Reflections in Tranquillity: December 2018

The latest Rajinikanth starrer 2point0 offers a weirdly different storyline, stirring the viewers into thinking about a serious environmental issue -- the impact of radiation from cellphone towers on birds. The film's major asset is extensive use of visual effects. It moves initially at a sluggish pace but picks up speed in the second half. On the whole, it nearly succeeds in meeting the expectations of the cine-goers roused after the release of its trailer. Out of only three songs, one is mystifyingly tuneful. Watch the video at the end of this review and listen to the full song.

Robot Chitti 2.0 leading 500 others in the climax scene

THE RS.600-CRORE EXTRAVAGANZA

(By Subbaram Danda)

The movie, an offshoot of the 2010 Rajini blockbuster Enthiran (Robot), highlights the man-machine-animal conflict and comes up with a message to the world. It conceals a “soulful story,” as Director Shankar puts it. Of course, it retains the tag of being a fantasy, thriller and entertainer, all rolled into one. Released in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi, it is running in more than 10,000 screens worldwide.

The story revolves around the concern of an ornithologist (a scientist specializing in the study of birds) for avian creatures facing the onslaught of radiation from cell phone towers, as men and women become insanely addicted to their mobiles. Disillusioned by the official apathy to control the trend, he ends his life but emerges mysteriously as Pakshiraja (King of birds). At will, he becomes a huge, fierce bird to take revenge on the human race. Played by Akshay Kumar, the winged monster strikes terror on the people in a bid to annihilate them. To check the menace, Rajini steps in as Chitti, robot version 2. Amy Jackson, his robotic heart-throb, assists him.

While in the previous film Enthiran a robot falls in love with a human being, in this movie director Shankar goes one step further. Here one robot loves another robot – robot Rajini and robot Amy. In yet another novel manoeuvre, a racy duet between the two has been devised. “Enthira Logathu Sundariye….” is an eerily mystifying song in an electrifying tune. Interestingly, this song comes almost at the end of the film. In all, there are only three songs in this action-packed, visual effects movie. There is no comic track.

The 148-minute film boasts of several special features. For the first time, 4D sound effects have been introduced. Besides speakers on the walls both sides, woofers and hooters in the ceiling and in the floor engulf the viewers with whirling sounds. Unfortunately, not all cine halls are equipped to provide such a thrill. The film comes in 2D and 3D formats. What is significant is that cameras with 3D capability have been used to shoot scenes directly. The practice so far has generally been to shoot with 2D cameras and then convert the film into a 3D edition.

The visual effects are gripping. The huge ferocious bird with terrifying red eyes flying over the city perilously with a destructive intent looks scarily realistic. Scenes, where hundreds of cell phones of people suddenly fly off into the air, make the audience gasp in awe. In the climax sequence, a vista of Chitti robots ready to meet their opponent is bewildering. Rajini, wearing fire arms round his waist in a circular configuration and shooting them in lightning speed, produces whistles from his hard-core fans. There are several others all through the film.

The costume designers and make-up men should have commissioned all their powers of imagination in conceiving and executing their job. Akshay Kumar’s make-up alone reportedly took more than three hours every time before he was declared ready for the shoot.

Rajini retains his signature style of acting, despite his age. Akshay Kumar acts brilliantly in his villain role. Amy Jackson looks gracefully romantic rather than outright glamorous.

Presented by Lyca Productions, 2point0 has already raked in a large chunk of Rs. 600 crores invested. It has set new records in terms of production costs, extensive employment of visual effects, film releases in diverse geographical locations including New Zealand, Pakistan, UAE and Canada, shooting entirely with 3D-enabled cameras and introduction of 4D sound effects. It has lifted the standards of creativity in Indian film industry to new heights, fending off Hollywood challenges.