Kalki 2898 AD (2024) Review!!

Synopsis – A modern-day avatar of Vishnu, a Hindu god, who is believed to have descended to earth to protect the world from evil forces.

My Take – Considering the expansive material that is Hindu mythology, particularly the Mahabharata, tackling it with the right amount of scale has been a dream and a daunting task for many Indian filmmakers.

With many projects over the years realized, then quickly shelved. Though for decades, Telugu cinema on its own has managed to produce many such adaptions with varying degrees of success, rarely has a feature been able to make an impact on wider plane.

But while where many have failed, just three film old Telugu writer-director Nag Ashwin has managed to bring forth a vision that merges mythology with post-apocalyptic science fiction elements in an epic film that is not just laudable, but also sets a new benchmark for Indian cinema.

Yes, western franchises like Star Wars, Mad Max and Dune make for obvious influences, and the screenplay stands on a shaky ground, particularly in the first half, but backed by director Nag Ashwin’s stellar vision, a compelling narrative, and a stellar pan-Indian cast, indeed the 181 minutes long feature makes for a compelling and emotionally resonant watch.

What truly sets the film apart is its grand scale and awe-inspiring visuals that are nothing short of breathtaking, transporting the audience into a vividly realized universe that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy. Every frame is a testament to the painstaking effort and creativity that has gone into its world-building, creating a visually stunning backdrop that complements the rich narrative.

Without a doubt, this is an excellent start to a cinematic universe that leaves it audience thirsting for more.

Set in 2898 AD, six thousand years after the Mahabharata war, the desertified Kasi is the last known city in a post-apocalyptic world which is ruled by the totalitarian god king Supreme Yaskin (Kamal Haasan), from a hovering inverted-pyramidal-megastructure above the city, known as the Complex. Which sucks the Earth’s remaining resources to maintain a gated paradise which can only be entered by the payment of one million units.

Yaksin’s rule being enforced by Commander Manas (Saswata Chatterjee), as the head of his army of Raiders, who is determined to crush the rebels. Who for years have been hiding out in the secret city of Shambhala, fighting against injustice while awaiting the arrival of the prophesied mother who will birth Kalki, the final incarnation of the god Vishnu, whose appearance is set to bring peace and prosperity to mankind.

A prophecy which begins to come true with the presence of SUM-80 (Deepika Padukone), a pregnant subject from the Complex lab, which excretes pregnant women for a crucial serum for Yaskin. Her escape, leads to the re-emergence of the immortal Ashwatthama (Amitabh Bachchan), who at the end of the Kurukshetra War, was cursed by Krishna, with his salvation lying in being the protector of Kalki.

Also thrown into the conflict is Bhairava (Prabhas), a careless and self-obsessed bounty hunter whose sole aim is to earn enough units to earn a place in the Complex. And when the bounty on SUM-80 offers him to do just that, along with his companion AI droid/vehicle BU-JZ-1 aka Bujji (voiced by Keerthy Suresh), Bhairava becomes the hurdle in Ashwatthama’s sole purpose.

Without a doubt, Nag Ashwin‘s direction is masterful, showcasing his ability to blend genres and create a cohesive and compelling story. The film’s world-building is immersive, with stunning visuals and a captivating plot. The screenplay is tight, with a perfect balance of action, drama, and philosophical musings.

The story telling even though feels fragmented at the beginning becomes a nice flowing fusion as the film progresses. With the Mahabharat portions being a standout, seamlessly integrated into the narrative.

The setbacks of the first half, which include the time spent showcasing Bhairava’s unhinged nature that ultimately slows down the narrative, are compensated by the extravagant second half. The visual effects here are nothing short of spectacular. The futuristic landscapes are rendered with a level of detail that is awe-inspiring, transporting viewers to another world.

The use of CGI is seamless, enhancing the storytelling without overwhelming it. The film’s cinematography is equally impressive, with each frame composed like a work of art. The use of color, lighting, and innovative camera angles adds depth and dimension to the viewing experience. The final act of the film arguably being the best designed set up for an Indian film. And with the conflict point established, the second part hypes up the clash of titans.

Performance wise, Prabhas is his usual self, sharing excellent camaraderie with his Keerthy Suresh voiced vehicle. Deepika Padukone aptly delivers what is required, and her screen presence is good as always. However, it is Amitabh Bachchan who is undoubtedly the major highlight of the film, delivering a turn that is both commanding and emotionally charged. The biggest credit goes to the team who executed his action sequences brilliantly; at no point are we reminded of his age, as he is as agile as a young actor.

Though he appears only for a limited screen time, Kamal Haasan makes his power felt in every frame he appears in. Needless to say, the legendary actor is known for getting into the character he plays. Saswata Chatterjee is ruthless in his role, while Disha Patani adds glamour to her role. On the whole, ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ is a visual and storytelling triumph that leaves a profound impact with its scale, vision, and top-notch action sequences.