Kalki 2898 AD story is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and centers around the tenth avatar of Lord Vishnu, who appears on a white horse to bring an end to the Kali Yug.
Rating: ⭐⭐
Language: Hindi, Telugu, Tamil
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Director: Nag Ashwin
Starring: Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Disha Patani
Runtime: 181 Minutes
Available In: Theatres
Nag Ashwin’s much-awaited film, “Kalki 2898 AD,” has finally hit the theatres, generating a lot of buzz and anticipation. Starring Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, and Kamal Haasan, the movie combines mythology and science fiction elements. The film promises a grand visual experience with a unique storyline set in a dystopian future, capturing the audience’s imagination with its ambitious concept and stunning visuals.
About the Film:
The story begins with the Kurukshetra war from the Mahabharata, where Ashwatthama (played by Amitabh Bachchan) is cursed with immortality by Lord Krishna. Fast forward 6000 years to the dystopian city of Kashi, ruled by the evil Yaskin (Kamal Haasan). Prabhas plays Bhairava, a bounty hunter who is tasked with bringing back Sumati (Deepika Padukone), a pregnant woman who has escaped from Yaskin’s sinister Project K. The film follows their journey and the epic battle between good and evil, blending mythology with futuristic sci-fi elements.
Visually Stunning World:
Writer-director Nag Ashwin, with the help of cinematographer Djordje Stojiljkovic, creates a visually stunning world. Watch Kalki 2898 AD trailer here.
A Struggling First Half
The film’s world is bleak, where fertile women are killed and men are enslaved. The only hope is Bhairava (Prabhas) and a group of rebels from Shambhala. They rescue SUM80 (Deepika Padukone), who is believed to be the bearer of the awaited avatar. The story is simple but is made complex with many characters and subplots, some unnecessary. The first half of the film drags with these distractions, especially involving Prabhas’ character and a failed comedy attempt by Brahmanandam.
Second Half Shines
The film picks up pace in the second half with Amitabh Bachchan’s entry as Aswathama. His performance in action scenes is impressive, adding realism to the character. Deepika Padukone plays a restrained but powerful role. Prabhas’ character feels disjointed and repetitive, slowing down the film. Shobhana supports Mariam, while Saswata Chatterjee’s villain feels over the top. Kamal Haasan’s performance as Supreme Yaskin is chilling and impactful. Special appearances by Vijay Deverakonda, Mrunal Thakur, Dulquer Salmaan, S.S. Rajamouli, and Ram Gopal Varma add brief but memorable moments.
What’s Not Good:
Amitabh Bachchan and Kamal Haasan steal the show; when they are on screen, the scenes become very serious, and it feels like this is what Indian cinema should be like. However, when Prabhas comes on screen, he brings the most awkward fight scenes, cringe-worthy dialogues, and childish lines. Disha Patani’s item number feels forced. Many scenes give off a vibe similar to Hollywood movies like Star Wars and others. The Mahabharata part is covered well, but the first half is not much better.
Final Verdict:
Amitabh Bachchan and Kamal Haasan deliver powerful performances, making their scenes captivating. However, the film also has its flaws, including some cringeworthy moments and a lacklustre first half. Despite this, “Kalki 2898 AD” offers the audience a fresh and visually engaging experience.
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