by Yuvan Shankar Raja and editing by Suresh Urs are superlative for the most part", and that the film "does live up to the hype".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Karthik Subramanian |date=14 July 2012 |title=Arts / Cinema : Does 'Billa II' beckon? |url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article3639256.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104132853/http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article3639256.ece |archive-date=4 November 2012 |access-date=9 November 2012 |work=The Hindu |location=Chennai, India}}</ref> MSN India said "'Billa 2' would be an interesting film only if you are an ardent fan of Ajith. Otherwise, it is an average film with a weak script spoiling the show."<ref name="MSN">{{Cite web |date=16 July 2012 |title=Review: 'Billa 2' – Reviews |url=http://entertainment.in.msn.com/southcinema/reviews/review-billa-2 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002190033/http://entertainment.in.msn.com/southcinema/reviews/review-billa-2 |archive-date=2 October 2013 |access-date=15 May 2013 |publisher=MSN India Entertainment |agency=Indo-Asian News Service}}</ref>
Meena Iyer of ''The Times of India'' recommended it with a 3 star rating, "If you're {{sic|a|hide=yes}} Ajith fan—''Billa 2'' is a must. If you're an action aficionado, it's a treat. If you're neither, then don't bother."<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |title=Billa 2 movie review: Wallpaper, Story, Trailer at Times of India |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/tamil/movie-reviews/Billa-2/movie-review/14864866.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114142518/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/tamil/movie-reviews/Billa-2/movie-review/14864866.cms |archive-date=14 November 2013 |access-date=9 November 2012 |work=The Times of India}}</ref> Prathibha Parameswaran of IBN Live said, "If you liked ''Billa'' and ''Mankatha'', and expected as much from the prequel, it falls well short of expectations." and further wrote, "watch it only for Thala."<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 July 2012 |title=Tamil Review: 'Billa 2' lacks pace, but watch it for Ajith if you must- Tamil Reviews- IBNLive |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/review-watch-sluggish-billa-2-only-for-ajith/271114-71-178.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120715212615/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/review-watch-sluggish-billa-2-only-for-ajith/271114-71-178.html |archive-date=15 July 2012 |access-date=9 November 2012 |publisher=Ibnlive.in.com}}</ref> Anupama Subramanian of Deccan Chronicle rated the film 3 out of 5 stars and said, "The film works to a great extent because of the sheer screen presence of a star called Ajith Kumar. After all, it is his film all the way!"<ref name="DECCAN">{{Cite news |last=Anupama Subramanian |date=15 July 2012 |title=Billa 2 review: No message behind the violence |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/showbiz/movie-reviews/billa-2-review-no-message-behind-violence-749 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120726114209/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/showbiz/movie-reviews/billa-2-review-no-message-behind-violence-749 |archive-date=26 July 2012 |access-date=9 November 2012 |work=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref>
''Sify'' wrote: "Don't go in expecting too much, perhaps you won't be too disappointed. Watch Billa-2 for its stylish presentation, it hasn’t got anything else to offer."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-07-13 |title=Billa-2 |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/tamil/review.php?id=15002888&ctid=5&cid=2429 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120714173158/http://www.sify.com/movies/tamil/review.php?id=15002888&ctid=5&cid=2429 |archive-date=2012-07-14 |access-date=2026-02-25 |website=Sify}}</ref> ''NDTV''-based critic wrote "''Billa 2'' can be watched for its action sequences, decent music and interesting locations."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-07-13 |title=Movie Review: Billa 2 |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/movie-review-billa-2-606087 |access-date=2026-02-25 |website=NDTV}}</ref> Pavithra Srinivasan of ''Rediff.com'' wrote "''Billa 2'' is stylishly shot, and Ajith carries the film on his shoulders, but that's all there is to it. When it comes to screenplay, logical plots and characterisation, it fails to meet expectations."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Srinivasan |first=Pavithra |date=2012-07-13 |title=Review: Billa 2 fails to meet the expectations |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/south-review-billa-2-fails-to-meet-the-expectations/20120713.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120720102057/https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/south-review-billa-2-fails-to-meet-the-expectations/20120713.htm |archive-date=2012-07-20 |access-date=2026-02-25 |website=Rediff.com |language=en}}</ref> Malini Mannath of ''The New Indian Express'' wrote "Neither is the film an image booster for him, nor is he as fascinating to watch as he was in the earlier version. 'Billa 2' has less of style than the earlier one, and not even half its story content."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mannath |first=Malini |date=2012-07-14 |title='Billa II' (Tamil) |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/review/2012/Jul/14/billa-ii-tamil-386817.html |access-date=2026-02-25 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>
===Box office===
====India==== In the domestic market, ''Billa II'' had a great opening with 100% occupancy in single screens and multiplexes.In the opening weekend it collected {{INR}}34 crore becoming the best 3-day opening for a Tamil film that time.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |date=15 January 2017 |title=Billa 2 collection report |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/billa-2-collection-report/articleshow/15001137.cms |access-date=20 October 2024 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> In the opening week, it grossed around {{INR}} 4.79 crore at the Chennai box office, and after 5 weeks, it amounted to {{INR}} 77.9 million after tax deduction. It grossed around 410 million at Tamil Nadu, 24 million at Kerala, 21 million at Karnataka, 20 million at Andhra and 10 million at rest of India.<ref name="OPEN">{{Cite web |date=17 July 2012 |title=Ajith Kumar's Billa 2 continues to get thumpdown response at box office : Bollywood, News |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/ajith-kumars-billa-2-109805-2012-07-16 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111030858/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/ajith-kumars-billa-2/1/208645.html |archive-date=11 November 2012 |access-date=9 November 2012 |website=India Today}}</ref> The film did not get exemption from entertainment tax due to A certificate. It yielded {{INR}} 7 crore or 10 per cent of the total entertainment tax revenue of the year for the exchequer.
====Overseas==== In Malaysia, ''Billa II'' collected US$348,000<ref>{{Cite web |title=2012 Malaysia Yearly Box Office Results |url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/intl/malaysia/yearly/?yr=2012&p=.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161211021341/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/intl/malaysia/yearly/?yr=2012&p=.htm |archive-date=11 December 2016 |access-date=30 September 2016}}</ref> The film grossed $78,000 in the UK<ref>{{Cite web |title=Billa 2 |url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/intl/?page=&country=UK&wk=2012W29&id=_fBILLA201 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161002195014/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/intl/?page=&country=UK&wk=2012W29&id=_fBILLA201 |archive-date=2 October 2016 |access-date=30 September 2016}}</ref> and approximately $20,000 in Australia.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Billa 2 |url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/intl/?page=&country=AU&wk=2012W29&id=_fBILLA201 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161002203850/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/intl/?page=&country=AU&wk=2012W29&id=_fBILLA201 |archive-date=2 October 2016 |access-date=30 September 2016}}</ref>
== Awards and nominations == {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" |- !scope="col"| Award{{efn|Awards, festivals and organisations are in alphabetical order.}} !scope="col"| Date of ceremony{{efn|Date is linked to the article about the awards held that year, wherever possible.}} !scope="col"| Category !scope="col"| Recipient(s) and nominee(s) !scope="col"| Result !scope="col" class="unsortable"| {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}} |- ! rowspan="2" scope="row" | The Chennai Times Film Awards | rowspan="2" | 4 November 2013 | Best Actor | Ajith Kumar | {{nom}} | rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Chennai-Times-Film-Awards-2012-nominations/articleshowprint/20930588.cms |title=Chennai Times Film Awards 2012 nominations |work=The Times of India |date=6 July 2013 |access-date=5 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705054729/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Chennai-Times-Film-Awards-2012-nominations/articleshowprint/20930588.cms |archive-date=5 July 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><br /><ref>{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/The-Chennai-Times-Film-Awards-2012-goes-to-/articleshowprint/25170374.cms |title=The Chennai Times Film Awards 2012 goes to... |work=The Times of India |date=4 November 2013 |access-date=5 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705054736/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/The-Chennai-Times-Film-Awards-2012-goes-to-/articleshowprint/25170374.cms |archive-date=5 July 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> |- | Best Actor in a Negative Role | Vidyut Jammwal{{Efn|also for ''Thuppakki''}} | {{nom}} |- ! rowspan="2" scope="row" |Mirchi Music Awards South | rowspan="2" |26 August 2013 | Female Vocalist of the Year | Shweta Pandit for "Idhayam" | {{nom}} | rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.radiomirchi.com/mma2012/tamil/index.html | title=Mirchi Music Awards 2012 Introduction | publisher=Radio Mirchi | access-date=5 July 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705094729/http://www.radiomirchi.com/mma2012/tamil/index.html | archive-date=5 July 2017 | url-status=live}}</ref><br /><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.radiomirchi.com/mma2012/tamil/nomination.html | title=Mirchi Music Awards 2012 Nominations | publisher=Radio Mirchi | access-date=5 July 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705094922/http://www.radiomirchi.com/mma2012/tamil/nomination.html | archive-date=5 July 2017 | url-status=live}}</ref><br /><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.radiomirchi.com/mma2012/tamil/winners.html | title=Mirchi Music Awards 2012 Winners | publisher=Radio Mirchi | access-date=5 July 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705094940/http://www.radiomirchi.com/mma2012/tamil/winners.html | archive-date=5 July 2017 | url-status=live}}</ref> |- | Technical – Sound Mixing of the Year | Kausikan Sivalingam and Ozrur Ikinci for "Gangster" | {{won}} |- ! scope="row" | South Indian International Movie Awards | 12{{ndash}}13 September 2013 | Best Actor in a Negative Role – Tamil | Sudhanshu Pandey | {{nom}} | style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{Cite episode |title=2nd South Indian International Movie Awards |series=South Indian International Movie Awards |network=Sun TV Network |year=2013 |location=Emirate of Sharjah}}</ref><br /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Winners List – 2013 |url=http://siima.in/2013/winners.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705101950/http://siima.in/2013/winners.html |archive-date=5 July 2017 |access-date=18 February 2026 |publisher=South Indian International Movie Awards}}</ref><br /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kamath |first=Sudish |author-link=Sudhish Kamath |date=15 September 2013 |title=Stars in Sharjah |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/stars-in-sharjah/article5128642.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219131946/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/stars-in-sharjah/article5128642.ece |archive-date=19 February 2014 |access-date=18 February 2026 |website=The Hindu}}</ref> |- ! rowspan="2" scope="row" | Vijay Awards | rowspan="8" | 11 May 2013 | Best Female Playback Singer | Shweta Pandit for "Idhayam" | {{nom}} | rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mY5eoO3MBxo |title=Vijay Awards 05/31/13 |date=31 May 2013 |publisher=Vijay Television |access-date=18 February 2026 |archive-url=https://archive.org/details/vijay-awards-31-05-13 |archive-date=25 February 2025 |url-status=dead |via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref><br /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Naig |first=Udhav |date=14 May 2013 |title=Stars, big and small |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/stars-big-and-small/article4714588.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140307073045/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/stars-big-and-small/article4714588.ece |archive-date=7 March 2014 |access-date=18 February 2026 |website=The Hindu}}</ref><br /><ref>{{Cite web |date=13 May 2013 |title=Thuppakki sweeps Vijay Awards! |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/tamil/news-interviews/Thuppakki-sweeps-Vijay-Awards/articleshow/20026331.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513173827/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/tamil/news-interviews/Thuppakki-sweeps-Vijay-Awards/articleshow/20026331.cms |archive-date=13 May 2013 |access-date=18 February 2026 |website=The Times of India}}</ref><br /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Dhanush, Samantha win top honours at Vijay Awards |url=http://newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/Dhanush-Samantha-win-top-honours-at-Vijay-Awards/2013/05/13/article1588000.ece |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513210318/http://newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/Dhanush-Samantha-win-top-honours-at-Vijay-Awards/2013/05/13/article1588000.ece |archive-date=13 May 2013 |access-date=18 February 2026 |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> |- | Vijay Award for Favourite Hero | Ajith Kumar | {{nom}} |}
== Notes == {{Notelist}}
== References == {{Reflist}}
== External links == * {{IMDb title}} * {{Rotten Tomatoes}}
{{Don film series|state=expanded}} {{Chakri Toleti}}
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