Casting Kamal Haasan was the most challenging decision ever, producer Swapna Dutt of Vyjayanthi Movies, mentioned in a promotional video.
Published Jun 24, 2024 | 9:35 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 24, 2024 | 11:24 PM
It is not that I’ve played bad guys before. But this is something else, said Kamal Haasan, about his role in 'Kalki 2898 AD'. (X)
Kalki 2989 AD, starring Prabhas in the lead role, is scheduled for release on 27 June, which is only three days away. To heighten excitement, the producers released a video on social media showcasing the cast discussing Kamal Haasan’s participation. According to the producers, it took Kamal Haasan a year to agree to the role.
In the pre-release video, the cast gathered in a circle to discuss Kalki 2898 AD. Producer Swapna Dutt mentioned, “I must say, one of the most challenging castings we’ve ever done was for Kamal sir.” She went on to explain that the actor-politician had expressed concerns during the process.
Swapna Dutt explained, “During our shoot, we were constantly thinking about Yaskin. The entire film revolves around this character. How do you cast someone more powerful than the two superheroes in the film? We could only think of Kamal sir, and we pursued him for at least a year.”
Prabhas joined in with a jest, saying, “I kept telling her why would Kamal sir agree? Don’t trouble him. Just let it go.”
THE KALKI CHRONICLES 📽️
Episode 1: Stars Speak – Full Interview out now!Watch the candid chat with the stars of #Kalki2898AD 🔗 https://t.co/fVt7LoQauG@SrBachchan @ikamalhaasan #Prabhas @deepikapadukone @nagashwin7 @DishPatani @Music_Santhosh @VyjayanthiFilms @Kalki2898AD… pic.twitter.com/LkSAszhSgD
— Vyjayanthi Movies (@VyjayanthiFilms) June 23, 2024
Kamal Haasan then chimed in, saying, “It’s not about that. Self-doubt creeps in, you know. He has done this before (pointing towards Big B and Prabhas). What am I going to bring to this role? That was the concern. It’s not like I haven’t played negative roles before. I had been the main antagonist, playing psychopaths and such. But this role is different.”
Kamal Haasan said that he doesn’t entirely trust what directors present, in terms of concept and story designs, as they often reflect mere ambition. Many of the ambitious projects, he considered never materialised. However, when Nag Ashwin approached him for the role of Supreme Yaskin in Kalki 2898 AD, the situation was distinct.
The actor-politician stated that he extensively questioned Nag Ashwin about how he planned to realise his dream. Nag Ashwin, eventually, showed Kamal Haasan several scenes from the film already featuring actor Amitabh Bachchan.
Prabhas then nodded respectfully and said, “We are fortunate to have Kamal sir with us,” while joining his hands in gratitude.
(Edited by S Subhakeerthana)
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