- Date of Release: 27 June 2024
- Genre: Action, Adventure
- Language: Hindi
- Watch On: Theatres Only
Kalki 2898 AD
Introduction
The big weekend release is here, so let’s go already! I remember watching the trailer of the new Telugu film Kalki 2898 AD and telling to myself, you know this could go either way. Either it will be another debacle in the Prabhas filmography, or it will join the ranks of Bahubali to script a new chapter for the Telugu Film Industry. And thankfully, this film falls in the latter category, and much needed in what has been an abysmal year for the Telugu Film Industry. I cannot emphasize the amount of detailing that has gone into this film with respect to its references from the Mahabharata which itself is an epic saga of magnanimous proportions. I am a sucker when in comes to culture and mythology, and I at times crave for these references to be incorporated in the narrative. This, given that India is a land of stories, and a lot of them have originated from our rich heritage. So then does Kalki 2898 AD manage to impress, let’s find out.
Story & Screenplay
Set in a dystopian world, Kalki 2898 AD follows the story of Bhairava as he yearns for a more comfortable life in the Complex, while invariably coming face to face with the rebels who are pitted against the Complex to free humanity. The story here has so many intended themes that make for a rather memorable watch. Kalki, which is regarded as the 10th Avatar of Vishnu in Hindu mythology, is tactfully a namesake of this universe which is set in the future. And the setting of a dystopian world itself is fascinating and frightening while one can easily draw parallels with the politics of the land that take place today. In the future, where religion itself did not have an identity(in the film) with normal humans believing themselves to be Gods, there did emerge a saviour with its roots drawn to the times of the Mahabharata. And quite honestly, therein lay the core of the story that effortlessly incorporates several references from the Mahabharata packaged in a story that is disguised as a futuristic mass masala entertainer. The screenplay standing at a whopping runtime of 180 minutes is engaging and scores best when it intends to stick to the mythological themes in the futuristic space. It may have a slow beginning with needless use of comedy(I don’t know what is the fascination with it), but it picks up and just doesn’t look back in an incredibly exhilarating second half which is of epic proportions.
The drama gets off to a flying start with the context set in the battle of Kurukshetra where Sri Krishna, one of the Avatars of Vishnu curses Ashwathama for his intentions of killing the still born baby of Uttara, the wife of Abhimanyu, who had lost his life in the epic battle. And this strand traces its existence to a dystopian feature wherein the world has lost its identity with land being reduced to rubble, and people vying and fighting with one another, only for a body named ‘Complex’ to rule the proceedings. And the only way this body can be defeated, is by the birth of the next incarnation of Lord Vishnu, effectively named ‘Kalki’. The world that the writers create and the intended politics here, can have parallels drawn to current times too. But the writing isn’t entirely perfect with the setup either.
The introduction of the protagonist, following an immersive experience with its initial setup, has got to be one of the weakest entries for a Prabhas film. Even the fight sequence that ensued just did not have that fizz to engage the viewers with the physical agility of the protagonist being badly exposed(and unfortunately so). There are some moments of relief with the introduction of the ultimate antagonist of this world, and the kind of powers that he brings to the table with an incredible sequence but moments like these are few in the first hour with portions of comedy(and an unnecessary romantic subplot) that seem absolutely bland and unfunny. This was meant to be straight fan service but I really wished that the makers would have focused just on its core which was so meaty that it rescued the film and how!
It is easy to write off a film like Kalki 2898 AD after some rather underwhelming subplots that don’t quite have relevance to the story, overall speaking. But when the drama chooses to take itself serious with the entire plot of the escape of a character who is pregnant taking centerstage, the pace of the drama picks up. This does include an incredible interval block that is worth a thousamd goosebumps even as the identity of one of the characters becomes clearer. This is followed by an elaborate chase sequence even as the protagonist is pitted against Ashwatthama, and during this period the visual spectacle also is enriched further. And slowly but surely, the references of the Mahabharata set in which adds a different flavour to the drama. Be it the Shambhala which is a spiritual kingdom(even with its existence) in Hindu Mythology, or the reference of Sumati from the Mahabharata who would go on to give birth to Devatajit who was a devotee of Lord Vishnu. But it is the reference towards the dying minutes of the film that truly unlocks this universe into something really special, even as the Kalki Universe is here to stay and dare Insay gain popularity in times to come. Overall, the screenplay works best when it chooses to stay grounded with its mythological references that did quench the thirst for a sucker like me. Not a perfect screenplay but really effective in its second hour.
Dialogues, Music & Direction
The dialogues are well thought out particularly those having the references to the Mahabharata that elevate the impact of the drama. This is also masked by certain substandard lines in the first hour that wished to be funny but were just bland and unfunny while being borderline cringe. The music is good and works well with the unfolding screenplay. The BGM is resounding and makes for a lasting impact. As far as the cinematography and VFX are concerned, it is easy to put down a film like Kalki 2898 AD given that it borrows sequences from other films. But what people also need to keep in account is that it also tries to be original with the imageries featuring the battleground of Kurukshetra even as its references are interspersed in the drama that exudes of grandeur. The frames and images are wonderful to witness on the biggest screen possible, and it is an overwhelming affair when it comes to an Indian film.
The editing is good but the creative decision to incorporate comedy in the name of fan service was the undoing of the first hour. Not only did it add crucial minutes to the runtime but also deviated from irs core, something that needs to be in check for future ventures of this universe. Here, I must applaud the vision of director Nag Ashwin given the ambitions of the film. He really knows how to construct a story effectively, and he does exceedingly well in incorporating mythological references of the Mahabharata in the screenplay. This, while mixing the aspects of commercial filmmaking in the Sci-Fi space! The direction was pretty impressive here.
Performances
The performances range from decent to good by a star cast which is to die for. There are innumerous cameos by well known starlets from Mrunal Thakur to Vijay Devarakonda, from Dulquer Salmaan to Ram Gopal Varma. But my favourite has got to be the one by SS Rajamouli in what was a little banter in a meta-reference to Bahubali with Prabhas. Kamal Haasan as Supreme Yaskin is just there for a couple for scenes but he leaves a lasting impact here. He is sure to play a very important role in the upcoming films of this Universe. I was really impressed by Anna Ben who stood out in this ensemble as Kyra. Not only does she have a charming presence, but also shines in combat scenes with subtle streaks of emotions. Anil George as Bani is first rate and does have his moments to shine. Veteran actors like Rajendra Prasad as Rumi, Pasupathy as Veeran and Shobana as Mariam are incredibly good, and both leave a lasting impact.
Disha Patani as Roxie looks pretty and does a fair job but I wasn’t quite sure of her character’s existence in this universe. Deepika Padukone as Sumathi is incredibly good and her act remains well restrained throughout the film. She is anothet actor that stood out well in this ensemble. Saswata Chatterjee as Manas has an intimidating presence(not for the first time though, remember Bob Biswas?) and he does a wonderful job in an out and out negative role.
It won’t be wrong if I say that the show belongs to the 82 year old Mr Amitabh Bachchan who shoulders the film in a huge manner. His baritone voice suits his character of Ashwatthama perfectly, and even towering presence is even more towering here. The amount of emotions that he brings to the table is excellent and he really lights up the screen in each and every scene that he features in, even during some interesting combat sequences(yes, a body double has been used but still).
This brings me to Rebel Star Prabhas who is decent as Bhairava but easily the weakest link of the film. He is unfortunately exposed in terms of his agility in his introductory action sequence. But despite that, and despite having a towering personality onscreen, his dialogue delivery(in the Hindi dubbed version) is flat that made me wonder on why didn’t the makers turn to Sharad Kelkar for dubbing his voice. His comic timing is off as well. Having said that, there are moments in the second hour when Prabhas actually looks good too(credit where due), so it isn’t entirely a lost cause. He owns the final act like a dream which made me wish, was the comedy necessary with respect to his character in the first place? Hoping for a better outing by him the next time around.
Conclusion
Boasting of incredible acts, particularly that by Amitabh Bachchan, Kalki 2898 AD is a fascinating dystopian drama with mythological references to the Mahabharata that makes for a wonderful watch. A few tweaks in the first hour could have further elevated the drama but taking nothing away from this film that is not only the first memorable film of the Kalki Universe but an important film in the Indian setup with respect to the benchmark that it sets. This, even as I wholeheartedly welcome the resurgence of the Telugu Film Industry that has otherwise been below par in 2024. Available in a theatre near you.
