The first look launch event of superstar Rajinikanth starrer ‘2.0’ is first of its kind. The first look poster of Rajinikanth and Akshay Kumar from the film was launched in 3D by Lyca Productions on Sunday evening, November 20, in Mumbai. Bollywood’s prominent director and producer Karan Johar hosted the event. Many prominent people like Universal stars Kamal Hassan and Shah Rukh Khan, hero Salman Khan, director Shankar, Suerstar Rajinikanth, hero Akshay Kumar, music director AR Rahman, producer Subhash Karan, visual effects specialist Walt Jones, heroes Arya and Vijay Antony, cinematographer Nirav Shah, fight master Selva, prominent producers AM Rathnam and Bellamkonda Suresh and some others were present at the event.
The film ‘Robo’ which was delivered with the combination of Superstar Rajinikanth and great director Shankar, had created sensation worldwide. Now, Lyca Productions banner is producing ‘2.0’ with the same combination with the producer Subhash Karan as presenter. The film is said to be made at a whopping budget of Rs 350 crore. The film features Rajinikanth and Amy Jackson as the lead roles and Akshay Kumar playing the villain. The film has music by Oscar-winning music director AR Rahman. Hollywood stunt choreographer Kenny Bates has been roped in for the fights.
Speaking at the event, music director AR Rahman said, “Composing music for this film is a tough nut to crack. It’s the toughest film among all films which I have done so far in my career. It is really a tough job to satisfy Shankar garu. His ideas are in high range. Each and every person in the unit are keeping their heart and soul for the good outcome of the film. I am trying to create something unique for India and the world. We have completed one song till date. Working for ‘2.0’ is like a challenge for me.”
Addressing the gathering, director N Shankar said, “I always try to deliver better film than my previous one. I feel like a viewer for my projects and I always try to satisfy the viewer in me. I am working 10 times harder for the sequel ‘2.0’ than for the earlier film ‘Robo’. The film ‘Robo’ was like climbing Everest step by step and finally reached the top position. Now, the film ‘2.0’ is like having Everest on my shoulder and climbing another Everest step by step. Science fiction is very interesting genre. If I get many more innovative ideas, I will definitely do ‘3.0’, ‘4.0’ and ‘5.0’ as well.”
On this occasion, producer Subhash Karan said, “When I first listened to the subject, I got the confidence that the film ‘2.0’ will definitely create sensation. I am feeling that I am investing money on a scientist. I am extremely confident that the film will recreate Telugu cinema history.”
Akshay Kumar, who is playing the villain in this film, was euphoric for being part of this project. “I didn’t wear makeup in my 25-yearlong cine career. I wore all that make-up just for this ‘2.0’. The make-up for my role took 3 hours every day and took 1 hour for removing. It has increased my patience levels. I am thankful to Rajinikanth garu and Shankar garu and Subhash garu for making me the part of such a wonderful film. I was shocked when I heard that I would be a part of this film with these legends. I am very honoured.”
Superstar Rajinikanth said, “To be frank, to work with Shankar is difficult. He is a perfectionist. That is why he is one of the topmost directors. So far I have done many films with Shankar, but ‘2.0’ is 3D. 3D is a different experience for me. The truth is Akshay Kumar is the hero, not Rajinikanth. If I were given the opportunity to select the characters, I would have selected Akshay Kumar’s character. Hats off to Akshay Kumar. He has kept his heart and soul for the good outcome of the film.”
Salman Khan too spoke at the event and said that he was not invited but he came because he knew Rajinikanth is here for the first look launch. He said, “I just wanted to see Rajinikanth. He is the most amazing person. I have a lot of respect for him. Akshay Kumar is the most talented actor. He is the person who updates himself day to day.”
