2.0 trailer launch highlights: Rajinikanth and Akshay Kumar promise a visual extravaganza

The trailer of director Shankar’s 2.0 has been finally unveiled. By the looks of it, we can say that the VFX effects are on par with Hollywood films. The sci-fi film stars superstar Rajinikanth, Akshay Kumar and Amy Jackson in the lead roles. Speaking at the trailer launch, which was held in Chennai, music maestro AR Rahman said, “Superstar is my favourite hero. It is because of the consistency in his career. I am inspired by his way of life. I’m drawn by his spirituality too.”

Also read | AR Rahman: Rajinikanth is my favourite hero, inspired by his way of life

Shankar also spoke about the dedication that Rajinikanth showed while filming the climax of the movie, “We shot climax portions in Delhi but Rajini sir was not keeping well. 500 people were there, but since we invested a lot of money, he came and acted. He got hurt in the knees. Despite all this, he worked in full swing. Superstar is superstar because of his dedication.”

Read More | 2.0 director Shankar on Rajinikanth: Superstar is superstar because of his dedication

At the trailer launch, Akshay Kumar said, “I got to learn a lot of challenging things. Shankar is a scientist, not a director. I did make up for 3 hours and I took one hour to remove the makeup. I just saw myself on the screen, and it was unbelievable. I’m looking forward to seeing the film. I thank Shankar sir. It was worth the pain.”

Read More | 2.0 actor Akshay Kumar: Shankar is a scientist, not a director

Superstar Rajinikanth and Akshay Kumar starrer 2.0’s trailer is out and it is every bit as entertaining as one would have hoped. The action looks cool, the visuals are spellbinding and Rajinikanth, as he says in the trailer of the film, is ready to set the screens on fire. With so much going on, the film is preparing itself to set the cash registers ringing at the box office. Here are five key takeaways from the film.

Superstar Rajinikanth is back to win hearts

After Kaala, everyone’s favourite Rajinikanth is ready to steal away hearts with his Chitti version 2.0. In the trailer of the film, the star romances, fights the bad guy and promises to set things ablaze in true-blue Rajini style.

Also read | Five key takeaways from 2.0 trailer

Rajinikanth also wishes for the success of Kamal Haasan's Indian 2 to be helmed by Shankar.

Hats off to Akshay Kumar for his hard work. It is definitely worth it, says Rajinikanth.

Glad to find a wonderful friend in producer Subhaskaran, says Rajinikanth.

Everyone is waiting for the film to release and I am confident that it will do exceptionally well. Once you see the film, you wIll promote and be a part of it. This film is for everybody - mass, intellectuals and pseudo intellectuals also, says Rajinikanth.

2.0 is a thriller, entertainer and has an international message - that the planet is not just for human beings but other creatures also. Shankar is a gem of the Indian film industry. We need to preserve such filmmakers, says Rajinikanth.

Everyone invests money. It is not about that. It is about the magic, and I am sure it happened in the project. And nobody wants to take a failure picture after all, says Rajinikanth.

Shankar is a great filmmaker who has been proving himself for the past 25 years. Shankar is the Indian James Cameron and Spielberg. He's a magician, says Rajinikanth.

Mark my words, 2.0 will be a super duper hit. Nearly 600 crore has been invested. Subaskaran put in so much money not because of me or Akshay. But he had confidence in Shankar, says Rajinikanth.

It is nice that all Indian media are under one roof. I extend my warm welcome to Shankar, my crew, Akshay, the press and my fans. I am glad my philosopher-brother Sathya Narayana Rao is here, says Rajinikanth.

Muthuraj put in a lot of effort in both pre and post production. His responsibility doesn't end with art direction. He was very involved in every aspect. I value each and every technician's contribution towards the film, say Shankar.

It is Akshay Kumar's toughest film in his career, says Shankar.

We shot climax portions in Delhi but Rajini sir was not keeping well. 500 people were there, but since we invested a lot of money, he came and acted. He got hurt in the knees. Despite all this, he worked in full swing. Superstar is Superstar because of his dedication, says Shankar.

All the credit goes to Rajini sir. Even today, his performance is fresh though he has been acting for ages, says Shankar

More than a film, 2.0 is going to be an experience. The film is not possible without Subaskaran. Because it is not everyday you get a producer who will shell out so much money, says Shankar.

I've small small ideas. But if there's a story, why not? Let's wait, says Shankar.

VFX work and action block sequences were challenging, says Shankar.

I felt the title 2.0 was appropriate. I'll definitely work with Shivrajkumar, says Shankar.

The idea I don't know where it comes from. But I always want to satisfy the audience and their expectations, says Shankar.

In 2.0, we will see Rajinikanth Sir as giant chitti, Vasigaran, 2.0 and there are many more surprises. SS Rajamouli and Shivrajkumar had a couple of questions for Shankar, which were telecast on the projector, says Shankar.

I am a huge fan of Rajamouli sir. The only way to handle pressure is just work more. I made sure everything was done right, says Shankar.

It was difficult for me to emote like a robot but it was worth the effort, says Amy Jackson.

It was difficult for me to emote like a robot but it was worth the effort, says Amy Jackson.

I didn't even know 4D existed. Thank you Shankar sir and Rajinikanth. Acting alongside Rajinikanth was the most gratifying experience, says Amy Jackson.

We have been working on 2.0 for three and a half years. Shankar only thinks of the impossible, but we made it possible. Of course, with his immense support and inputs. 25 VFX studios from all over world were involved in the making, says 2.0 VFX supervisor Srinivas Mohan.

Everyone has put in so much hard work for the team. It was difficult. I am happy to edit Thalaivar's film, says Editor Antony.

We have always looked at the West for newer cinematic experience. 2.0 is not Tamil film, Hindi film and Telugu film. It is an Indian film. I am proud to be a part of 2.0. I was just an instrument for Shankar’s vision, says Resul Pookutty.

It is very difficult to shoot the film in 3D. Shooting in 3D is the real 3D. More than a challenge, it was a huge learning experience. I was nodding my head when I listened to the story. I was doubtful how as a team we would pull off. But we did. Thank you to Shankar sir’s vision, says 2.0 cinematographer Nirav Shah.

I got to learn lot of challenging things. Shankar is a scientist, not a director. I did make up for 3 hours and I took one hour to remove the makeup. I just saw myself on the screen, and it was unbelievable. I'm looking forward to seeing the film. I thank Shankar sir. It was worth the pain, says Akshay Kumar.

I do go to the gym. I get up at 4 am. My dad was in the army. This lifestyle isn't forced on me by my family. I am proud to say there has never been one day when I have not seen the sunrise. I keep the consistency because I enjoy every day. My body is my temple, says Akshay Kumar.

I am so honoured to be here. I can't explain my feelings. I can't thank Shankar sir enough for the opportunity. And Subaskaran, big thanks, says Akshay Kumar.

I have the speech with me. It is written in Tamil. I am going to try speaking Tamil. I am sorry if my pronunciation is wrong. I have been practising for three hours, says Akshay Kumar.

2.0 is my first sci-fi film. It has been a great learning experience because of the 3D. I am very happy. It's my first film with Rajinikanth sir. I have been a great fan of his. I thank everyone for the opportunity. My ADs worked really hard, says 2.0 production designer Muthu Raj

Dignitaries are being invited on to the stage of 2.0 trailer launch.

Tamil, Telugu and Hindi trailers are being launched now. The trailer will be available on YouTube at 12 pm.

2.0 equals to eight films. I have reworked on a lot of bits. When I saw the visuals, I felt the music was not enough. That pushed me further, says AR Rahman.

Music itself is a blessing. It's a god given gift. It is a service that I am doing for God and my father, says AR Rahman.

I thought I will retire after getting Oscars. But after seeing Rajinikanth's energy, I reconsidered my own decision, says AR Rahman.

Superstar is my favourite hero. It is because of his consistency in career. I am inspired by his way of life. I'm drawn by his spirituality too, says AR Rahman.

We will release selected portions of the song tracks one week before the film release. Originally the film didn't have any song. But 2.0 has four songs. Even when we started Bombay, Mani Ratnam told the film will not have songs. Later we included songs. The same happened with 2.0, says AR Rahman.

Usually Shankar sir’s film has one fast song. Shankar is Shankar.

2.0 song Endhira Logathu Sundariye is played at 2.0 trailer launch. The song was launched last year. Now the song video is being unveiled.

What James Cameron wanted to do for Avatar 2 in 2020 has been achieved by Subaskaran and Lyca. Wow 3D is also launched. This is for tech buffs. Wow 3D is the latest offering from Lyca that let's the user have the 3D experience on their mobile phone.

4D teaser is played again for the audience. Rajinikanth in the teaser says he will set the screens on fire. It seems about true. The 4D teaser is terrific.

I thought it would be nice if the sound effect comes in 4D effect besides helming the film in 3D. We worked on it. So the speakers are there under your feet. The technology is called 4DSRL. Resul Pookutty's contribution to 2.0 is humongous as he brought in technicians from all over the world. I also request the theaters in Tamil Nadu to incorporate the 3D facility. 2.0 becomes a complete cinematic experience only when viewed with 3D glasses, says Shankar.

4DSRL is one step ahead of sound designing. This format allows the audience participation. Sound gets pulled into the audience’s mind and becomes a part of the narration. I take a huge pride in being a part of the project. I thank the technical team of Lyca besides my crew members, says Resul Pookutty.

Resul Pookutty is invited to explain about the sound design of 2.0. He says, “Shankar called me to the office and narrated the story. I got shivers in the spine. Together, we executed something in the world of cinema. We worked for two years to make it into a reality. Cinema technicians from all over the world helped rewrite the algorithms of technology.”

He also thanked Subaskaran of Lyca Productions for backing the historical movie.

2.0 is a 4D film. Everyone is requested to wear 3D glasses as fans scream Thalaiva. 4D teaser is played at 2.0 trailer launch.

2.0 song Pullinangal (audio only) is being played at 2.0 trailer launch. The lyrics were penned by the late Na Muthukumar. Pullinangal is one of the last songs he wrote before passing away. Two songs already were played at Dubai launch some time ago.

Photo credit: Varinder Chawla

RJ Balaji is co-hosting the 2.0 trailer launch along with Paloma Rao.

Paloma Rao anchors 2.0 trailer launch. She requests the cameramen to settle down. Amy Jackson and AR Rahman have arrived for the event.