Movie Review: Kalki 2898 AD (2024)
Language: Telugu (Dubbed in Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam)
Genre: Sci-Fi, Mythology, Action
Director: Nag Ashwin
Cast: Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Disha Patani
Runtime: Approx. 180 minutes
Rating: 7.0/10
Overview
Kalki 2898 AD is a daring and visually stunning cinematic journey that blends Indian mythology with futuristic science fiction. Directed by Nag Ashwin, the film offers a rich mix of mythology, dystopia, and epic heroism. It’s a bold experiment in Indian cinema that largely pays off, thanks to its scale, storytelling, and stellar performances.
Plot Summary
Set in the dystopian year 2898 AD, the world is ravaged by darkness, greed, and technological tyranny. The film reimagines the prophecy of Lord Vishnu’s final avatar Kalki who is destined to restore balance to a broken world. Prabhas plays Bhairava, a powerful warrior caught between destiny and desire, while Deepika Padukone portrays a mysterious woman carrying a divine purpose. Amitabh Bachchan’s role as the ancient immortal Ashwatthama ties the mythological past to a haunting future, and Kamal Haasan’s eerie presence as the antagonist adds gravitas to the narrative.
What Works
✅ Visual Spectacle:
The VFX and production design are world-class, drawing comparisons to Hollywood sci-fi epics like Dune and Blade Runner 2049. The futuristic sets, tech-enhanced vehicles, and grand battle sequences are breathtaking.
✅ Performances:
- Prabhas delivers a restrained but impactful performance, balancing action and emotion.
- Deepika Padukone shines in a grounded, emotionally charged role.
- Amitabh Bachchan steals every scene he’s in with his towering screen presence and gravitas.
- Kamal Haasan undergoes a remarkable transformation for a short but impactful role that sets up future installments.
✅ Myth Meets Sci-Fi:
The film’s biggest win is how it seamlessly fuses ancient mythology with modern sci-fi, something rarely seen in Indian cinema.
✅ Background Score:
Santhosh Narayanan’s music enhances the atmosphere, especially during key action and emotional moments.
What Doesn’t Work
❌ Pacing Issues:
The film drags slightly in the first half, with some expository scenes that feel overextended.
❌ Underused Characters:
Actors like Disha Patani don’t get much screen time or depth, which feels like a missed opportunity.
❌ Complex Lore:
The film dives deep into mythology and futuristic politics, which may confuse viewers not familiar with Indian epics or sci-fi tropes.
Final verdict
Kalki 2898 AD is a cinematic milestone for Indian science fiction. While not perfect, it’s an ambitious, grand, and visionary film that dares to explore uncharted territory. With a strong foundation and hints of a larger universe, it sets the stage for an epic franchise.
Final Score: 7.0/10
Watch it for:
- An epic blend of mythology and sci-fi
- Powerful visuals and world-building
- Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, and Kamal Haasan’s standout performances