2.0 review: Rajinikanth, Shankar make a glorious return with this 3D marvel

Superstar Rajinikanth's much hyped science-fiction action flick 2.0 has finally been released and it lives up to the high expectations, even surpasses them on several occasions.

It would not be an exaggeration to say that the film delivers one of the best cinematic experiences in recent times. In what can best be described as a glorious return to form for S Shankar and even for Rajinikanth after Kabali (2016) and Kaala (2018), 2.0 is flat out terrific and insanely crazy.

The plot revolves around an ornithologist (Akshay Kumar) and his fight against telecom companies as he discovers that radiation from mobile towers is wiping birds off the face of the earth.

When he loses the battle against the telecom giants and the government, he vows to take revenge, but in a different form. We are introduced to the fifth force, and what happens when he wreaks havoc using it forms the crux of the story.

There is so much to marvel at in 2.0. It begins with Shankar's vision to shoot the film in 3D, and boy! has the effort paid off richly, giving us an experience to cherish for a long time.

Shot originally in 3D, the visuals are fluid and top-notch. If this is a step to embrace 3D filmmaking and encourage more filmmakers to accept the technology, 2.0 shines the light in the right direction.

Great visuals aside, 2.0 is anchored by a strong emotional core and, like many of Shankar's films, deals with a socially relevant message and speaks of the need of the hour in this mobile-driven world.

Akshay Kumar's character is not as strong as it was made out to be, but his flashback portion tugs at our heartstrings. As the antagonist sporting a deadly look, he makes an impact in crucial scenes.

The film uses Rajinikanth's potential to the fullest, and it is a treat to watch him as the titular character 2.0, which is introduced as Chitti-reloaded. In the last 45 minutes, Rajinikanth as 2.0 steals the show, charming us with his witty one-liners and ever enigmatic screen presence. Amy Jackson does not get a meaty part but does justice to her character.

In essence, 2.0 is a visual spectacle that is worth your money. Rajinikanth and Shankar, in easily their best collaboration, hit this out of the park.