Shankar’s 2.0 is a visual marvel to watch. Cinematographer Nirav Shah utilizes 3D technology to its fullest potential. Akshay Kumar shines as a rogue environmental protector and Rajnikanth brings his usual dominating presence. A.R. Rahman’s musical score only magnifies the already larger than life performances. However, where the film surpasses other Indian ventures in its utilization of state-of-the-art visual effects, it fails to tell a compelling story. The message it attempts to broadcast, which is that technology should be used for the betterment of all living things and not to harm them, gets lost in the bombardment of ridiculous battles between a smartphone-bird-man hybrid and egomaniacal android Chiti.
To sum it up, 2.0 has an almost poignant environmental message that gets drowned out by the trademark over-the-top Rajnikanth flair. Furthermore, the movie unintentionally amplifies the inherent sexism that already exists in most Indian movies. Everything from the name of Amy Jackson’s character N.I.L.A. (Nice Intelligent Lovely Assistant), who is heavily underutilized, to men comparing smartphones to their wives, calling both a necessary evil they must live with, showcase just how rampant it is. This is nothing new, but still causes certain cringeworthy moments in the film.
Should you watch it? I would say yes, if for nothing then to watch two giant inhuman beings battle in majestic 3D. Will it be your favorite movie? Probably not.
I give it 2.5 out of 4 Rakesh Roshans!!
