Kalki 2898 AD: India Cinema’s Bold Leap into Sci-Fi and Mythology
Cast of Kalki 2898 AD: Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan, Prabhas, Kamal Hassan
One of the most anticipated movies of the year, Kalki 2898 AD is finally out. As a huge fan of reinterpreting mythological stories from the Mahabharata and Ramayana, and of director Nag Ashwin, I was particularly excited about this movie. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s find out.
Storytelling in Kalki 2898 AD
Pulling off a science fiction film for the Indian audience is no easy feat. We’ve had very few successful ventures in this genre (Raavan, Thalapathi, Bheeshmaparvam etc. to name a few). However, Kalki 2898 AD stands out as one of the best attempts in this category. The film brilliantly combines mythological elements with a post-apocalyptic setting, making for a fascinating premise. Imagine the aftermath of the Mahabharata in a dystopian future – it’s a fantastic idea that offers a thoroughly engaging experience.
That said, there are moments in the film that drag. At times, I found myself wishing for a skip button. One example is the quirks and antics of Prabhas’s character, which felt somewhat forced. It’s clear the filmmakers wanted to cater to his stardom, but it occasionally disrupted the flow of the story. I am assuming the Telugu audience did not feel the same. Additionally, some of the action sequences felt over the top, injecting an unnecessary dose of mass appeal that weakened the narrative.
Kashi, Shambala and Complex – The Interesting World-Building in Kalki 2898 AD
Despite these issues, the world that Nag Ashwin has created for Kalki 2898 AD is stunning. The film balances emotional depth without going overboard, and the backstories of key characters are well-established. However, some cameos felt forced, particularly those of Rajamouli and Ram Gopal Varma, which added little value to the storyline. While Mrunal’s cameo did not feel forced, it felt completely avoidable. In contrast, the cameos by Dulquer Salmaan and Vijay Deverakonda were seamlessly integrated and enjoyable.
A Comeback for Prabhas – Performances in Kalki 2898 AD
The casting in this film is noteworthy. Amitabh Bachchan’s performance is a standout, with his action scenes being particularly convincing. He throws a truck in the air and somehow it just feels believable. It is surprising how a man in his 80s is still delivering the best he can. The makeup and overall look perfectly complement his character. Deepika Padukone also delivers a strong performance, while Kamal Haasan adds a surprising twist. I look forward to seeing more of him in the sequel. Unfortunately, Disha Patani’s role felt superfluous, and her presence didn’t add much to the film. Given her limited screen time, it makes me wonder if she was a cameo too.
Technical Aspects in Kalki 2898 AD
On a technical level, Kalki 2898 AD excels. The attention to detail is commendable, especially in the creation of Amitabh Bachchan’s younger look. This experimental approach isn’t perfect, but it’s a commendable effort and a first in Indian cinema. Kalki 2898 AD has been made on a budget of 600 crores and unlike in the case of Adipurush, the money well spent is visible across the movie.
In conclusion, Kalki 2898 AD sets new standards for pan-Indian cinema. It’s a bold and brave attempt at something new, and while there is room for improvement, it’s a film worth watching. I’m eagerly awaiting Kalki 2898 AD Part 2 and excited to see how the story unfolds.
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