Exploring Kalki 2898 AD: An Epic Film Featuring Larger-Than-Life Amitabh Bachchan, Soaring Prabhas, and Emotionally Charged Deepika Padukone.

Nag Ashwin’s Kalki 2898 AD stands out as a high-budget Indian production with ambitious goals. This Telugu film, also available in Hindi and Tamil, positions itself as a Pan-India project, blending actors from various entertainment sectors, a narrative that intertwines Hindu mythology with science fiction, and visual effects that rival those seen in Hollywood productions of a similar genre. However, despite these grand aspirations, the film falters due to its unoriginal storyline and poorly executed screenplay, resulting in a somewhat comedic and underwhelming experience.

In Kalki 2898 AD, the story unfolds during the final stages of the Kurukshetra war in the Mahabharata, where Lord Krishna bestows immortality upon Ashwathama (portrayed by Amitabh Bachchan). Fast forward 6000 years into the future and 874 years ahead from present times, viewers find themselves in a desolate, dusty Kurukshetra. Here, the city of Kasi remains the sole bastion under the oppressive reign of the despot Yaskin (played by Kamal Haasan), who hovers within a massive inverted triangular structure known as the Complex. His enforcers, led by Commander Manas (depicted by Saswata Chatterjee), scour traveling migrants for fertile women, disregarding age. Within the Complex, numerous pregnant women are artificially impregnated to extract a mysterious serum for Yaskin’s benefit.

Outside the confines of the Complex, a ruthless environment prevails, with bounty hunters like Bhairava (portrayed by Prabhas) vying to access the legendary structure offering abundant resources. Meanwhile, in the hills, a rebel faction led by Mariam (played by Shobhana) resides in Shambala, anticipating a prophesied event – the arrival of a new…

The film, credited to Nag Ashwin, seems to draw inspiration from popular works like Dune, Star Wars, Mad Max: Fury Road, Blade Runner, and Marvel movies. It starts off a bit slow, especially with the unnecessary romantic subplot involving Disha Patani and Prabhas wandering around the complex. Kalki 2898 AD takes its time to set the stage for the story, with the action kicking in more prominently in the second half as the pace picks up. However, the extensive, mind-numbing action scenes end up overshadowing the plot, making it hard to follow. At one point, we witness two colossal Amitabh Bachchans engaged in combat, and then there’s Prabhas soaring through the air with his AI-driven robotic car/confidante that transforms into various forms at his command.

In a futuristic setting like Kalki 2898 AD, where technology surpasses current imagination, it’s puzzling why the narrative relies on a divine force for change instead of the advanced machinery available. The film’s costume choices also raise eyebrows, with scantily clad pregnant women and a mix of Roman toga and high-tech armor in Shambala. Nag Ashwin’s big-budget project features a slew of familiar faces in cameo roles, including Vijay Deverakonda, Mrunal Thakur, directors SS Rajamouli and Ram Gopal Verma, and Malayalam star Anna Ben, adding star power as Sumati and Ashwathama journey through rugged terrains to Shambala for safety.