Maverick director Shankar’s sci-fi thriller 2.0, featuring Super Star Rajinikanth as Chitti The Robot, is all set for a grand release on November 29. Shankar, Rajini and Akshay Kumar were in Hyderabad yesterday to interact with the media. On this occasion, we caught up with Shankar for a brief interview. Here’s the transcript.
Q) All your movies are loaded with high-voltage emotions and strong social messages. Can we expect any message in 2.0?
A) 2.0 was made using 3D image format and 4D sound technology. The movie will offer a unique experience to audiences. And yeah, there is an important global message in 2.0. Everybody will connect to this movie. We have explored a lot of new dimensions. I am confident that audiences will have a great time watching 2.0.
Q) What were the issues you had faced while picturizing the film in 3D format?
A) We only have 4 lenses to shoot in 3D and we had to shoot the entire film using those lenses. We used to take at least one hour to complete each shot in 3D, which would normally take a minute in the traditional 2D format. 3D is a time consuming process and one needs to be very patient while making a 3D film.
Q) Most of your films are technically superior. How do you adapt yourself to the changing trends in technology?
A) I don’t consciously update myself with the latest technology. But I do research about the technical aspects which my stories require. I have been learning new technologies with each film.
Q) The previous film Robot had a lot of entertainment and romance between the lead couple. Can we expect the same in 2.0?
A) As I said earlier, 2.0 is not a sequel to Robot. I had made Robot with whatever ingredients required for the movie. Even for 2.0, I have followed the same strategy and explored all possible ways to make the film entertaining. In one word, 2.0 is an out-and-out action entertainer. There is also romance in the film. But above all, there are a lot of new aspects of filmmaking and storytelling in 2.0.
Q) Akshay Kumar is one of the leading stars in Bollywood. Why did you cast him for the main antagonist’s role in 2.0?
A) Akshay sir is not just a villain in 2.0. His character has so many shades. He agreed to do the film seeing those variations in his role. His role will surely standout as one of the main highlights in 2.0.
Q) How was it working with Akshay Kumar?
A) Akshay sir is a very disciplined actor. We cannot imagine any other actor for his role in 2.0. He has made my job easier while making the film. He has taken 2.0 to the next level with his performance.
Q) Finally, tell us about working with Rajinikanth for the second time. We heard that he had shot for 2.0’s climax even when he was suffering from health issues.
A) Rajini sir was undergoing treatment while we were shooting 2.0’s climax. But he understood that our producer will incur a huge loss if he cancelled the shoot and continued shooting despite being unwell. His dedication even at this age is quite inspiring.