2.0 first impression: A fascinating celluloid experience

A quick mini spoiler-free write-up of the Rajinkanth-starrer
2.0 first impression: A fascinating celluloid experience

2.0, on many counts, has broken the standards for Indian film production. The promotions promised us a visual marvel based on the vision of Indian minds, and 2.0 fulfils that promise. The visuals are, at several points, breathtaking. But what makes it fascinating is that the ideas are so Indian, and that mix is intriguing. For example, Nila (Amy Jackson), a robot, is in love with Chitti, another robot (Rajinikanth). But how are we shown this? A soft breeze cradles her face, gently pushing her hair away -- a trope that is so 'us', but now envisioned with a robot. It is this infusion of our film culture and ethos into on-screen technology (Shankar is credited for ‘imagining the VFX sequences’) that makes 2.0 an entertaining watch. 

The story has Shankar written all over it -- the fight against an establishment (in this case the term applies in a larger context), the socially responsible hero, and above all, the visual grandeur, it’s all there. It is what makes Shankar films theatre experiences and there can’t be a better example than 2.0. In fact, 2.0 is a classic, commercial masala film v2.0. One can argue that sci-fi is a modified version of our masala films, just that we get scientific-sounding explanations for all the spectacles we see. When long-winding terms and phrases are thrown at us, it feels authentic. While the film has its share of explanations--too many, in fact--they are dumbed down, presumably to reach the masses. Thus, it becomes more fantasy than fiction. But the on-screen opulence makes up for it. 2.0’s VFX has applaudable detail in the close-up shots -- one can almost see the dimension of the phones that mash into bigger forms and objects. Rip off the visual grandeur and the film is lost. The frames demand to be seen on a humongous screen, and if possible in 3D. You get to see a sci-fi version of Rajinikanth’s introduction card in 3D (It was cooler than Sivaji). I was sold right there. With our industries battling a bloody war with piracy, I think Shankar has won this round. 

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