Kalki 2898-AD

When the world is taken over by darkness, a new force will arise.

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About the movie :

Kalki 2898 AD is not just a film—it’s a cinematic event. Directed by Nag Ashwin and produced by Vyjayanthi Movies, this 2024 Telugu-language epic blends mythology and science fiction on a scale Indian cinema has never attempted before.

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Kalki 2898-AD Movie Cast and Crew :

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Kalki 2898-AD Budget & Box Office Details :

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Kalki 2898-AD Review :

A futuristic mythological epic set in a dystopian world, blending Indian lore with sci-fi grandeur.

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Kalki 2898-AD Awards & Nominations :

High expectations globally; praised for visual effects and scale; nominated at select fantasy festivals.

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Kalki 2898-AD OTT Details :

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Lesser known facts :

Custom-Designed Kalki Car:

The futuristic car driven by Prabhas’s character, Bhairava, known as “Bujji,” was a bespoke creation for the film. Designed through a collaboration between Mahindra Research Valley and Jayam Auto Engineering, it took over two years to build and cost approximately ₹4 crore. The car, an AI-powered three-wheeler with unique features like chainmail tires and a wrecking ball, was a fully functional prop, not just a CGI creation, and was showcased at promotional events.

Inspired by Classic Telugu Cinema:

Director Nag Ashwin drew inspiration from old black-and-white Telugu films depicting Mahabharata battles, where arrows transformed into elements like fire, water, or animals. He aimed to blend this mythological spectacle with modern sci-fi aesthetics, influenced by Star Wars and X-Men, to create the film’s unique visual language.

Three Distinct Worlds with Over 700 VFX Shots:

The film’s universe comprises three meticulously crafted settings—Kashi, the Complex, and Shambhala—brought to life with over 700 VFX shots. Visual effects studios like DNEG and The Embassy Visual Effects handled everything from desert wastelands to futuristic vehicles, ensuring each world had a distinct aesthetic. For instance, Kashi was depicted as a barren, dystopian city, while the Complex was an opulent inverted pyramid.

High-Tech Cinematography:

The film was shot using cutting-edge technology, including the IMAX digital camera, ARRI ALEXA 65, and ARRI DNA lenses, capturing visuals in 6.5K resolution. This choice elevated the film’s visual grandeur, making it a standout in Indian cinema for its technical ambition.

Amitabh Bachchan and Kamal Haasan’s Reunion:

The film marked a reunion of Amitabh Bachchan and Kamal Haasan on screen after nearly 40 years, since their last collaboration in the 1985 film Giraftaar. Their roles as Ashwatthama and Supreme Yaskin, respectively, added significant star power, though Haasan’s screen time was limited, sparking some criticism.

Shobhana’s Comeback:

Acclaimed actress Shobhana returned to the big screen after an 18-year hiatus, playing a pivotal role. Her casting was a nostalgic nod for fans of South Indian cinema, adding depth to the ensemble.

Animated Prequel Connection:

The film’s narrative ties into a two-episode animated series, Bujji & Bhairava, which premiered on Prime Video before the movie’s release. This series provides crucial backstory for Bhairava and his AI companion Bujji, which isn’t fully explained in the film, making it a unique (and bold) storytelling choice for a cinematic universe.

Pan-Theistic Undertones:

While rooted in Hindu mythology, particularly the Mahabharata and Kalki Purana, the film subtly incorporates elements from other faiths, such as Christian iconography (e.g., Sumati’s immaculate conception) and references to Buddhist and multicultural themes in Shambhala, aiming for a broader, secular appeal.

Karna’s Redemption Arc:

Prabhas’s character, Bhairava, is revealed to be a reincarnation of the Mahabharata warrior Karna, a choice director Nag Ashwin made to give the character a redemptive arc. Ashwin felt Karna’s story in the epic was “unfinished” and used Kalki 2898 AD to explore his redemption in a new era, a creative decision that added depth to the narrative but sparked debate among mythology purists.

Real-Life Social Commentary:

Beyond its sci-fi and mythological elements, the film subtly weaves in commentary on contemporary issues like climate change, femicide, and wealth inequality. The dystopian setting, with its resource scarcity and class divide between the Complex and Kashi’s slums, mirrors real-world concerns, though some critics felt these themes were underexplored.

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