October 26, 2017
Filmmaker S. Shankar, here with the team of his 3D
sci-fi entertainer "2.0" for a grand audio launch, says he wants it to be known
as an Indian film instead of a Tamil project.
The team -- including
Shankar, megastar Rajinikanth, Bollywood star Akshay Kumar, Oscar winning
composer A.R. Rahman, actress Amy Jackson and producer Allirajah Subaskaran of
Lyca Productions -- came in helicopters for a press meet at the Burj Al Arab.
Akshay was asked how excited he is about making his Tamil foray and that too
as an anti-hero. But before he could answer, Shankar responded: "I would like to
say it's not a Tamil film, it's an Indian film".
It led to a loud round
of applause for the filmmaker, known for movies like "Sivaji: The Boss" and "I".
Then, Akshay, the 'Khiladi' of Bollywood, said: "What I was supposed to say,
Shankar sir has already said. Yes, I am playing an anti-hero, but it's been an
honour to get beaten by Rajini sir. It's a great and different experience I have
had while doing this film.
"I always say, Shankar sir is not a director,
he's a scientist and the movie that he has made... it's unbelievable what he
wants to say through this movie. Because of the contract, I can't speak much,
otherwise I would have loved to tell you guys the whole story... I'd rather keep
my mouth shut."
Rajinikanth, dressed in white, was welcomed with much
cheer.
He thanked God, and said he is thankful to the producer and
director for casting him in the "prestigious" film.
"It's really going to
be a prestigious picture... The people of India and Indians in overseas also
will appreciate it, I have the confidence," said the iconic star, lovingly
called 'Thalaivar'.
Rahman praised Shankar saying: "I've seen him evolve,
and he's a new person. He's adapted to the new technology and knows the
importance of the soul of a story."
Amy also said it's a movie of
Hollywood standards.
A sequel to the 2010 Tamil blockbuster "Enthiran",
the film "2.0" has been made on a lavish budget. Akshay will be essaying the
prime antagonist in the film as an eccentric scientist called Richard, while
Rajinikanth returns as scientist Vaseegaran.
Its audio launch will be
held here on Friday.