In a dazzling display of ambition, Kalki 2898 AD rocketed into theaters in 2024, weaving a sci-fi epic steeped in Indian mythology produced as a Telugu-language film, it is directed by Nag Ashwin, and stars Amitabh Bachchan, Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Kamal Haasan, and Disha Patani.
The story unfolds in a desolate future, the year 2898 AD to be exact. A desolate wasteland known as Kasi serves as the only city left on Earth, ruled by a tyrannical elite from a sky-high megastructure. The film weaves a connection between the epic battles of the Mahabharata, a legendary Indian war fought in 3102 BC, and the arrival of Kalki, the prophesied final incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu. In this desolate future, the echoes of that ancient war still resonate, setting the stage for a new kind of fight for survival.
The film's development began in 2019, with director Nag Ashwin helming the project after the success of his previous film, Mahanati. Initially titled Prabhas 21 (as it was Prabhas' 21st lead role), the project was later rechristened Project K after the main cast assembled. Filming commenced in July 2021 but was a stop-and-start affair due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It wasn't until mid-March 2024 that shooting finally wrapped. Kalki 2898 AD is a visual effects extravaganza, requiring the creation of futuristic vehicles and a believable wasteland environment.
Prime Focus DNEG and The Embassy Visual Effects studios were entrusted with this task, crafting a total of 700 shots. The film also boasts the distinction of being the first Indian production to utilize the DIY Arri Alexa 65 camera. The high-octane action sequences and fantastical world-building are complemented by a musical score from Santhosh Narayanan. With a budget of ₹600 crore (US$72 million), making it the costliest Indian film ever made, Kalki 2898 AD's release strategy was as ambitious as the film itself. It is rumored that this cost has been more than recovered by selling Digital and Satellite rights and International licenses totaling 680 crore rupees. The first glimpse of the film was unveiled at the prestigious San Diego Comic-Con in 2023, a first for an Indian film. A meticulously crafted marketing campaign followed, including character reveals, teaser trailers, and even an animated prelude series titled Bujji and Bhairava, released on Amazon Prime Video.
The film finally premiered worldwide on June 27, 2024, in multiple languages including Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, and English. Kalki 2898 AD marks the beginning of the Kalki Cinematic Universe, promising further adventures in this richly imagined future.
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