Shankar had envisioned this Hollywood celebrity as Rajinikanth’s nemesis in 2.0 instead of Akshay Kumar

With a performance as the adversary in one of the most costly films in Indian history, 2.0, starring Rajinikanth, Akshay Kumar astonished the audience. But did you know that Shankar, the director, did not initially choose him?

Indeed, Shankar said at a press conference that, prior to Akshay Kumar, the plan was to cast a well-known Hollywood actor as the movie’s adversary; but, this was not feasible. The director’s dream star was none other than Arnold Schwarzenegger, a Hollywood actor.

“We had thought of casting Arnold Schwarzenegger,” Shankar said, explaining why the actor was unable to be hired. We had discussed and set dates as well. However, due to inconsistencies in the contracts between Hollywood and India, things did not work out. Thus, as PTI reports, “we considered looking at a good cast from the Indian film industry.”

He went on to describe how Akshay Kumar joined the project, saying that the 51-year-old actor was highly recommended for the part when he contacted Lyca Productions, the makers of 2.0, about the Hindi version of Kaththi. “Everyone told me to think about Akshay, and I also thought it would be nice,” the man said. He agreed when I told him the tale.”

Earlier, Akshay Kumar shared his movie appearance on Twitter, saying, “As an actor who never wears makeup, 2.0 was a whole other story. I believe it may have taken me longer than the female lead to get this look correct.”

With a staggering budget of Rs 543 crore, the movie is regarded as one of the priciest Indian productions ever. Under S Shankar’s direction, Rajinikanth, Amy Jackson, and Akshay Kumar played the film’s principal parts. It was a huge box office and critical success. The movie made a total of Rs 723.30 crore at the box office globally, shattering many records.