Movie Review of Kalki 2898 AD: Amitabh Bachchan, Prabhas & Deepika Padukone Shine in an Ambitious Mix of Hindu Mythology & Dystopian Future, Despite Shortcomings
Star Cast: Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Deepika Padukone, Disha Patani
Director: Nag Ashwin
Language: Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and Kannada languages.
Available On: Theatrical release
Runtime: 181 Minutes
Ratings: 3.5
Review:
Kalki 2898 AD dives into a future ravaged by time. The film opens with the tragic final moments of the Mahabharata, setting the stage for a curse that binds Ashwatthama (Amitabh Bachchan) to an immortal existence. Fast forward 6,000 years, and Kashi, once a majestic land, is now a desolate wasteland. Humanity struggles for survival in a world devoid of compassion.
Enter Bhairava (Prabhas), a self-serving bounty hunter driven solely by personal gain. The first half of the film explores this dystopian world through Bhairava’s lens, showcasing his flamboyant lifestyle and impressive AI vehicle, Bujji. However, unnecessary comedic sequences and a forced romantic subplot with Disha Patani disrupt the narrative flow.
Stellar Performances
Amitabh Bachchan delivers a commanding performance as Ashwatthama. His screen presence is undeniable, and he portrays the character’s burdened immortality with gravitas. Prabhas portrays Bhairava with shades of his Baahubali character, albeit with a more irreverent and humorous tone. He excels during the action sequences and shares a surprisingly endearing camaraderie with his AI companion, Bujji.
Deepika Padukone’s Sumathi, though limited in dialogue, evokes empathy with her expressive eyes. Both Kamal Haasan as the villainous Supreme Yaskin and Saswata Chatterjee as the ruthless Commander Manas deliver impactful performances despite limited screen time.
A Visually Stunning Epic with Room for Improvement
Kalki 2898 AD boasts stunning visuals that effectively depict the desolate future world. Director Nag Ashwin deserves credit for his ambitious vision and the successful integration of Hindu mythology into a sci-fi epic. However, the pacing issues in the first half and the reliance on familiar Hollywood tropes hold the film back from reaching its full potential.
Final Verdict
Kalki 2898 AD is a visually spectacular and ambitious film with a compelling central narrative. Despite its uneven pacing and reliance on genre tropes, the film shines with stellar performances, captivating action sequences, and a unique blend of mythology and science fiction. It leaves audiences eager for the next chapter in this epic saga.
