Kalki 2898 AD, directed by Nag Ashwin, is a landmark in Indian cinema, merging mythology, science fiction, and dystopian drama into a visually spectacular and thematically ambitious epic. With a cast led by Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan, and Kamal Haasan, the film sets new standards for storytelling and technical achievement. Here’s a comprehensive review of the film, including its record-breaking box office performance.
Story and Narrative
Set in the year 2898 AD, the film imagines a future where the world is ravaged by environmental collapse and ruled by the tyrannical Supreme Yaskin (Kamal Haasan). The privileged live in the technologically advanced “Complex,” while the masses survive in the decaying city of Kasi. Bhairava (Prabhas), a bounty hunter with dreams of a better life, becomes entangled in a prophecy when he crosses paths with SUM-80 (Deepika Padukone), a pregnant woman whose unborn child is believed to be the savior of humanity-the final avatar, Kalki.
Ashwatthama (Amitabh Bachchan), cursed with immortality since the Mahabharata, emerges as SUM-80’s protector, and the rebels of Shambala await the birth of the prophesied child. The story weaves together ancient Indian legend and futuristic science, delivering a narrative rich in action, philosophy, and emotion.
Performances
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Prabhas as Bhairava: Prabhas brings humor and rugged charm to Bhairava, evolving from a mercenary to a reluctant hero. His action sequences and chemistry with his AI droid Bujji add levity and energy.
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Deepika Padukone as SUM-80: Deepika delivers a nuanced performance, portraying vulnerability and resilience as a woman at the center of a world-changing prophecy.
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Amitabh Bachchan as Ashwatthama: Bachchan’s gravitas and emotional depth anchor the film, making his scenes among the most memorable.
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Kamal Haasan as Supreme Yaskin: Haasan’s portrayal of the god-king is chilling and magnetic, embodying both menace and charisma.
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Supporting Cast: Keerthy Suresh’s voice work as Bujji, Shobana as the rebel leader, and Disha Patani as Roxie contribute to the film’s rich ensemble.
Direction and Screenplay
Nag Ashwin’s direction is visionary, blending Indian mythology with global sci-fi influences. The screenplay is dense and ambitious, sometimes struggling with pacing and an overload of subplots. The first half is heavy on exposition, but the second half delivers thrilling action and emotional payoff. The film’s quieter moments-especially those between Ashwatthama and SUM-80-stand out for their depth.
Technical Brilliance
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Visual Effects & Production Design: The film’s world-building is meticulous, with visual effects that rival major international productions. The neon-lit Complex and the dystopian Kasi are both immersive and detailed.
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Cinematography: Innovative camera work and a rich color palette create a sense of scale and wonder.
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Music & Sound: The score blends orchestral and futuristic sounds, enhancing the film’s emotional and dramatic beats.
Themes and Symbolism
Kalki 2898 AD explores faith, destiny, sacrifice, and the eternal battle between good and evil. It poses questions about heroism, hope, and the dangers of unchecked power. The mythological foundation gives the narrative weight, while the sci-fi elements reflect contemporary anxieties about technology and survival.
Box Office Collection
Kalki 2898 AD has been a historic box office success:
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Opening Day: Grossed ₹180 crore worldwide, the third highest first-day gross for an Indian film, with over ₹95 crore from India alone.
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Opening Weekend: Earned ₹484 crore worldwide in its first four days.
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11 Days: Crossed ₹800 crore globally.
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Domestic Collection: Surpassed ₹760 crore gross (₹640 crore net) in India after 40 days, overtaking Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan to become the fourth highest-grossing Indian film ever domestically.
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Hindi Version: Grossed approximately ₹350 crore, making it the third highest-grossing dubbed film in Hindi markets.
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Worldwide Collection: As of over 50 days in theaters, the film has grossed an estimated ₹1,180 crore globally, against a production budget of ₹600 crore.
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Records: It is now among the top five highest-grossing Indian films of all time, and the most successful Indian film of 2024 so far.
Strengths
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Standout performances, especially by Amitabh Bachchan and Kamal Haasan.
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Groundbreaking visual effects and production design.
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Ambitious fusion of mythology and science fiction.
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Emotional resonance in character arcs and quieter moments.
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Major cultural and box office impact.
Weaknesses
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Uneven pacing, especially in the first half.
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Overcrowded narrative with too many subplots.
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Some visual effects and props fall short of the film’s ambitions.
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Certain supporting characters lack depth.
Critical Reception
Kalki 2898 AD has been praised for its technical achievements, world-building, and performances. Some critics found it overwhelming in scale and ambition, with a slow start and too many narrative threads, but most agree it is a milestone for Indian cinema.
FAQs
Q: How much has Kalki 2898 AD earned at the box office?
A: The film has grossed approximately ₹1,180 crore worldwide, with over ₹760 crore gross in India after 50 days.
Q: Who are the main stars of the film?
A: Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan, and Kamal Haasan headline the cast.
Q: Is Kalki 2898 AD part of a series?
A: Yes, it is the first installment in the planned Kalki Cinematic Universe.
Q: What languages is the film available in?
A: The film was released in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, and English.
Q: What sets Kalki 2898 AD apart from other Indian films?
A: Its ambitious blend of mythology and science fiction, international-standard visual effects, and record-breaking box office performance.
Conclusion
Kalki 2898 AD is a cinematic event that pushes the boundaries of Indian filmmaking. It is bold, visually stunning, and emotionally engaging, despite its flaws. For fans of epic storytelling, mythology, and science fiction, it is a must-watch, cementing its place as one of the most significant films in recent years.
Final Rating: 4/5