Akshay Kumar, Shankar, KJo Flag off Countdown to ‘2.0’

Are you ready for the most expensive Indian film yet?

Karan Johar, Shankar and Akshay Kumar engage in a discussion at the event.

(Photo: Yogen Shah)

2.0 is one of the most awaited releases of the year, and has been long in the making. The trailer has crossed around 32 million views and the buzz around the film is massive. It’s the first time that Rajinikanth and Akshay Kumar will be coming together on screen, with Akshay playing the antagonist. Karan Johar will be presenting the Hindi version of the film, under his banner.

S Shankar is directing the film, who also directed the first part, Enthiran, while Amy Jackson plays the female lead opposite Rajinikanth. With an estimated budget of Rs 543, it is till date the most expensive Indian film ever made.

Akshay Kumar, Karan Johar and Shankar flagged off the countdown to the film with a media meet on 24 November in Mumbai.

Akshay Kumar, Karan Johar and director Shankar arrive the event.

Karan Johar arrives at the Press conference.(Photo: Yogen Shah)

Akshay Kumar and director Shankar also arrive at the event.(Photo: Yogen Shah)

Karan Johar kicks off the event. He said,

It’s the most expensive film in the Indian cinema history. All of us are eager to see it. Dharma is privileged to be a part of it. We have Rajini sir and Akshay creating a celluloid experience.

Karan Johar, Filmmaker

The event begins with an introduction by Karan Johar.(Photo: Yogen Shah)

While talking about his experience of working on the film, Akshay said:

To be honest, I got paid for the film but I should have paid them as I learnt a lot!

Akshay Kumar, actor

Karan Johar, Shankar and Akshay Kumar at the event.(Photo: Yogen Shah)

The team of 2.0 also released a new song called “Tu Hi Re”. Watch it here:

Director Shankar heaped praises on Akshay and said that he was amazed by his dedication towards the film. He said,

I am amazed by his discipline and commitment. He had spent 2.5 to 4 hours everyday for getting ready. It’s not just the antagonist as there are many shades.

S.Shankar, Filmmaker

Director of 2.0 Shankar praises Akshay Kumar’s work ethic.(Photo: Yogen Shah)

Aishwarya Rai, who was a part of Enthiran will not be seen in the sequel. When asked if there would be any mention of her character in 2.0, Shankar said,

This story is different and that character is different. This story didn’t demand that character but there will be a reference to her character. 

S. Shankar, Filmmaker

Shankar, Karan Johar and Akshay Kumar pose for the cameras.(Photo: Yogen Shah)

A fair amount of preparation went into creating the character, and to look the part Akshay had to adhere to a strict diet. He said,

I used to be on liquid diet. Couldn’t eat the whole day. The sweat used to stay in that costume and prosthetics for good 5 hours. But it’s all worth it.

Akshay Kumar

Working with Rajinikanth is a dream for most actors and Akshay was no different. Expressing his joy he said,

I have never got the opportunity to work with Rajinikanth sir. To get punched by him was an honour.

Akshay Kumar

Karan Johar talks about the massive scale of the film.(Photo: Yogen Shah)

The film is being distributed by Karan Johar but he says that he cannot hope to claim the massive vision of the film. He said,

I cannot even claim even an inch of the cinematic vision. It’s like chance pe dance. It feels good you get the credit even after doing nothing. 

Karan Johar