Kalki 2898 AD | Movie Review

Director: Nag Ashwin
Star Cast: Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Deepika Padukone, Disha Patani
Watch or Not?: Yes
Language: The review is done by watching the Hindi version. You can also watch the movie in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and Kannada languages.
Available On: Theatrical release
Runtime: 181 Minutes
Review Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐(4/5)

Plot Summary:
Kalki 2898 AD plunges viewers into a post-apocalyptic world where the holy city of Kashi is a desolate wasteland, and survival hinges on scarce resources. Under the rule of the enigmatic Supreme Yaskin, the people of Kashi await salvation in the form of the god Kalki, the final avatar of Vishnu. The narrative, drawing from Hindu mythology, explores how Bhairava (Prabhas), a rogue bounty hunter, and Ashwatthama (Amitabh Bachchan) become central to this epic tale, with Deepika Padukone’s pregnant Sumathi symbolizing humanity’s hope.

The plot’s unique combination of mythology and dystopia makes for a compelling setting, where Prabhas’ reckless character and Amitabh’s portrayal of Ashwatthama serve as focal points.

Script Analysis:
Nag Ashwin takes a bold approach, intertwining elements of Hindu mythology with a futuristic world teetering on collapse. The movie opens with a powerful Mahabharata flashback, depicting Ashwatthama’s eternal curse. From there, we leap 6,000 years into the future, where Kashi’s sacredness has vanished, and humanity struggles under the tyrannical rule of Supreme Yaskin.

While the film’s world-building is impressive, the first half of the story meanders as too much focus is given to Bhairava’s carefree attitude and antics, detracting from the film’s darker, dystopian themes. Bhairava’s humor and song sequences feel misplaced, especially in a world so bleak and fraught with suffering. However, the film regains its momentum by the interval, with the story’s central conflict becoming more intense.

The second half is where the film truly shines. As Ashwatthama takes on the duty of protecting Sumathi, the tension builds, leading to thrilling action sequences and a well-executed climax. The incorporation of mythological references gives depth to the film, and while Kalki 2898 AD borrows from popular Hollywood franchises like Avengers: Infinity War and Star Wars, it still manages to create its own unique identity.

Star Performance:
Amitabh Bachchan is the heart of Kalki 2898 AD. His portrayal of Ashwatthama, the cursed immortal, is riveting. Despite his limited screen time in the first half, he dominates the second, delivering a performance that’s equal parts intense and introspective. His emotional weight and commanding presence lift the movie.

Prabhas as Bhairava strikes a balance between comedy and action, although his character’s comedic detours sometimes feel out of place. His chemistry with his AI vehicle, Bujji, is one of the movie’s highlights. However, the forced romantic subplot with Disha Patani feels unnecessary and adds little to the plot.

Deepika Padukone’s Sumathi, though limited in dialogue, brings emotional depth through her expressive performance. Her character’s quiet strength adds a poignant layer to the narrative. Kamal Haasan as the menacing Supreme Yaskin offers a chilling, albeit brief, performance, while Saswata Chatterjee’s Commander Manas adds an unsettling dimension with his ruthlessness.

Direction and Music:
Nag Ashwin’s direction stands out in his vision of a dystopian Kashi and his ambitious attempt to merge Hindu mythology with sci-fi. While the first half struggles to maintain focus, the second half redeems itself with high-octane action and powerful mythological ties. Ashwin’s inspiration from Hollywood’s biggest franchises is evident, but he successfully gives the film a unique flair through its Indian mythology-based narrative.

Djordje Stojiljkovic’s cinematography enhances the film’s post-apocalyptic feel, with bleak landscapes and sweeping shots of a destroyed Kashi. The fight scenes, particularly those involving Ashwatthama and Bhairava, are visually stunning, capturing both intensity and elegance without sacrificing clarity.

Santhosh Narayanan’s background score amplifies the tension and drama, especially in the second half. While Bhairava’s theme is memorable, the musical numbers early on are unnecessary distractions from the story’s darker tone.

The Last Word:
Kalki 2898 AD is an ambitious cinematic experience that blends the grandeur of Hindu mythology with the sci-fi spectacle of a dystopian future. Though the first half falters with pacing issues and misplaced humor, the film’s stellar performances, especially from Amitabh Bachchan and Prabhas, and the gripping second half make it a must-watch. Nag Ashwin’s bold vision sets the stage for a thrilling saga, and viewers will be eager to see how the story unfolds in future installments.

Verdict: A visually stunning, action-packed drama with a unique mythological twist.

For more recommendations, read our Munjya Movie Review here.