2.0, released in 2018, is an Indian Tamil-language science-fantasy action film directed by renowned director S. Shankar. The film is a sequel to the 2010 superhit film Enthiran and stars Akshay Kumar and Amy Jackson in the lead roles. Rajinikanth plays three roles in this film – Dr. Vaseegaran, Chitti and Kutti. The story of the film is woven around the effects of radiation emitted from mobile phone towers and its harmful effects on birds. Akshay Kumar plays the role of bird lover Pakshirajan, who is overcome with vengeance due to the neglect of birds by humans. The film is a perfect combination of powerful visual effects, 3D technology and social message. Composed by A.R. Rahman, this film broke many records not only technically but also in terms of earnings. The film’s grandeur, acting and direction were highly appreciated, although there were some criticisms about its story. Overall, 2.0 is a great example of technical achievement in Indian cinema.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | 2.0 |
| Director | S. Shankar |
| Writers | S. Shankar, B. Jeyamohan, Madhan Karky |
| Producer | Subaskaran Allirajah |
| Main Cast | Rajinikanth, Akshay Kumar, Amy Jackson |
| Cinematography | Nirav Shah |
| Editing | Anthony |
| Music Composer | A. R. Rahman |
| Production Company | Lyca Productions |
| Distributor(s) | Lyca Productions, Dharma Productions, NVR Cinema LLP, AA Films |
| Release Date | 29 November 2018 |
| Runtime | 147 minutes |
| Language | Tamil (dubbed in Hindi and Telugu) |
| Country | India |
| Budget | Estimated ₹400–600 crore |
| Box Office | Estimated ₹699–800 crore |
| Genres | Science Fiction, Action, Fantasy |
| Franchise | Enthiran series (Sequel to Enthiran / Robot, 2010) |
| Format | 3D and 2D |
2.O story
The story of the film 2.0 is a mix of science and fantasy, which depicts the conflict between human technology and nature. The story begins with Dr. Vasikaran, who creates a new female robot assistant “Neela”. Meanwhile, strange events begin to occur in the city – all the mobile phones fly into the sky by themselves and start killing people. At a government meeting, Vasikaran suggests that his old robot “Chitti” be reactivated. Initially, some people protest, but seeing the situation worsen, the government gives permission.
Chitti returns and fights the force behind this phone attack. It soon turns out that there is a spirit behind the attacks – a former bird lover named “Pakshirajan”, who was saddened by the deaths of birds due to radiation emitted from mobile towers. When his warnings were ignored, he committed suicide. His soul transformed into negative energy, which now controls the mobile phone.
Chitti tries to stop him, but Pakshirajan continues killing people. Finally, with the help of Chitti, a small microbot “Kutty 3.0” is created, which destroys Pakshirajan’s power. In the final stage of the battle, Chitti and his robot companions drag Pakshirajan to the space station, where he is drained of his energy.
The film ends on a positive note, with Vaseegaran suggesting that mobile radiation should be controlled so as not to harm living beings. The film is not just a technical marvel but also delivers an important social message.
Trailer
Review
2.0 is considered to be the most technically advanced 3D film in the history of Indian cinema. Director Shankar has presented a grand visual experience with this film, which has a deep social message hidden in it. The film gives a great cinematic experience, which keeps the audience captivated from start to finish.
Rajinikanth is seen in three avatars in the film – Dr. Vaseegaran, Chitti 2.0 and Minibot 3.0. This alone is reason enough to watch the film. Although the story starts to seem somewhat predictable by the time the interval comes, the screenplay, brilliant graphics, powerful stunts and powerful background music thrill the audience. The climax of the film – the last 20 minutes – is so intense that it gives goosebumps and makes you want to watch the film again.
Highlights of the film:
The direction and screenplay give the film a grand and larger-than-life feel. It is a visual delight to watch director Shankar’s imagination turn into reality.
There are three Rajinikanths together – Chitti 2.0, Minibot 3.0 and Dr. Vaseegaran – and the superstar has brought life to all three characters.
Akshay Kumar has reached a new level in a negative role, and his character also gives a positive message.
Amy Jackson’s role of a smart, cute female robot was a delight for the audience.
The stunts and climax are so great that you will not be able to stop yourself from clapping.
The background music makes the emotions and action in every scene even more impressive.
The message of the film about mobile radiation and its effect on the life of birds is deep, but it does not seem preachy.
Weaknesses:
The story becomes predictable by the time the interval arrives, which may reduce the thrill a bit.
The graphics of the minibots seem incomplete at some places and could have been a little more refined.
The logic seems weak in some scenes, but they are drowned in the grandeur of the film and can be overlooked.
Conclusion
The film 2.0 is a great example of the technical capabilities of Indian cinema. Powerful performances by Rajinikanth and Akshay Kumar, unique VFX, impressive stunts and social message make it a complete entertainment experience. Though the story may seem a bit predictable, its presentation, direction and graphics keep the audience captivated. The film is not only a science-fiction thriller but also spreads awareness on topics like mobile radiation and environmental protection. Overall, 2.0 is a “paisa vasool” film that must be watched on the big screen. It is a proud moment for Indian cinema.