Kalki 2898 AD is an epic Indian Telugu-language science fiction film directed by Nag Ashwin. The star-studded cast includes Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, and Disha Patani. It marks the inaugural instalment of the Kalki Cinematic Universe.
Being a bollywood fanatic, I knew Kalki 2898 AD was exactly the kind of cinematic marvel we crave for.
Plot and setting
A modern-day avatar of Vishnu, a Hindu god, who is believed to have descended to earth to protect the world from evil forces.
The movie starts off with the world divided into 2 halves. The rich and the powerful reside in a beautiful floating inverted triangle called the Complex while the poor dwell and toil below in Kashi which is the first and now the last city in the world. Since Ganga has dried out, water is a luxury. God is banished from Kashi and is under the control of supreme Yaskin.
Direction and screenplay
Director Nag Ashwin delved into a subgenre that blends Indian mythology with Western sci-fi, infusing the story's soul with elements from Puranas and Mahabharat, while drawing inspiration for its visual style from films like Dune or Transformers.
While the execution of the movie has been beautifully handwoven, there are some parts where I felt the screenplay fell flat. I don’t understand Bollywood’s obsession with the over the top entry of heroes followed by slow motion action scenes similar to Bahubali that took up almost half an hour of the film. This also led to pacing issues and fragmented storytelling.
Nag ramps up the fineness of the scenes and storytelling to such a pinnacle that it almost leaves you baffled. The only problem is that this is not consistent. This 3 hour long movie is filled with elements that needed to be delicately threaded. Some of the sequences could have been trimmed in certain parts to cut down the runtime which could be utilised to organise the climax where the revelations flew fast.
But it has to be noted that Nag has delivered quite a masterpiece given that he is only 2 films old.
Cast and performances
Prabhas commands the role of Kalki with a blend of power and subtlety, infusing the mythological hero with grandeur and gravitas that leave a lasting impression.
Deepika's portrayal brings emotional depth to her character, complementing Prabhas' intensity. Their electrifying chemistry adds a romantic allure to the epic narrative.
But Big B steals the show with his roaring screen presence. When he is there, you can't help but look at him.
Kamal Hassan's brief yet dazzling appearance suggests even greater brilliance in the next instalment.
As for Saswata Chatterjee? He ate and left no crumbs as always.
The remaining cast, including Pashupati, Shobhana, and Rajendra Prasad, contribute decent efforts. However, the film features cameos akin to confetti at a surprise party.
Visuals and special effects
The visuals of the film are an absolute sight to the sore eyes reflecting the perfect dystopia elements.
Kalki boasts world-class VFX that lives up to expectations. Featuring expansive sets, the film showcases spectacular sequences involving large structures and robotic characters, enhancing its sci-fi drama.
Unlike Adipurush, it feels like Nag has done due justice to the usage of VFX. The juxtaposition between the desertified city of Kalsi and opulent Complex feels so real and compelling.
Background score
The music by Santhosh Narayananelevates is like a cherry on top. His musical score is a true masterpiece, flawlessly aligning with the film's tone to amplify its emotional and dramatic impact.
Each composition deeply resonates with viewers, creating a lasting impression that lingers well beyond the final scenes.
Verdict
It is definitely a perfect watch if you want to experience a futuristic dystopia amalgamated with hindu mythology and most importantly, if you are a fan of the Dune or metropolis, this is the best viewing experience for you. And if you are an Amitabh Bacchan fan, you are in for a ride.