The audio launch of 2.O, Shankar's magnum opus starring Rajinikanth, Amy Jackson, Akshay Kumar and others, took place in Burj Park in Dubai on Friday evening.
Bollywood director and producer Karan Johar, Tollywood actor Rana Daggubati, and Kollywood actor RJ Balaji were the hosts of the event.
Speaking at the event, Rajinikanth said that his 40-year journey in the film industry felt like a matter of 4-5 years and that he'd learnt that money and fame were not everything. The superstar is also reported to have requested young people not to hurt films by criticising them unfairly on social media.
When Karan asked about things that he like and hate in people today, Rajinikanth, dressed in all black ensemble, replied: "What I like is that they are obliged and humble. What I don't like is that the younger generation is slowly forgetting our own tradition and culture. That's sad. They should not do this. They should enjoy it and should never forget our culture and tradition."
Rajinikanth, who has been a pivotal part of the Indian entertainment industry for over four decades, said that he considers everything that he has achieved as "a gift from God".
The Rajinikanth family turned up in full strength, including his son-in-law, National Award winning actor Dhanush. Other prominent members of the film industry who attended the show included actors Suriya, Jyothika and Karthi.
@Suriya_offl @Karthi_Offl and #Jyothika at #Dubai for #2Point0AudioLaunch pic.twitter.com/fr2PFGFfnN
— Kollywood Center (@KollywudCenter) October 27, 2017
AR Rahman's blistering performance of the tracks from 2.O have upped the expectations for the film even higher. Two tracks have also been released on Saavn. You can listen to them here. India's other Oscar award winner, Resul Pookutty, who is also part of 2.O was also present at the event.
And we are off for the #2Point0PressMeet! See you on the other side shortly. @shankarshanmugh @arrahman #2point0 pic.twitter.com/rCoNkKGZXI
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) October 26, 2017
Akshay Kumar, who plays the chief antagonist, was all praise for Rajinikanth and said that he was the true superstar. He further added that he was excited to be part of a project so massive in scale.
At the #2Point0AudioLaunch...good or bad who decides!!! @2Point0movie pic.twitter.com/pq5e2XWLI6
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) October 27, 2017
The actor made a dramatic stage appearance with the words 'Good or Evil, who decides?' printed in the background. The first film Endhiran, had Chitti, the robot, unable to distinguish between right and wrong and only knowing to follow instructions to the tee. It's interesting that the antagonist in the film has taken off from the same dilemma.
Rana Daggubati requested Rajinikanth to speak a line in Telugu for his fans and the superstar obliged by delivering his punchline from Baasha, "If I say it once, it's as if I've said it a 100 times" in Telugu.
Thank u Riaz for getting this clip ;) https://t.co/7RvjiFv9rE
— Rana Daggubati (@RanaDaggubati) October 27, 2017
Rajinikanth said that he didn't want to say too much about the film since there were many more events coming up but thanked everyone for giving him the opportunity to be part of the film.
Akshay Kumar gave a clue about the film, saying the film also has a social message within the premise of a science thriller.
Director Shankar made an appearance with the grand Arima Arima number from Endhiran.
While the songs of 2.0 were leaked hours before the commencement of the event over YouTube and other streaming platforms, that didn't spoil the audio launch, which witnessed power-packed performances by Amy, Akshay and the film's music director AR Rahman.
Rahman stated that the film will have three songs -- out of which two tracks, Endhira Logathu Sundariye and Raajali (Mechanical Sundariye and Rakshassi), were released on Friday.
Speaking at the event, Latha said: "It's a very big moment for me. I am very proud of my husband. I wish to salute him for his hard-work in 2.0. Also, I want to give my best wishes to Amy, Rahman, Shankar and all others who have made this project possible."
Amy Jackson, the film's leading lady, was dressed in glittery black (everyone in the team was dressed in the same colour). Amy's "robot" look has been making waves on social media ever since it was released.
2.O is expected to release in January next year and the team is likely to intensify the promos as we get closer to the date.
#2point0 song shoot starts today pic.twitter.com/n2rT4WSh5q
— Shankar Shanmugham (@shankarshanmugh) October 11, 2017
Check out this promo!
With inputs from IANS