Prabhas’s much-anticipated science fiction extravaganza, Kalki 2898 AD, has finally locked in its release date after much speculation. Alongside powerhouse talents Deepika Padukone, Disha Patani, Amitabh Bachchan, and Kamal Haasan, the film is set to hit theaters on June 27, 2024.

Under the direction of Nag Ashwin, this film draws inspiration from the Mahabharata, promising a captivating fusion of past and future with its intriguing premise centered around Lord Vishnu’s tenth incarnation, Kalki.

With a staggering budget of 600 crores, Kalki 2898 AD is poised to make a substantial impact at the box office, with projections soaring above 1000 crores. However, while the chosen release date appears safe, it might have been more audacious to capitalize on the dry spell at the box office during May and early June, untouched by major releases due to the election period and IPL.

During this period, there are no significant Hindi releases, with only mid-range films like Rajkummar Rao’s Srikanth, Janhvi Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao’s Mr. and Mrs. Mahi, Kartik Aaryan’s Chandu Champion, and Kangana Ranaut’s Emergency! slated for release. Kalki 2898 AD could have seized this golden opportunity to dominate the box office during this nearly 50-day lull, which could have proven pivotal for its success.

Nevertheless, the film continues to generate immense anticipation, evident from its massive buzz among the masses. The recent character promo featuring Amitabh Bachchan as Ashwatthama, eagerly awaiting Lord Vishnu’s Kalki avatar, only adds to the mounting excitement. With pre-sales already hitting around 750 crores, the summer release could have provided a substantial boost to the box office, offering a clear playing field without competition.

Currently, the silver lining for Kalki 2898 AD lies in the ample time it has for pre-production, ensuring the delivery of a stellar final product. Who knows, perhaps the countdown to shatter all records, including the monumental success of Baahubali, has already begun?