Shankar’s 2.0 has Akshay playing Pakshi Rajan
A tribute to a man who loved birds more than humans. More human and an ornithologist by craft…..
Akshay Kumar in recent years has played roles that have been a raging hit on screen. 2.0 is making headlines not just because of Rajnikanth, but also for the role that Akshay Kumar portrays.
In his recent venture with Rajnikanth as lead, he is the antagonist donning the cap of Sálim Moizuddin Abdul Ali. His character is called Pakshi Rajan in 2.0.
Directed by S Shankar, ‘2.0’ stars Rajinikanth as scientist Vasigaran and also the robot Chitti. Amy Jackson, and Adil Hussain make appearances among others.
Akshay Kumar’s character is inspired by noted ornithologist Salim Ali who worked tirelessly to save birds. He was lovingly referred to as the Birdman of India.
Pakshi Rajan’s look resembles with that of Ali. The white hair and beard to black-framed specs give him just the look that Salim Ali sported.
Ali passed away at the age of 91 in 1987 and played a stellar role in loving and caring for birds. He was the first to conduct systematic surveys on birds across India.
Having authored several books, he was honoured with Padma Bhushan in 1958 and Padma Vibhushan in 1976. A multitude of bird species and sanctuaries have also been named after him.
Born and bred in Mumbai, Salim Ali wrote books like ‘The Book of Indian Birds’ and ‘Handbook of the Birds of India and Pakistan’. Ali was a highly renowned ornithologist and naturalist in India.
He was first introduced to Bird Science when he came face to face with stuffed bird’s collection of the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS). This is when his fascination for the domain started.
Ali is well known for his inclination towards weaver birds, which was the topic of his first research paper.
Ali brought about awareness among the people about birds and their role in the environment and is the pioneer is establishing a bird sanctuary, named Keoladeo National Park. Now known as the Silent Valley National Park.
Akshay plays a passionate ornithologist and professor, who is anti telecom industry and transforms into a giant monster bird to take on the authority.
Akshay’s character eventually turns evil because of people being insensitive towards bird deaths. It is a terrifying character that has deep rooted pain and anguish.
Reportedly 2.0 has superb VFX and 3D effects, and it highlights growing radiation levels which is a concern for the coming generations.
This problem is resulting in extinction of birds like sparrows, pigeons and many other little creatures which cannot sustain such high levels of radiations.
We all must ponder over the current dangers from it before it is too late to fix the damage.
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