‘Kalki 2898 AD’ trailer out: Mythology meets sci-fi in Nag Ashwin’s visual spectacle

The 183-second trailer, for Kalki 2898 AD, introduces viewers to the distinctive realm of Bhairava. It begins with children discovering Kasi, the inaugural city in this futuristic world. Besides, we get to see the ongoing battle for power and the enduring oppression faced by the marginalised.

Promises an absorbing narrative

The film, featuring extensive VFX and gripping scenes, promises to thrill fans with its visual spectacle on the silver screen. A standout moment in the trailer is Bujji, a customised car, as the steadfast ally of Bhairava. We see Prabhas deliver a line confidently stating, “Take the record and check, I’ve never lost a battle. And I’ll emerge victorious in this one as well.”

Also read: Animation prelude for ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ sets high expectations

Amitabh Bachchan’s character vows to safeguard Deepika Padukone’s unborn child, believed to be Kalki, the tenth reincarnation of Lord Vishnu.

As anticipated, the trailer of ‘Kalki 2898’ is filled with action. (X)

Both Big B and Prabhas are shown performing intense stunts. Additionally, the trailer includes a glimpse of Disha Patani engaging in combat with Prabhas, and towards the end, Kamal Haasan appears in a bald, unrecognisable avatar, heralding the dawn of a new era.

“Nobody believed that I was involved in this project. Prabhas kept pondering how the filmmakers managed to enlist me,” Kamal Haasan jokingly said in an interview.

Kalki 2898 AD is notable because it marks one of Kamal Haasan’s rare portrayals as an antagonist, following his illustrious career as a formidable hero.

On his decision to accept the role, Kamal Haasan revealed that he was intrigued by Nag Ashwin’s vision and the film’s exploration of a longstanding mythological theme that has resonated for millennia.

This compelling narrative thread was the reason he eagerly joined the project.

“In the Ramayana and Mahabharata, there are iconic characters where just a hint is enough for the audience to anticipate the next scene. This allows the story to progress swiftly to its pivotal moments,” Kamal Haasan said.

War, love, action…

The actor-politician emphasised that a negative role in a film is crucial because it creates a contrast that amplifies the significance of positive elements.

Last month, the makers unveiled Bujji, a full-scale futuristic car driven by Prabhas in Kalki 2898 AD. The actor arrived at the event, attended by over 15,000 fans, in this customised vehicle.

Prapancham lo oke okka date…27th June 😎🔥 #Kalki2898AD pic.twitter.com/uAfdeGoCMc

— Google India (@GoogleIndia) June 10, 2024

Following this, an animated prequel series titled Bujji & Bhairava premiered on Prime Video India, offering fans an anticipated preview of the world depicted in Kalki 2898 AD.

In a recent interview, director Nag Ashwin talked about Kalki 2898 AD and its treatment of religion, especially in today’s divisive climate, and explained why he isn’t concerned about this aspect.

No religious connotation

In an interview with Deadline, Ashwin stated that the film does not feature characters who are actively worshipped by significant numbers of Hindus. He further said that the film’s storyline should be understood from a subjective perspective rather than solely through a religious context.

Also read: ‘Kalki 2898-AD’ is made for international audiences, says Prabhas

“Of course, when told in the Indian context, there may be elements of devotion and emotion, but I believe any story can be approached subjectively without necessarily tying it to religion,” Nag Ashwin was quoted, as saying.

When asked about the possibility of a spin-off or sequel to the film, the director responded his focus is solely on this movie at the moment.

Enter the world of ‘2898 AD’ on 10th June 2024 @ 6 PM.

Catch the Trailer of #Kalki2898AD on the big screen, at select theaters near you!@SrBachchan @ikamalhaasan #Prabhas @deepikapadukone @nagashwin7 @DishPatani @Music_Santhosh @VyjayanthiFilms @Kalki2898AD @saregamaglobal… pic.twitter.com/nKWgC9TcUT

— Vyjayanthi Movies (@VyjayanthiFilms) June 9, 2024

The music for Kalki 2898 AD is composed by Santhosh Narayanan, with cinematography by Djordje Stojiljkovic.

This film marks the 50th anniversary of production house Vyjayanthi Movies.

Having previously directed Yevade Subramanyam (2015) and the Savitri biopic, Mahanati (2018), Nag Ashwin’s Kalki 2898 AD is anticipated with great enthusiasm, owing to his track record of success.

(Edited by S Subhakeerthana)