Movie Name : Kalki 2898 AD
Release Date : June 27, 2024
Starring : Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Rajendra Prasad, Disha Patani, Saswata Chatterjee, Brahmanandam, Anna Ben, Shobana, Mrunal Thakur, Dulquer Salmaan, Vijay Deverakonda, and others.
Director: Nag Ashwin
Producer: Aswini Dutt, Priyanka Dutt and Swapna Dutt
Music Director: Santhosh Narayanan
Cinematographer: Djordie Stojilikovic
Editor: Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao
Amidst great anticipation, Kalki 2898 AD has finally premiered worldwide, directed by the visionary Nag Ashwin. Featuring a stellar cast including Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan, and Kamal Haasan, the film aims to deliver an unparalleled cinematic experience. Join us as we explore whether it fulfills its monumental expectations. Check out our review for all the details.
Story:
In the futuristic city of Kashi in 2898 AD, ruled by Supreme Yaskin (played by Kamal Haasan), a fertility lab is set up to create a new world. Deepika Padukone stars as Sumathi, chosen by Yaskin from many women for a special experiment.
Prabhas plays Bhairava, a tough bounty hunter who dreams of a better life inside Complex. Amitabh Bachchan appears as Ashwatthama, a mysterious figure determined to rescue Sumathi from Yaskin’s control. Their paths collide when Bhairava, driven by a bounty, confronts Ashwatthama.
Will Bhairava hand Sumathi over to Complex? What drives Ashwatthama to protect her? How are Ashwatthama and Bhairava connected in the past? And what drastic steps will Yaskin take next? Sumathi’s identity and her ties to the secretive ‘Rebels of Shambala’ are central mysteries waiting to unfold on the big screen.
Positive Aspects:
In Tollywood’s latest epic, Prabhas shines as Bhairava, a bounty hunter known for his quirky humor, greed, and cunning nature. He embodies Nag Ashwin’s vision for the lead role perfectly. Prabhas captures the essence of Bhairava, and his interactions with his digital companion Bujji (voiced by Keerthy Suresh) add a delightful touch. The futuristic car, pivotal to the story, dazzles in key scenes, enhancing the film’s grandeur. Prabhas surprises audiences with another role that’s best experienced on the big screen.
Amitabh Bachchan, a legend in his own right, delivers a standout performance as Ashwatthama. His presence is magnetic, and even with minimal dialogue, he speaks volumes. The confrontations between Prabhas and Amitabh are pure cinematic gold.
Deepika Padukone makes a powerful debut in Telugu cinema as Sumathi (SUM-80), who endures immense challenges in pursuit of a better future envisioned by the people of Shambala. Her character’s emotional journey is deeply compelling, and Nag Ashwin’s writing brings several poignant moments to life.
Kamal Haasan, playing the formidable antagonist Supreme Yaskin, captivates with his intense dialogue delivery and commanding presence. His portrayal is immersive, showcasing his versatility and talent.
Supporting actors like Rajendra Prasad, Pasupathy, Sobhana, and Anna Ben contribute solid performances that enrich the film. Certain scenes resonate strongly, reflecting the dedication of Nag Ashwin and his team. Cameos by SS Rajamouli, Ram Gopal Varma, Anudeep, Mrunal Thakur, Vijay Deverakonda, and Dulquer Salmaan add delightful surprises.
The second half of the film is packed with thrilling moments that keep audiences on the edge of their seats. The Mahabharata sequences are particularly well-executed, with a climax and cliffhanger ending that leave a lasting impact. Santhosh Narayanan’s background score enhances these moments, creating a memorable cinematic experience.
Negative Aspects:
While the second half of the film is captivating, the slow-paced first half presents a challenge. The director and editor could have shortened the film by cutting scenes that don’t contribute significantly to the plot.
Scenes featuring Prabhas and Disha Patani lack engagement, and the song set in Complex seems unnecessary.
Several potentially thrilling scenes are not fully utilized until the interval. Adding more emotional depth in the second half about Shambala and its mission could have made a greater impact. Strengthening the bond between Bujji and Prabhas in the first half might have improved the overall narrative flow of the film.
Technical Elements:
Nag Ashwin shines as both writer and director, bringing his creative vision to life with the help of a talented cast and crew. However, the screenplay could have been more tightly woven in the first half to match the gripping climax.
Djordje Stojiljkovic’s cinematography is exceptional, capturing the essence of the film beautifully. Kota Venkateswara Rao’s editing is good, but could have been more precise, especially in the initial hour. Trimming unnecessary scenes could have enhanced the film’s pacing.
Santhosh Narayanan delivers an impressive musical score, though some songs may take time to resonate with audiences. Vyjayanthi Movies’ production values are outstanding, evident in the meticulous work of the art department, VFX team, post-production crew, and costume designers. Every investment made by the filmmakers shines through in the film’s high-quality production.
Conclusion:
Overall, Kalki 2898 AD emerges as one of Tollywood’s standout films, seamlessly blending a futuristic setting with a mythological backdrop. Prabhas delivers an exceptional performance in dual roles, a treat for his fans. Amitabh Bachchan’s stellar acting and Deepika Padukone’s standout presence further elevate the film.
The interval packs an explosive punch, and the intense confrontations between Prabhas and Amitabh Bachchan are truly remarkable. From the gripping pre-climax to the thrilling cliffhanger, the film delivers mind-blowing sequences that justify every moment on screen.
However, the slow-burn narrative and length of the first half might test audience patience. Despite this, it’s a cinematic experience not to be missed—secure your tickets now and witness it in the best format available.
Piktalk.com Rating: 3.75/5
Reviewed by Team Piktalk