In the year 2898 AD, the tenth and final avatar of Lord Vishnu, Kalki, is poised to be born, heralding a new era amidst a dystopian world fraught with malevolent forces. Ruled by the evil Commander Manas (Saswata Chatterjee) and led by God King Supreme Yaskin (Kamal Haasan), Kasi is a dark place where fertile women are killed, and men are enslaved. Directed by Nag Ashwin, this mythological futuristic sci-fi drama takes us on an epic journey filled with gods, battles, and intrigue.
The film’s most obvious strength lies in its visually stunning world. Ashwin, along with cinematographer Djordje Stojiljkovic, transports the audience into the lone existing city of Kasi. The intricate details of this universe are captivating, and the film’s visual effects are nothing short of spectacular.
“Kalki 2898 AD” delivers a visual spectacle that commands attention on the big screen. The blend of mythology, dystopia, and cutting-edge VFX makes it a must-watch for cinephiles.
Prabhas shines as Bhairava, the bearer of the awaited avatar. His portrayal adds depth to the character, and his action sequences are impressive. Deepika Padukone as SUM80 (Sumathi), the rescued subject from the Complex, delivers a commendable performance.
The legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan’s portrayal of the immortal Ashwatthama is nothing short of mesmerizing. His gravitas and intensity elevate every scene he graces. Thrilled to witness his return to the big screen after decades, and he doesn’t disappoint. His screen presence is a masterclass in itself.
Kamal Haasan, another icon, brings his signature charisma to the role of Supreme Yaskin. His enigmatic character adds layers to the narrative, and his performance is a testament to his acting prowess. These two legends share the screen, creating an electric chemistry that transcends time and genre. Their performances enrich “Kalki 2898 AD,” making it a cinematic experience worth celebrating.
Shobana portrays Mariam, the guardian-mother of Shambala. Her role is fine-tuned, and she even gets to kick some ass in the third act, adding depth to the film. Pasupathy plays Veeran, the faithful commander of the rebels. His performance is decent and contributes to the film’s overall depth and impact. Despite having a large ensemble cast, these actors shine in their respective roles.
Anna Ben as Kyra, Veeran’s associate and a rebel from Shambhala delivers a super cool action episode alongside Pasupathy, and their duo is terrific. However, when it comes to drama, the emotions are decent but not arresting. If more emphasis had been placed on the emotional aspect, “Kalki 2898 AD” could have made a significant difference.
In the mythological futuristic sci-fi film “Kalki 2898 AD,” several prominent personalities from the film industry make special cameo appearances. Known for his versatile roles, Dulquer Salmaan is plays Prabhas’ mentor in the film. The charismatic Vijay Deverakonda makes a special appearance as Arjuna. The acclaimed director S. S. Rajamouli, famous for the “Baahubali” franchise, appears as a bounty hunter and humorously tells Prabhas that he’ll keep him busy for 10 years next time. The celebrated filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has an interesting cameo, where he explains something to Bhairava and surprises him with an unexpected twist. Keerthy Suresh lends her voice to Bujji, the futuristic robocar and humanoid AI robot that assists and accompanies Bhairava.
While the background score by Santhosh Narayan effectively complements the film’s narrative, the music score itself is considered a letdown. Overall, the film offers a satisfying audio-visual experience, even though it may require some patience due to its complex narrative and ambitious visuals.
The film weaves a complex web of characters and sub-plots, some of which may seem disconnected from the broader story. While the first half suffers from occasional detours, the second half picks up the pace, delivering thrilling action and memorable moments.
“Kalki 2898 AD” draws inspiration from various Hollywood productions, creating a unique blend of mythology, dystopia, and futuristic elements. A dystopian future where the wealthiest rule over the poor from a sky city called “Complex.” This concept echoes the sky city of Zalem from the film “Alita: Battle Angel” (2019), where the rich oppress the poor. In “Kalki 2898 AD,” the sky city represents the stark divide between social classes, reminiscent of Fritz Lang’s Metropolis and the underground bunkers in “Fallout”.
The film introduces a messianic figure, akin to Paul Atreides from “Dune”, who rises to challenge the oppressive high society ruling the world. Amitabh Bachchan’s character, Ashwatthama, plays a role similar to Stilgar (Javier Bardem) in “Dune,”. The film features energy blasters reminiscent of Star Wars, invisible energy shields (similar to those in “Independence Day”), and shields akin to the Wakandan kinetic energy-powered shields from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The grand canvas visuals promise a never-seen-before experience in Indian cinema, drawing inspiration from Hollywood franchises like “Mad Max”, “Star Wars”, and “Dune”.
Nag Ashwin deserves immense appreciation for seamlessly blending mythology and a dystopian future in “Kalki 2898 AD.” Nag Ashwin’s decision to merge ancient Indian mythology with futuristic sci-fi elements is bold and innovative. It breaks away from conventional genres and offers audiences a fresh cinematic experience. By introducing Lord Vishnu’s tenth avatar, Kalki, in a dystopian setting, Ashwin creates a unique narrative canvas.
Combining mythology and dystopia requires a delicate balance. Ashwin weaves a complex web of characters, subplots, and futuristic elements, challenging traditional storytelling norms. His ambition to create a multi-layered narrative pays off, as “Kalki 2898 AD” promises not just a standalone film but potentially an entire universe. Ashwin’s direction extracts stellar performances from the ensemble cast, including Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, and others. Nag Ashwin’s audacious vision and execution in “Kalki 2898 AD” open new horizons for Indian cinema.
“Kalki 2898 AD” is a novel attempt in Telugu cinema, blending sci-fi, mythology, and drama. If viewed with an open mind, it provides enough entertainment and offers something unique within its confines. While it may not follow the traditional hero-centric formula, its ambitious visuals and imaginative storytelling make it a must-watch for cinephiles.
Remember, this film sets the stage for future installments in this massive universe, promising even more epic battles and intriguing narratives. So buckle up and dive into the world of “Kalki 2898 AD”!