Movie Name: Kalki 2898 AD
Release Date: June 27, 2024
Rating: 3.5/5
Starring: Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Rajendra Prasad, Disha Patani, Saswata Chatterjee, Brahmanandam, Anna Ben, Shobana, Mrunal Thakur, Dulquer Salmaan, Vijay Deverakonda, and more.
Director: Nag Ashwin
Producers: Aswini Dutt, Priyanka Dutt, and Swapna Dutt
Music Director: Santhosh Narayanan
Cinematographer: Djordie Stojilikovic
Editor: Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao
Amid much anticipation, Kalki 2898 AD has finally debuted globally under the direction of the visionary Nag Ashwin. Featuring an ensemble cast that includes stars like Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan, and Kamal Haasan, this movie promises to deliver a one-of-a-kind cinematic journey. Let’s dive into our review to explore whether it truly meets the sky-high expectations set before its release.
Story:
Set in the distant future, the film unfolds in Kashi, the last city on Earth, in the year 2898 AD. The supreme leader, Yaskin (Kamal Haasan), envisions creating a new world and begins a fertility experiment with women to find the ideal candidate. He believes Sumathi (Deepika Padukone) is the key to his experiment.
Meanwhile, Bhairava (Prabhas), a fierce bounty hunter, yearns to enter the utopian world of Complex for a better life. As fate would have it, Ashwatthama (Amitabh Bachchan) steps in with a mission to rescue Sumathi from Yaskin’s clutches, leading to a high-stakes showdown between Bhairava and Ashwatthama.
Who will succeed in their quest for Sumathi? What is Ashwatthama’s secret connection to her? Why is Yaskin so determined to control her? As these mysteries unfold, we are drawn into a world full of twists and turns, all while questions about Sumathi’s ties to the ‘Rebels of Shambala’ linger.
Plus Points:
Prabhas, often referred to as Tollywood’s ‘Darling,’ gives an unforgettable performance as Bhairava. His portrayal of the bounty hunter is a masterclass in quirky charm and raw energy. The digital companion, Bujji (voiced by Keerthy Suresh), adds a delightful dynamic to his character. The film’s futuristic technology, especially the stunning car sequences, makes the narrative all the more engaging. A surprise role from Prabhas adds another layer of intrigue, which is best experienced on the big screen.
Amitabh Bachchan’s Ashwatthama is nothing short of spectacular. His commanding presence, paired with minimal yet powerful dialogue, makes his role a highlight of the film. The confrontation scenes between Prabhas and Amitabh are cinematic gold, leaving audiences in awe.
Deepika Padukone makes a grand debut in Telugu cinema as Sumathi (SUM-80). Her character brings a much-needed emotional depth to the narrative, and her portrayal resonates deeply with viewers, making her a key player in the story.
Kamal Haasan, in his role as the antagonist Supreme Yaskin, delivers an intense performance with a voice that adds layers of intimidation. His fierce expressions and gripping dialogue delivery establish him as the film’s formidable force.
Supporting actors such as Rajendra Prasad, Pasupathy, Sobhana, and Anna Ben all deliver strong performances, further elevating the movie. Special cameos from SS Rajamouli, Ram Gopal Varma, Anudeep, Mrunal Thakur, Vijay Deverakonda, and Dulquer Salmaan provide delightful surprises.
The second half of the movie picks up pace with thrilling, high-stakes action. The Mahabharata-inspired sequences are magnificently executed, and the film’s powerful climax and cliffhanger leave a lasting impact. Santhosh Narayanan’s background score enhances these intense moments, making them unforgettable.
Minus Points:
While the second half is undeniably gripping, the film’s first half suffers from a slow pace, which may test the patience of some viewers. The director and editor could have trimmed some unnecessary scenes to streamline the narrative and maintain the audience’s engagement.
The chemistry between Prabhas and Disha Patani feels underwhelming, and some sequences, like the song set in Complex, seem out of place.
Certain thrilling scenes build suspense only to be underutilized until the interval, leaving some emotional moments, particularly related to Shambala and its mission, underdeveloped. A deeper emotional connection between Bujji and Bhairava in the first half might have made the latter half even more impactful.
Technical Aspects:
Director Nag Ashwin, in both his writing and direction, does a commendable job of bringing his futuristic vision to life. The screenplay, however, could have been more concise, especially in the first half.
Cinematography by Djordie Stojilikovic is visually stunning, with some breathtaking shots that heighten the film’s immersive world-building. Editing by Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao is decent, but the film could have benefitted from tighter pacing, especially in the opening act.
Santhosh Narayanan’s musical score is brilliant, though some songs may take a while to resonate with listeners. The film’s production values, courtesy of Vyjayanthi Movies, are top-notch, and the VFX, costume design, and overall art direction showcase the immense effort put into creating this cinematic universe.
Verdict:
Overall, Kalki 2898 AD delivers a mesmerizing fusion of mythology and science fiction. With stellar performances from Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, and Deepika Padukone, this film is an unmissable experience for fans of high-octane action and mythological thrillers. Though the first half may be slow at times, the film’s explosive second half, combined with unforgettable moments, more than makes up for it. Don’t miss this visionary cinematic experience – grab your tickets and witness this spectacular ride in theaters.
