The highly anticipated Indian film, 2.0, is set to hit the screens in South Africa on November 29, distributed by Ster-Kinekor and Nu Metro. The movie, directed by Shankar, boasts an impressive cast, including Rajinikanth and Akshay Kumar. This sci-fi thriller promises to deliver an action-packed experience, blending elements of comedy, vigilante film, socially conscious drama, and romance. With a budget of ₹600 crore, 2.0 is one of India's most expensive films.
The film's plot revolves around Dr. Vaseegaran, played by Rajinikanth, who is tasked with solving a mysterious phenomenon where cell phones vanish into thin air in Chennai. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that a supernatural spirit, Pakshirajan, played by Akshay Kumar, is behind the cell phone draught. Pakshirajan, a former ornithologist, seeks revenge against the world for harming birds and the environment. His character is given an elaborate backstory, making him a credible threat to the hero.
One of the standout aspects of 2.0 is its attempt to humanize the villain, Pakshirajan. The film's narrative device allows the audience to sympathize with Pakshirajan's motivations, making him a complex character. Akshay Kumar's performance as Pakshirajan has been praised for its depth and nuance. In contrast, Rajinikanth plays multiple roles, including a scientist, a vigilante, and a superhero, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
The film's action sequences have been well-received, with two of the most extraordinary sequences belonging to Pakshirajan. In one of the scenes, Akshay Kumar's character outsmarts Rajinikanth's robot, Chitti, by possessing Dr. Vaseegaran and destroying Chitti piece by piece. However, the film's climax has been criticized for being long-drawn-out and unimaginative, with some viewers finding it difficult to accept the double standards applied to heroes and villains.
Despite its engaging storyline and impressive action sequences, 2.0 has been criticized for its lack of representation of women. The film features only one fully realized female character, Neela, played by Amy Jackson, who is objectified in the process. Additionally, the film's universe has been described as overtly male-dominated, with Rajinikanth playing 30-year-old characters despite being 67 years old.
The film's execution has been described as frustrating, with some viewers finding it difficult to ignore the occasional wonky CGI and over-the-top humor. However, according to Pramit Chatterjee from StoryPick, 2.0 is a fun movie that follows the trend of creating a great villain to bolster a message that resonates with the masses.
Overall, 2.0 promises to deliver an exciting cinematic experience, with impressive action sequences and a complex villain. While it has its weaknesses, including a lack of representation of women and some inconsistencies in its execution, the film is expected to be a hit among fans of Rajinikanth and Indian cinema.
Key points
- * 2.0 is an action-packed sci-fi thriller that blends elements of comedy, vigilante film, socially conscious drama, and romance. * The film features a complex villain, Pakshirajan, played by Akshay Kumar, who is given an elaborate backstory. * Despite its engaging storyline, 2.0 has been criticized for its lack of representation of women and some inconsistencies in its execution.
