Super Star Rajinikanth has teamed up with maverick director Shankar for the second time for 2.0. The film is all set to hit screens worldwide on November 29. Rajini, along with Shankar and Bollywood star Akshay Kumar, interacted with the media in Hyderabad yesterday. Here’s a brief chitchat with the veteran superstar.
Q) What is the major difference you have noticed while working with Shankar for Robot and 2.0?
A) Shankar had handled Robot quite well. But in comparison, his confidence levels were quite high while working on 2.0. Especially, I noticed a lot of brilliance in the way he extracted the best work from foreign technicians while shooting 2.0.
Q) But Shankar said in a recent interview that he was never as nervous for any of his earlier films as he was for 2.0.
A) As far as I had noticed, he was never under pressure while making 2.0. Perhaps he was under pressure during the film’s post-production, as he was not happy with the quality of the VFX provided by the previous studio. But finally, he is quite happy with the quality.
Q) 2.0 has many action sequences. Did you face any challenges while shooting them?
A) Although I didn’t feel 2.0 that challenging, the bigger challenge was Robot movie. It was the first time that I had shot such action sequences in my career. I must credit Shankar for making my job easier this time for 2.0.
Q) Tell us about 2.0?
A) All I can say is that just like millions of movie lovers, I too am eagerly waiting for 2.0’s release. There are world-class VFX and a strong story in 2.0. I am pretty confident that 2.0 will be a huge success.
Q) There is a feeling that a world-class movie like 2.0 is not being promoted well.
A) I feel that 2.0 doesn’t need promotions. The advance bookings are being sold out already. But NV Prasad who’s releasing 2.0 in Telugu is unnecessarily spending a lot of money on promotions (laughs).
Q) How was it working with Akshay Kumar?
A) Akshay Kumar has worked quite hard for 2.0. No one else could have done this role except him. He is the main reason behind such a quality film. Even AR Rahman has come up with a superb soundtrack.
Q) Your Telugu fans have been eagerly waiting for 2.0’s release. What do you have to say about them?
A) Telugu people are very generous and that’s why everyone likes them. Even the great Tamil poet Bharathi had praised Telugu people’s generosity. Coming to 2.0, I am as excitedly waiting for 2.0’s release as Telugu audiences. In fact, I am as excited about 2.0 as I was about my debut film Apoorva Raagangal which released in 1973.