KALKI 2898 AD is an epic dystopian science fiction action film directed by Nag Ashwin and produced by C. Aswani Dutt under Vyjayanthi Movies.It is the first instalment of the planned Kalki Cinematic Universe and was shot in Telugu and is inspired by Hindu scriptures, set in a post-apocalyptic world in the year 2898 AD.
Despite the hype and action, “KALKI” takes off very slowly, lulling viewers into a slumber as the story unravels without much audience engagement. While a few scenes manage to capture attention, much of the film is buried in the typical blabber typical of Prabhas’s commercial masala films. The first half suffers from a noticeable absence of strong editing, but the film springs to life in the second half. In the latter part, the ideas and quirkiness begin to shine. The action scenes, paired with spectacular visuals, make for some compelling viewing. However, the drama throughout the film doesn’t work, which is a significant drawback. The movie relies heavily on its visual impact and futuristic action scenes, but without strong emotions and dramatic appeal, it feels flat, save for a few patches. Nag Ashwin deserves credit for attempting a fusion of historical riffing and future apocalypse, but unfortunately, he doesn’t do justice with a diluted storyline. Hopefully, the second part will be better.
Prabhas doesn’t impress much as he dishes out a regular fare. Thankfully his wig is better here. Amitabh Bachan is the show stealer as he delivers a strong performance. Kamal Hassan relies more on his makeup for now, perhaps the sequel will have more of him. Deepika Padukone is neat in a reflexive role. Shobana is good. Pasupathy is average. Disha Patani is OK while Saswata Chatterjee doesn’t fit.
Technically the movie is brilliant and yet inconsistent in some departments. Cinematography by Djordje Stojiljkovic is outstanding. Santosh Narayanan could have done better in the music department. He does make some amends in the background score in the second half. The art direction make the project very believable. The action choreography is brilliant. Editing by Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao lacks the finesse the film deserves. Dialogues are good and kudos to director Nag Ashwin for executing this mammoth project.
KALKI 2898 AD makes for an impressive viewing on the big screen.
KALKI 2898 AD – KALEIDOSCOPE !!
2.5/5
B.U.Shreesha
KALKI 2898 AD – CAST AND CREW
PRODUCTION – VYJAYANTHI FILMS
PRODUCER – C ASWINI DUTT
RELEASE – SRI LAKSHMI MOVIES – N.V PRASAD
CAST
PRABHAS as BHAIRAVA
AMITABH BACHCHAN as ASHWATTHAMA
KAMAL HAASAN as SUPREME YASKIN
DEEPIKA PADUKONE as SUMATHI
DISHA PATANI as ROXIE
SHOBHANA as MARIAM
PASUPATHY as VEERAN
BRAHMANANDAM as RAJAN
CREW
DIRECTOR – NAG ASHWIN
DOP – DJORDJE STOJILJKOVIC
MUSIC – SANTHOSH NARAYANAN
EDITOR – KOTAGIRI VENKATESWARA RAO
BANNER – VYJAYANTHI FILMS
PRODUCED BY – C ASWINI DUTT
RELEASE – SRI LAKSHMI MOVIES – N.V PRASAD