Kalki 2898 AD Movie Review: Amitabh, Prabhas, and Deepika Elevate Nag Ashwin's Sci-Fi Spectacle
Finally here is Nag Ashwin's science fiction film, *Kalki 2898 AD*, which offers all promised in the trailer. With flying vehicles, advanced weapons, an evil overlord, a kind-hearted hero, a damsel in distress, and an indestructible protector, this movie deftly brings Indian film into the sci-fi subgenre. Inspired from Dune, Mad Max, MCU, Star War*, and Hindu mythology, it's exciting to see these components in an Indian film for the first time.
Beginning at the end of the great Mahabharata war, Ashwathama (Amitabh Bachchan) targets Uttara's unborn child with his Brahmastra. Until Ashwathama atones by saving the next avatar of Lord Vishnu, Kalki, Lord Krishna curses Ashwathama to live permanently. 6000 years later, the planet is a dystopian wasteland under totalitarian Supreme Yaskin's (Kamal Haasan) hoarding of all natural resources.
As Bhairava, a bounty hunter determined to survive inside Yaskin's complex, Prabhas stars. Fertile women are used for an enigmatic Project K while Yaskin rules with an iron fist. One of the ladies caught in this experiment, Deepika Padukone plays SU-M80. Ashwatthama, meanwhile, waits for his opportunity to guard the future Kalki.
Under Mariam (Shobana), the Shambala rebels hold belief in a prophecy of a saviour child. The difference between the privileged and the underprivileged gets clear as the narrative goes on. Though some scenes feel forced and unduly long, with pointless humor and song sequences that detract from the narrative, Bhairava's antics take front stage in the first half.
But the movie picks up pace just before the interval, making viewers yearning more. The second half exhibits Nag Ashwin's ability to keep the audience interested. Ashwatthama's role becomes essential as he protects the pregnant Sumathi (Deepika Padukone). The fight scenes between Ashwatthama and Bhairava are highlights, culminating in a violent finale.
Nag Ashwin clearly pulls inspiration from films like Star Wars, Dune and MCU movies for the action sequences. Despite this, the Mahabharata flashbacks and the blend of past and present provide a unique touch.
Amitabh Bachchan, as Ashwatthama, plays a decent role and leaves his mark with his powerful performance. Prabhas' Bhairava, the Iron Man-inspired protagonist of this sci-fi actioner, does pretty well, especially during the climax. There is something heartfelt about the chemistry between him and his AI vehicle, Bujji. However, the romantic subplot with Disha Patani does feel forced. Deepika has a limited dialogue delivery but compensates with her performance. Kamal Haasan, as Supreme Yaskin, sends shivers on screen.
Nag Ashwin has done a great job concerning direction, VFX, and storytelling, which is very clear about the vision of this dystopian world. Though Bhairava's character gets much space, he still extracted the potential of every other actor, making people yearn for more from them. The elements of the Mahabharata add more grit to his mythological roots. Djordje Stojiljkovic's cinematography perfectly captured the gloomy atmosphere, while Santhosh Narayanan's music worked well in the second half.
Some of the fight scenes, especially the VFX-heavy ones, seem a little weird. But, the ones with Ashwatthama are a delight to watch. Special mention to the fight sequence between Ashwatthama and bhairava is brilliantly choreographed and VFX is exceptional.
Aiding them with their outstanding cameos are familiar faces like Dulquer Salman or SS Rajamouli. Some of these have little to do with the story, but they are fun. Nag Ashwin gets the promised war done without taking an easy way out.
Though not perfect, Kalki 2898 AD is bold and exciting; it pushes the envelope of Telugu cinema. What works for this film is the way Nag Ashwin masterfully strings human emotions together so that one gets invested in the characters. Leaving hopes for an even bigger and better sequel, Kalki 2898 AD makes for a compelling watch, leaving audiences wanting more.
Verdict: Kalki 2898 AD a slow build with visually stunning and emotionally powerful journey but culminates in an explosive finale.
