Kalki 2898 AD is an aspiring Indian science fiction epic set in a dystopian future, amalgamating mythology with futuristic technology. Adapted from the Hindu mythological figure Kalki, who was to be the prophesied 10th avatar of Lord Vishnu, the film entitled Kalki 2898 AD is destined to bring back dharma and order to the world at a time when darkness and chaos prevail. The story is set in a dystopian future wherein Earth is on the brink of implosion, and humanity has been divided into an elite class that enjoys all modern technological comforts inside cities while the majority of humanity struggles to live.
Prabhas is playing the title role of Kalki, a warrior who gets chosen to fight an invisible force threatening to wipe out humanity from the face of Earth. Deepika Padukone also plays an important ally to him and adds depth to the storyline with her convincing performance. Amitabh Bachchan will be seen as a sage-like, enigmatic elder who will lead Kalki through his journey. Kamal Haasan, on his part, brings the needed gravitas and tension to the unfolding drama in what promises to be an imposing antagonist’s role, while Disha Patani adds to the layered storytelling with her intriguing character arc.
Review
Kalki 2898 AD is a visually stunning and narratively ambitious attempt to rewrite the conventions of Indian cinema with a scale and scope. It’s an ebullient science fiction tapestry that is deeply rooted in Indian mythology, something that does flip out conventional genre dictums. The sets used in the film, with their futuristic cityscape and modern technologies alongside mythological references, were innovative and stunningly beautiful.
Prabhas does a good job of essaying the role of Kalki convincingly-a conflict and complex character torn between destiny and duty. In this world full of moral ambiguity, Prabhas navigates it with intensity, yet humanly. Deepika Padukone comes across pretty well in this strong and peremptorily vulnerable role, thereby becoming an excellent contrast to Prabhas’ Kalki. Amitabh Bachchan is ever the magnetic presence on screen, lending heft to the deeper philosophical underpinnings of this movie. Kamal Haasan stands tall as the baddie, delivering a remarkably restrained performance that makes the conflict personal and engrossing.
The film is striking visually, with production design; the landscapes of the future and advanced technologies merge into traditional motifs from Indian mythology. The action in this movie is well-choreographed, integrating serious combat scenes with more personal and emotional moments.
However, though the movie is visually gorgeous and conceptually bold, it falters sometimes in pacing, and certain plot twists may strike a viewer as predictable. The film’s ambitious narrative can be overwhelming at times for viewers who are not so familiar with the mythological references the movie draws upon. These minor shortcomings notwithstanding, Kalki 2898 A.D. is indeed a landmark effort in Indian cinema, which raises the bar on storytelling and visual effects.
Rating
Rating: 4/5
Kalki 2898 AD is an audacious, visually great sci-fi epic that marries the grandeur of mythology with a vision of the times to come. It gives a blend of unique action, philosophy, and emotion, hence a must-watch for fans of new cinema and lovers of mythology-driven narratives.
