“Kalki 2898 AD”: Prabhas Leads an Epic Sci-Fi Saga in a Dystopian Future
Release Date: June 27, 2024
Kalki 2898 AD (pronounced [kə.l.kɪ]), the latest Indian Telugu-language epic science fiction film, has finally hit the screens and is making waves across the globe. Directed by the visionary Nag Ashwin and produced by C. Aswani Dutt under Vyjayanthi Movies, this film boasts a star-studded ensemble cast featuring Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Deepika Padukone, and Disha Patani. The film is the first installment in the planned Kalki Cinematic Universe, drawing inspiration from Hindu mythology and setting a new benchmark for Indian cinema.
A Cinematic Milestone
Kalki 2898 AD is set in a post-apocalyptic world in the year 2898 AD and follows a group of individuals on a mission to protect the unborn child, Kalki, of SUM-80, a lab subject. The film weaves together elements of action, drama, and moral dilemmas in a narrative that explores themes of survival and redemption.
Production Journey
The film was officially announced in February 2020 under the tentative title “Prabhas 21,” marking Prabhas’s 21st lead role. Initially titled “Project K,” the film’s principal photography began in July 2021, after delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Filming was completed in several phases over the next three years, wrapping up by late May 2024. The official title, Kalki 2898 AD, was revealed in July 2023. With a production budget of ₹600 crore (US$72 million), it stands as the most expensive Indian film to date.
Box Office Triumph
Released worldwide on June 27, 2024, Kalki 2898 AD has received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. The film’s opening weekend saw a massive global collection of ₹200 crore, with ₹150 crore from the domestic market and ₹50 crore from international markets. By the end of its first week, the total earnings soared to ₹450 crore, making it one of the highest-grossing Indian films of the year. Projections suggest that the film’s total earnings could exceed ₹800 crore, cementing its status as a major blockbuster.
Plot Synopsis
The story begins in 3102 BC, where Ashwathamma, after attempting to kill Uttarā’s unborn child, is cursed by Krishna to walk the earth as an immortal until he aids Vishnu’s last avatar, Kalki, in the Kali Yuga. Fast forward to 2898 AD, where the city of Kasi stands as the last known city in a dystopian world ruled by the god-king Supreme Yaskin. Yaskin’s regime is maintained through a hovering inverted-pyramidal-megastructure known as “The Complex,” which drains Earth’s resources to sustain a gated paradise.
In this bleak future, fertile female refugees are forcibly taken to The Complex for experiments aimed at extending Yaskin’s life. Raaya, a young refugee, escapes enlistment with the help of rebels from the hidden city of Shambhala. As the story unfolds, Raaya and Ashwathamma team up to find Kalki’s mother, SUM-80, who has been hiding her pregnancy. Their journey is fraught with danger, culminating in a battle to protect the unborn Kalki and defeat the oppressive regime.
Stellar Cast
The film features an impressive ensemble cast:
- Prabhas as Bhairava and Karna
- Amitabh Bachchan as Ashwathamma
- Kamal Haasan as Supreme Yaskin
- Deepika Padukone as SUM-80 / Sumathi
- Disha Patani as Roxie
- Saswata Chatterjee as Commander Manas
Visual and Musical Excellence
Nag Ashwin’s direction is brought to life with stunning cinematography by Djordje Stojiljkovic and seamless editing by Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao. The haunting score composed by Santhosh Narayanan adds depth to the film’s narrative, enhancing the emotional and dramatic impact.
Critical Acclaim
Kalki 2898 AD has been praised for its innovative storytelling, visual grandeur, and powerful performances:
- The Times of India: “Prabhas delivers a powerhouse performance in a visually spectacular sci-fi epic.”
- The Hindu: “Nag Ashwin masterfully blends action with deep philosophical questions in a film that is both thrilling and thought-provoking.”
- Filmfare: “A sci-fi marvel that captivates from start to finish, with a stellar ensemble cast.”
Conclusion
Kalki 2898 AD has exceeded expectations, establishing itself as a landmark in Indian cinema. With its impressive box office performance and critical acclaim, the film is on its way to becoming a modern classic. Prabhas’s portrayal of Kalki, combined with Nag Ashwin’s visionary direction, offers a cinematic experience that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. This epic sci-fi saga is a must-watch for fans of the genre and those seeking a powerful story of hope and redemption.
