Will it be Aamir Khan vs Rajinikanth at Box Office this Diwali?

Image Courtesy: IANS

New Delhi: Rajinikanth's upcoming project 2.0 is one of most highly- anticipated movies of the year. However, not many people know that the sci-fi movie has been facing delays for quite some time. 

Though the film release dates have not been announced by the makers, speculations have been made that they are considering to release it anytime during Diwali this year. The movie was initially expected to be released on Independence Day. In addition, 2.0 was also reported to be released on April 27, but Rajinikanth's movie 'Kaala Karikaalan's blocked the date for its release. 

Now, if the Lyca Productions releases the movie during this Diwali, it will face a direct competition with the big Bollywood release, Aamir Khan's 'Thugs of Hindostan', which is also slated to release on Diwali. 

A report in India Today said that Lyca recently approached Mr Perfectionist and asked the actor to postpone his 'Thugs of Hindostan'. However, Aamir clearly denied the request while stating that Diwali is the perfect time to release 'Thugs..' and he is holding on the dates. The report added that the makers, unsatisfied with the response, is likely to approach the actor once again to reconsider his decision. 

2.0 has been stuck in a post-production mess for quite some time. Apart from Rajinikanth, the movie also stars Akshay Kumar, Amy Jackson and Sudhanshu Pandey.

The movie serves as a sequel to the 2010 Tamil film 'Enthiran' (Robot in Hindi) and features Rajinikanth reprising the roles of Dr. Vaseegaran and Chitti. The film is being shot simultaneously in Tamil and Hindi. Made with a budget of Rs 450 crore, it is touted to be one of the most expensive Indian films to be made to date.

It is to be noted that Rajinikanth's role in 2.0 was first offered to Aamir after the veteran actor suggested to not take it due to his health reasons. During an interview with Komal Nahta, Aamir revealed that despite knowing that film will be the biggest hit and will break all Box Office barriers, he did not take up the role as he couldn't fit himself in it. 

"Whenever I used to shut my eyes, I used to see Rajini sir in that role. I couldn’t see myself. Emotionally, I couldn’t do that role. When I used to think of the film or scene I saw Rajini sir. So then I told Shankar that I will not be able to do the film. Only Rajini sir can do this. He is irreplaceable," Aamir said during the interview.