Kalki 2898 AD: A Mythic Sci-Fi Epic Unveiling the Future of Indian Cinema

Kalki 2898 AD: A Vision of Epic Proportions

Kalki 2898 AD (stylized as KALKI 2898 – A. D) is a 2024 Indian Telugu-language epic science fiction film directed by Nag Ashwin and produced by Vyjayanthi Movies. Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, and Disha Patani, the film marks the inaugural installment of the Kalki Cinematic Universe. Set in the year 2898 AD in a post-apocalyptic world, it draws inspiration from Hindu mythology and follows a mission to save the unborn child of a lab subject named SUM-80, who is destined to become Kalki, the final avatar of Vishnu.

Early Development and Production

The film was officially announced in February 2020 under the tentative title Prabhas 21, referring to it being the 21st lead role of actor Prabhas. It was later renamed Project K. Principal photography began in July 2021, following delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The production, spanning over three years, wrapped in late May 2024. The official title, Kalki 2898 AD, was revealed in July 2023. The film features music by Santhosh Narayanan, cinematography by Djordje Stojiljkovic, and editing by Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao. With a staggering budget of ₹600 crore, it stands as one of the most expensive Indian films ever made.

Plot Overview: The Ancient Curse and the Dystopian Future

The narrative of Kalki 2898 AD is rooted in ancient mythology and a dystopian future. The story begins in 3102 BC, shortly after the Kurukshetra War. Ashwatthama, a warrior cursed to wander the earth as an immortal, tries to kill Uttarā’s unborn child. For this act, Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu, curses Ashwatthama to roam eternally, witnessing the decay of humanity during the Kali Yuga. Ashwatthama’s divine gem is taken from him, and his redemption is prophesied to come from protecting the mother of Kalki, Vishnu’s tenth and final avatar.

Fast forward to 2898 AD, the world is a wasteland, with Kasi being the last known city under the oppressive rule of Supreme Yaskin, a 200-year-old god king. Yaskin controls the city from the Complex, a massive inverted-pyramid megastructure floating above Kasi. His reign is maintained by Commander Manas, Counsellor Bani, and an army of soldiers who suppress threats, particularly rebels from the hidden city of Shambhala. These rebels believe in the arrival of Kalki, who is prophesied to end Yaskin’s tyranny.

The Quest to Save Sumathi

In this dystopian setting, fertile female refugees are forcibly conscripted into Project K, an experiment to produce a potent serum for Yaskin through artificially inseminated fetuses. However, none of the fetuses survive the 150-day gestation period, and the women are killed during the extraction process.

Raia, a young girl disguised as a boy, narrowly escapes conscription with the help of Shambhalan rebels. During her flight, she stumbles upon Ashwatthama and unknowingly brings him his divine gem. Once Ashwatthama places the gem back in his forehead, he learns that a woman pregnant with Kalki is in hiding. Together, they embark on a mission to find her.

Meanwhile, in the Complex, SUM-80, a subject of Project K who has hidden her 150-day pregnancy, is discovered and subjected to the extraction procedure. A single drop of serum is extracted before SUM-80 is rescued by the Shambhalan rebels and renamed Sumathi. As they travel to Shambhala, their transport is ambushed by bounty hunters and raiders, including Bhairava, a relentless bounty hunter pursuing Sumathi with his AI supercar, Bujji.

Conflict and Revelations

The rebels and Sumathi are cornered by the Complex’s soldiers. Ashwatthama and Bhairava arrive, engaging in a fierce battle with the soldiers. Their conflict escalates as Ashwatthama and Bhairava fight over Sumathi, who is revealed to be the mother of Kalki. Despite Bhairava’s efforts, Ashwatthama prevails, and the group reaches Shambhala. There, the tree of life blooms in Kalki’s presence.

Ashwatthama reveals to Raia that his walking stick is a dormant weapon, the Vijaya Dhanush, once belonging to his friend Karna from the Kurukshetra War. Meanwhile, Bhairava makes a deal with Manas to capture Sumathi in exchange for entry into the Complex. He tricks a rebel into taking him to Shambhala, disguises himself as Ashwatthama, and convinces Sumathi to flee with him. However, the real Ashwatthama intercepts them, leading to a confrontation.

The Battle for Shambhala

Manas and his soldiers breach Shambhala’s defenses. The city’s leader, Mariam, tries to protect Sumathi but is killed by Manas. With Shambhala falling to the Complex’s forces, Ashwatthama and Bhairava join forces to save Sumathi. Ashwatthama knocks Bhairava unconscious, and Manas captures him. In a twist, Ashwatthama’s walking stick and a leaf from the tree of life fall into Bhairava’s hands, reawakening both the weapon and Bhairava. It is revealed that Bhairava is a reincarnation of Karna, and empowered by Karna’s bow, he defeats the soldiers and kills Manas. Bujji helps bring Bhairava back to his senses, and he escapes with Sumathi while Ashwatthama watches.

The Mid-Credits Scene: A New Threat

In a dramatic mid-credits scene, Yaskin uses the serum extracted from Sumathi’s fetus on himself, partially gaining the power of the unborn Kalki and transforming into a youthful superhuman. He takes up Arjuna’s bow, Gandiva, and vows to personally capture Sumathi and her child to reshape the world according to his vision.

Release and Box Office Performance

Kalki 2898 AD was initially set for release on 9 May 2024 but was postponed due to post-production delays. The film premiered worldwide on 27 June 2024 in standard, IMAX, 3D, and 4DX formats. With a production budget of ₹600 crore, it became the most expensive Indian film ever made. By the end of its theatrical run, the film had grossed an estimated ₹1,028–1,200 crore globally, setting multiple box office records. It became the highest-grossing Indian film of 2024, the highest-grossing Telugu film of the year, and the fourth highest-grossing film in India overall.

Critical Reception and Impact

Kalki 2898 AD received a mixture of reviews from critics. While some praised its ambitious blend of mythology and science fiction, and its visual spectacle, others noted flaws in the screenplay. The film was recognized for its groundbreaking approach and its significant contribution to Indian cinema, blending ancient lore with futuristic elements.

The Future of the Kalki Cinematic Universe

The film’s success has set the stage for a broader franchise. The Kalki Cinematic Universe is set to expand, with plans for sequels and related media. The epic scope and innovative storytelling of Kalki 2898 AD have set high expectations for future installments, promising to continue exploring its rich mythological and futuristic narrative.