Despite having a thunderous opening, Shankar’s 2.0 concluded its theatrical run as an average grosser, primarily due to its lavish budget. Admittedly, the reception was mixed, with many labeling the film’s premise as ‘illogical’ and criticizing the extensive use of visual effects and the overly simplistic plot. On the other hand, critics, who drew comparisons with Enthiran (Robo), opined that it was an inferior sequel that failed to recreate the magic of its predecessor.

But is the film really that bad? While it’s an obviously subjective question to find an answer to, here’s my take on it:2.0 is NOT a bad film by any means; it is a fun watch. I also don’t shy from admitting that I thoroughly enjoyed the movie. For all those ridiculing its central theme of mobile phones flying away to form a giant bird, let me confront you this way: how come Thanos speaks in Marvel’s films? Why is New York the preferred vacation spot for all the alien invasions?

And for those gentlemen sobbing over its visual effects, I challenge you to come up with an Indian film that featured VFX of this magnitude and complexity. Or try fishing out for a desi flick that offered a better 3D experience than 2.0. You didn’t see that coming, did you?

Of course 2.0, like any other feature film for that matter, has its own share of shortcomings. A few moments in the first half are illogical; the plot is overly simplistic and lacks emotional depth; the closure is unsatisfying from the antagonist’s perspective. But what about Shankar’s uncompromising vision? Rajinikanth’s effortless charisma? Akshay Kumar’s moving performance in the flashback?

It must be noted that feature films are made with the sole purpose of entertaining the viewers and not to preach philosophy or to serve as logical puzzles. If you still find pleasure in stooping down to Indian films, try rewatching your favorite Hollywood flicks from the same lens. It’ll be more fun!

2.0 is a film that must be remembered for its larger-than-life vision, the performances of the cast, and the pioneering technical finesse that went into its making. As a cinephile with great admiration for Shankar, it breaks my heart to see 2.0 brushed off as substandard work. In spite of its underperformance at the box office, this sci-fi drama will go down in the history books as a daring attempt from a Tamil filmmaker with a fraction of the budget of a Star Wars or a Pirates of the Caribbean project.