'2.0' completes 6 years! Five must-know facts about Rajinikanth and Shankar's film

'2.0' is a groundbreaking sci-fi film that marks the reunion of the legendary Rajinikanth and visionary director Shankar. With Rajinikanth reprising his iconic role as Chitti, the robot, the film blends high-tech visuals and gripping action to create a futuristic world. Directed by Shankar, '2.0' pushes the boundaries of Indian cinema with its stunning VFX and large-scale production. The film became a monumental success, cementing Rajinikanth and Shankar’s legacy in the industry. As the film completes 6 years, here is a look at five must-know facts about Rajinikanth and Shankar's film.

Image Courtesy - X

'2.0' was produced with a staggering budget of around Rs.500 crore, making it the most expensive Indian film at the time of its release. The film’s groundbreaking visual effects, which were handled by international VFX studios like Legacy Effects, were a major reason for its high production cost. The team used advanced techniques like motion capture, CGI, and extensive green screen work to create the spectacular futuristic world and action sequences, making '2.0' one of the most visually ambitious films in Indian cinema.

Image Courtesy - X

Akshay Kumar, who played the antagonist Pakshi Rajan, went through a dramatic physical transformation for his role. His character is a villain who can control a massive swarm of birds, and this requires complex prosthetics and makeup. It took over four hours daily for his makeup team to apply the prosthetics, which gave him an eerie, bird-like appearance. This effort added depth to his role, making him one of the most unique villains in Indian cinema.

Image Courtesy - X

Despite the heavy reliance on CGI and green screens in '2.0', Rajinikanth's performance was grounded in realism. He performed many of his own action sequences without the use of a green screen, relying on practical backdrops. His dedication to delivering authentic performances, even amidst complex visual effects, further amplified his charismatic presence on screen. Rajinikanth's commitment to the film was evident in his long shooting hours, and his humble attitude on set endeared him to the crew, despite his massive stardom.

Amy Jackson, who played Nila, a humanoid robot, had the challenge of portraying two different roles in '2.0'. In addition to her primary role, she also portrayed a more advanced version of her robot character, showcasing enhanced abilities and performing intricate action sequences. To prepare for the physically demanding scenes, Jackson underwent intensive martial arts and fitness training. Her dedication to her roles, coupled with her action-heavy sequences, made her a key part of the film's success.

Image Courtesy - X

While '2.0' performed well in India and other international markets, one of its biggest surprises came from China, where the film enjoyed remarkable success. The fusion of high-tech visuals, compelling storytelling, and Rajinikanth's star power attracted a large audience in the region, leading to a substantial box-office collection. The film’s impressive global reception showcased the growing appeal of Indian cinema across borders and solidified '2.0' as a major international success.

Image Courtesy - X