Despite the controversy, the film remains a major hit, but its future distribution on OTT platforms and other media is uncertain as the legal dispute progresses.
Published Jul 22, 2024 | 9:57 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 22, 2024 | 9:57 PM
Acharya Pramod Krishnam; a still from 'Kalki 2898 AD'. (X)
Former Congress leader Acharya Pramod Krishnam sent a legal notice to the producers and actors of the Kalki 2898 AD, including Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan and South Indian star Prabhas. Krishnam stated that the movie has offended Hindu religious sentiments.
“India is a land of emotions, faith, and devotion. The values of Sanatana Dharma should not be tampered with, and its scriptures should remain unaltered. Lord Kalki Narayan, the final incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is central to our faith. Much about Kalki’s incarnation is detailed in the Puranas, and on 19 February, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for Shri Kalki Dham based on these scriptures,” he said.
The notice was issued by Ujjawal Anand Sharma, Advocate of the Supreme Court of India, on behalf of Acharya Pramod.
The notice stated, “Kalki 2898 AD has altered the fundamental concept of Lord Kalki as described in Hindu Puranic scriptures. The portrayal of Kalki is inaccurate and disrespectful to these sacred texts, which are central to the religious beliefs of countless devotees.”
The REBELS OF KALKI are unstoppable! #Kalki2898AD enters 4th week at the global box office…❤️🔥https://t.co/38TOGn78qm#EpicBlockbusterKalki @SrBachchan @ikamalhaasan #Prabhas @deepikapadukone @nagashwin7 @DishPatani @Music_Santhosh @VyjayanthiFilms @Kalki2898AD… pic.twitter.com/Qy5uASOUlE
— Vyjayanthi Movies (@VyjayanthiFilms) July 19, 2024
The notice further stated, “Such a depiction can cause confusion and irreparably damage the mythology and ethos of Kalki, leading to misunderstandings and erosion of Hindu faith, causing significant distress to the wider Hindu community.”
Speaking to IANS, Krishnam stated that the legal notice aims not to trouble or harass the makers but to ensure that religious beliefs are respected and not undermined in the name of artistic creativity.
Directed by Nag Ashwin, the post-apocalyptic film, set in 2898 AD, is inspired by Hindu scriptures. The cast also includes Deepika Padukone, Kamal Haasan, Saswata Chatterjee, Brahmanandam, Disha Patani, and others.
Kalki 2898 AD earned ₹17.4 crore in the last three days, bringing its total collection over 25 days to over ₹600 crore in India. Its Hindi version set a new record, grossing ₹275.9 crore in four weeks, making it the third highest-grossing South Indian film in the Hindi market. It surpassed the ₹272 crore earned by RRR in 2022, according to trade website, Sacnilk.
The film has currently grossed ₹616.95 crore nett in India. It aims to surpass Jawan (2023), which earned ₹640.25 crore in its lifetime. If successful, Kalki 2898 AD will become the fourth highest-grossing Indian film of all time at the domestic box office.
(Edited by S Subhakeerthana)
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