Published Jun 11, 2024 | 5:43 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 21, 2024 | 12:03 AM
Nag Ashwin, and a collage of stills from 'Kalki 2898' trailer.
Filmmaker Nag Ashwin describes his highly anticipated pan-India film, Kalki 2898 AD, as a fusion of Indian mythology and science fiction. He credits the dedication of his cast and crew for making this dream a reality.
Formerly known as Project K, the multilingual, big-budget sci-fi film features Prabhas, Kamal Haasan, Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan, and Disha Patani. It is produced by C Aswini Dutt under Vyjayanthi Movies.
The trailer for Kalki 2898 AD was released on 10 June evening across social media platforms in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, and English.
Filled with references to a “naya yug” (new era) and an impending battle, the trailer reveals that the director has loosely reimagined the Mahabharata through a futuristic lens, adding a dystopian twist.
‘Kalki 2898’ trailer out: Mythology meets sci-fi in Nag Ashwin’s visual spectacle
Nag Ashwin mentioned that this first look at Kalki 2898 AD is merely the tip of the iceberg.
“It has taken us a lot to witness this day today. From our producers and star cast to the brilliant creative minds and the entire crew of Kalki 2898 AD, each person has poured their heart and soul into this film. We hope the trailer makes the Telugu audience and the entire nation proud, leaving them excited for what’s to come,” he said.
Amitabh Bachchan, portraying the character of Ashwatthama, tells Deepika Padukone’s character that she is carrying a ‘God’ in her womb. Ashwatthama, a complex figure from the Mahabharata, was a formidable warrior and an ally of Duryodhana.
Deepika Padukone, who is expecting her first child with actor-husband Ranveer Singh, has portrayed a mother in several films, including Bajirao Mastani (2015), Brahmastra (2022), and Jawan (2023). She will once again take on the role of a mother in Kalki 2898 AD.
𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐌𝐀𝐗 💥#Kalki2898ADTrailer out now – https://t.co/hLRQqSAnkm#Kalki2898AD @IMAX@SrBachchan @ikamalhaasan #Prabhas @deepikapadukone @nagashwin7 @DishPatani @Music_Santhosh @VyjayanthiFilms @Kalki2898AD @saregamaglobal… pic.twitter.com/8VM81X3q1I
— Vyjayanthi Movies (@VyjayanthiFilms) June 11, 2024
Disha Patani was seen delivering a kick before telling Prabhas, “Tumhe sirf khud se pyar hai, Bhairava” (You only love yourself, Bhairava), in the trailer.
Kamal Haasan, appearing almost unrecognisable at the end of the trailer, makes a striking impression.
His unique portrayal of Kali, reportedly the main antagonist, has left fans in awe of his voice and the VFX. The veteran actor’s look has hints of Gollum from Lord of the Rings.
Also read: Kamal Haasan dubs for ‘Kalki 2898-AD’
Rumour has it he will play the role of Kamsudu, and his showdown with Prabhas’s Bhairava promises to be a battle worth watching.
Kalki 2898 AD trailer was met with mixed reactions on social media. While many lauded the action sequences and visual effects, some noted similarities with Dune: Part Two (2024).
Also featuring Saswata Chatterjee, Brahmanandam, Pasupathy, Anna Ben, Shobana, and Rajendra Prasad, among others, Kalki 2898 AD is set to be released on June 27.
(Edited by S Subhakeerthana)
Also read: Animation prelude for ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ sets high expectations
