‘Rajini sir and I spoke in Marathi’: Akshay Kumar on working with Rajinikanth in 2.0 and more

Akshay Kumar has never stuck to the age-old industry norms. Instead, he’s redefined them. With the kind of films he’s been a part of, it’s difficult to typecast him. Now with 2.0, where he plays supervillain to South superstar Rajinikanth’s Chitti, he has once again managed to surprise viewers. Undoubtedly, his character as Pakshiraja has created immense buzz. The Bollywood superstar reveals what appealed to him about it and why this is the best technologically-advanced film India has ever produced.

This is the first time a mainstream superstar has taken up a role like this. What went through your mind the first time you heard it?

I was immensely excited because I had never heard something like this before. I have done so many social films, but this was a movie that gave a universal message — that the world is not only for humans, it belongs as much to the animals around us, I was surprised that Shankar thought of something like this. At the same time, I was happy that I was getting a chance to work with Rajinikanth and Shankar, who’s one of the best directors of our country. Plus, they told me that it’s going to be India’s most expensive film. So, I got a chance to be a part of that and it was an overwhelming experience.

So, it was a ‘yes’ from the word go...

Absolutely. As soon as he finished the screenplay, I told Shankar that I was doing it. I didn’t even have to think much before saying yes to a film like this. It’s an extremely commercial film and not like Pad Man where the social message is given out in a certain way. Imagine a Transformers having a message. 2.0 is just that.

What were the things that you learnt from Rajinikanth?

We used to speak in Marathi on the sets because he is a Maharashtrian. The beautiful quality about Rajini sir is that you give him any regular dialogue and he will transform it into an epic. He makes every line entertaining. Moreover, he is an extremely professional and a humble man. Humility is one quality of his that I would like to imbibe. He is what he is — there is no putting on a different image. Even when it comes to his appearance, he is realistic. He’s not worried about how his hair is looking or anything else.

Today, India is at a challenging position in terms of global cinema. What kind of expectations do you have from 2.0 technology-wise?

This is the best technologically advanced film India has produced. It’s an original 3D film and not one that has been transformed to 3D. I would say Shankar is equivalent to James Cameron on steroids. Everything is larger than life. When we watch a Transformers and see two robots fighting, we are mesmerised. This is India’s attempt at making something at that level. We can’t compete with them because their budget is 17 times higher than what we have. Trust me, at  ₹500 crore, they cannot make what we have produced here. I think people will appreciate the technological aspect. As for the rest of the film and screenplay, ’ll leave it up to them.

You have successfully played villainous roles in several films. What excites you about such parts? 

When you are playing a villain, you shoot for fewer days (laughs). I just shot for 38 days for this film, while Mr Rajinikanth shot double of that. It’s very much his movie — I’m just his Amrish Puri in the film (smiles).

The make-up and prosthetics must have been a tedious process? 

It was hard to sit in one place for three-and-a-half hours. You just need to stay calm and be on a chair while three people are working on your body. I have a lot of patience but this mellowed me down further. Then after I would finish shooting, I had to sit for two-and-a-half hours to get each piece removed. Every night, before going to bed, I knew I had to go through the same thing all over again the next morning. I had to do this for 38 days, and that was very painful. Also, when you are shooting with prosthetics all over, the pores of your skin can’t breathe because there is no oxygen as your whole body is packed. So the five to six hours that I used to shoot, all the sweat used to remain inside my body; it didn’t have a way to come out. I still remember when they used to remove the whole thing, I used to smell of sweat. Moreover, I wasn’t allowed to eat. My physique had to be intact as the body suit was made according to my size. So, I was on a complete liquid diet and consumed only milkshakes, juices and water while I was shooting.

What was your reaction when you got ready in that look for the first time?

When I got ready in that get-up, my family was with me, so I kept on clicking pictures with my wife and children. I still have them on my phone. 

Aarav understands cinema now. What was his reaction when you told him you were doing 2.0?

He was quite happy and excited. He saw my look completely from scratch. And today’s youngsters love these kinds of films and looks. They are in tune with the changing technology, so he enjoyed it immensely.

Several actors have said they wanted to play superhero for their kids...

I could have played a superhero long back if I wanted to. I could have even made a film for myself. But I needed a proper script to do it. I liked the idea and story of 2.0 and that’s why I’m doing it. I’m not just being a part of this project kyun ki mujhe apne bachchon ko khush rakhna hai par logon ka nuksaan kara doon.