Is dismal performance of Rajinikanth's 'Kaala' at the box office causing trouble for '2.0'?

Rajinikanth and Akshay Kumar starrer upcoming film 2.0 is one of the most anticipated films in the coming year. The movie is supposed to be a sequel to Thalaiva's previous hit film Robot. But if recent reports are to be believed, then the performance of Rajinikanth's last release Kaala at the box office has left his fans worried. 

Reportedly, Kaala's performance at the box office didn't meet the expectations. The movie had an underwhelming run at the ticket windows to say the least. The film's Hindi version in particular, couldn't even cross the Rs 10 crore mark at the domestic box office, as per reports. This is now being seen as a dent in the superstardon of Rajinikanth in the Hindi speaking belts. Speculations are rife that this dismal performance of Kaala may further affect the box office numbers of his upcoming projects, which includes 2 Point 0. 

A report on Sify.com quoted a noted film exhibitor-distributor as sayin, "The dubbed Hindi versions of Rajinikanth’s films have never been big successes. Even Robot fared averagely at the box-office. However, Kaala didn't even make those numbers.”

The report further informs that Kaala's dismal performance at the ticket windows has left the distributors and exhibitors in panic and unsurety as far as the release of 2.0 is concerned. A source was quoted as saying, "2.0 has gone over-budget. To recover the costs would be impossible. Now with Kaala performing so poorly, especially in Hindi, there is a big question mark on the future of 2.0.”

However, there still might be hope as 2.0 also stars Akshay Kumar in a significant role. Akshay's presence may prove to be a bane for the film as it may help increase footfalls in the theates in Northern India. But there's a catch here as well. The source further told the portal, "But he plays the antagonist with grotesque make-up. That’s not how his fans like to see Akshay! His fan base may be completely put off."

The S Shankar directorial is slated to hit the theatres on Republic Day next year. Reportedly, 2.0 has been made on a budget of Rs 450 crore, which makes it the most expensive Indian film ever!