Kalki 2898 AD: A Visually Stunning Blend of Hindu Mythology and Futuristic Sci-Fi
Nag Ashwin’s highly anticipated pan-Indian film Kalki 2898 AD, starring Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, and Kamal Haasan, is a visually stunning blend of Hindu mythology and futuristic sci-fi. The film attempts to immerse the audience in a dystopian world set 6000 years after the Kurukshetra war, where the last avatar of Vishnu, Kalki, is prophesied to arrive and save humanity.
Slow Pacing and Uneven Humor Hamper the First Half
While the film’s ambition and world-building are commendable, the first half suffers from slow pacing and uneven humor. The narrative meanders, introducing a myriad of characters and settings, but struggles to keep the audience engaged. The attempted humor, particularly in the form of laugh tracks given to Prabhas’ character Bhairava, falls flat and slows down the film’s momentum.
Amitabh Bachchan Shines as the Gravelly and Epic Ashwatthama
However, the film finds its footing in the second half, with Amitabh Bachchan‘s performance as the gravelly and epic Ashwatthama being a standout. His confrontation with Bhairava is one of the best set pieces in the film, showcasing Bachchan’s acting prowess.
Keerthy Suresh’s Bujji Provides Much-Needed Levity
The only exception to the uneven humor is Bujji, an AI-powered custom-made vehicle voiced by Keerthy Suresh, who serves as Bhairava’s smart-mouthed sidekick. Bujji’s character provides much-needed levity and induces smiles throughout the film.
Kamal Haasan’s Impactful Cameo and Promising Character Arc
While Kamal Haasan appears sparingly, he makes an impact with his portrayal of Supreme Yaskin or Kali, the ruler of the Complex. His character arc is promising and likely to be explored further in potential sequels.
Visually Stunning Spectacle and Ambitious Storytelling
Kalki 2898 AD is a visual spectacle, with the filmmakers putting in a lot of effort to build the various worlds depicted in the film, including the Kurukshetra battlefield, Kasi, Shambala, and the Complex. The film’s ambition in blending stories from the Mahabharata with a futuristic, dystopian sci-fi world is commendable.
Shortcomings in Writing and Storytelling
Despite its visual grandeur and ambition, the film has some shortcomings in its writing and storytelling. The narrative goes back and forth between different timelines and settings, which can be confusing at times. The film also features a lacklustre romance and underwhelming dialogues that detract from the overall cohesiveness of the narrative.
Brave New Attempt That Deserves Praise
Overall, Kalki 2898 AD is a brave new attempt that deserves praise for its ambition and visual spectacle. While the first half may be a slog for some viewers, the film redeems itself in the second half with a rousing climax and stellar performances from Amitabh Bachchan and Prabhas. The film’s parallels to Indian epics and its exploration of complex themes make it a thought-provoking experience that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.
Conclusion: A Promising Start to a Potential Cinematic Universe
Kalki 2898 AD is just the beginning of a cinematic universe that has the potential to become the greatest experience in Indian cinema. Despite its flaws, the film is a celebration of myth embedded in a sci-fi world that offers a unique and ambitious take on the age-old battle between good and evil. With its stellar cast, stunning visuals, and intriguing storytelling, Kalki 2898 AD is a must-watch for fans of sci-fi and Indian mythology alike.
