With Prabhas in the lead role, Kalki 2898 AD is a classic of film that skillfully combines futuristic terror with mythology. A comprehensive assessment of the movie will be offered in this blog post, with special attention paid to its remarkable visuals, exceptional performances, and original blending of genres. Now let’s explore the aspects of this film that really make it worthwhile to see.

Story

A powerful narrative of the events following the Mahabharata war, in which Lord Krishna cursed Ashwatthama (Amitabh Bachchan) with immortality, opens “Kalki 2898 AD.” This establishes the framework for a fictitious story set in a highly decorated film universe with a strong Hindu mythological influence. The myth revolves around Lord Vishnu’s tenth avatar, who is supposed to arrive on a white horse and announce the end of the Kali Yuga.

The film offers a tease to what to expect in the upcoming entries in this expansive world, but writer-director Nag Ashwin constructs his plot around it. He does that by immersing the spectator in a breathtakingly beautiful environment through the application of his inventiveness.

This is the movie’s greatest and most apparent asset. With the assistance of his cinematographer Djordje Stojiljkovic, Ashwin transports us to the only city that still exists, Kasi, which is governed by the villainous Commander Manas (Saswata Chatterjee) and headed by God King Supreme Yaskin (Kamal Haasan), who resides in an enigmatic stronghold called Complex.

Special recognition should go to Nitin Zihani Choudhary’s production design for the movie, which enriches the immersive experience by constructing an engrossing visual landscape. While Santhosh Narayanan’s music score falls short, the background score skillfully enhances the storyline of the movie, bringing important scenes to life.

Without a doubt, “Kalki 2898 AD” is a larger-than-life visual extravaganza that immerses spectators in a richly conceived cosmos. The film’s visuals are so good, in fact, that they draw the viewer into the imaginary world of Kasi and the Complex and obscure many of its glaring shortcomings.

Furthermore, it’s an idea that can inspire creative activities outside of the movie theater. The audio-visual experience of “Kalki 2898 AD” is highly gratifying if you appreciate putting yourself in a world of epic battles between gods, good, and evil, however it may take some time to get used to.

Visual Splendor

Kalki is a stunning visual experience, with flying robots, hovering inverted pyramids, dystopian cities, and future cars. The action-packed second half makes up for the first slow pace, even though the action sequences often drag on and the world-building takes some time to properly establish. The movie runs for three hours and one minute, which might seem long, but it keeps you completely interested the entire time.

Plot of Kalki 2898 AD

The movie is set in Kashi, a desert city ruled by the deity of a complex in the shape of a pyramid, the autocratic Supreme Yaskin (played by Kamal Haasan, who is nearly unrecognizable). In the film, Prabhas portrays Bhairav, a bounty hunter who offers a million units in exchange for access to the complex.

Targets assigned by the complex, under the command of Commander Manas (Saswata Chatterjee), are eliminated by Bhairav. Deepika, meantime, portrays SUM 80, a lab test participant who is expected to become Kalki’s mother—the tenth incarnation of Vishnu.

Key Moments

In the middle of flames, SUM 80—later known as Sumati—evades the compound. This scene before the intermission is terrifying.

Played by Disha Patani, Roxy helps Bhairav get to the complex and eventually indulges in small pleasures like going barefoot on the beach and drinking champagne at a party that resembles a ball.

Amitabh Bachchan portrays Ashwatthama, a mythological figure who is pivotal to the Mahabharata and who now battles valiantly to keep Yaskin’s henchmen away from Sumati.

Appearances

Blending mythology with dystopia in a cinematic universe is no easy task. The cameos in Kalki 2898 AD, however, are the cherry on top since they provide us lots of space to grow the cosmos.

In a cameo role, S.S. Rajamouli plays Bhairav’s adversary and fellow bounty hunter. The actor-director team gets along well together, which is funny. In the flashback, Dulquer Salmaan is shown as Bhairav’s tutor, helping to prepare him to become a bounty hunter.

In Ashwatthama’s flashback, Vijay Deverakonda plays Arjun. You will also be surprised to see a peek of Ram Gopal Varma.

Performances

Deepika and Prabhas are both at the top of their career, but I wanted to see more of a part for Deepika. Deepika (as Sumita) watches from a distance during the heated exchanges between Amitabh and Prabhas. The actor could have had a more compelling character arc written for him.

The action scenes are also far too lengthy. A more eye-catching entrance scene may have added flair, even though Prabhas is looking his typical muscular best.

What Is Effective and Ineffective

Kalki finds its aesthetic appealing. The apocalyptic world’s hues have been expertly captured by director Nag Ashwin. Although it’s untrue, there was considerable discussion on the internet regarding Kalki 2898 AD being like Dune: Part Two.

A new era in Indian cinema history began with Kalki 2898 AD. It is a dystopian future film universe based on mythology, akin to our own Marvel. The movie serves both subjects justice and does so in a spectacular way. It will be intriguing to observe the future direction that the Kalki Cinematic Universe takes. The critic in me is happy that at last there is a filmmaker who dared to go against the grain and provide something unique.

Box Office and Audience Reaction

Prabhas’ Kalki 2898 AD has already sold a record number of tickets in the US prior to its official launch.

#Kalki28989AD movie review given by my cousin who watched it in USA. pic.twitter.com/Am4y4fOy1N

— Srikanth (me & my parivar) (@JayaHoIndia) June 27, 2024

One of the most anticipated movies of 2024 is Kalki 2898 AD, starring Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan, and Kamal Haasan. Tickets should be purchased as soon as possible by those who are eager to see it in theaters.

In summary

Kalki 2898 AD is a remarkable movie that skillfully combines futuristic horror and mythology, enhanced by striking images and stirring performances. The film’s director, writing, and technical elements all work together to produce a cinematic experience that is visually spectacular and thought-provoking, and Prabhas’ portrayal of Kalki is fascinating.

If you enjoy stories that blur genre boundaries and have striking visuals, you should definitely see Kalki 2898 AD. This is a movie that makes you think about the deeper links between our past and future in addition to being entertaining.