Kalki 2898 AD Review: A Bold Sci-Fi Epic with Flaws

At its core, Kalki 2898 AD is a love letter to Indian mythology wrapped in a futuristic sci-fi package. Directed by Nag Ashwin, the film is set in 2898 AD, a dystopian world where the city of Kasi is humanity’s last refuge, ruled by the god-king Supreme Yaskin (Kamal Haasan). The story weaves together the ancient tale of the Mahabharata with a futuristic narrative about the prophesied arrival of Kalki, the final avatar of Lord Vishnu. It’s a bold experiment, and with a reported budget of ₹600 crore (approximately $75 million USD), it’s the most expensive Indian film ever made.

What sets this film apart? For starters, it’s the first installment of the Kalki Cinematic Universe, a franchise that aims to rival the scale of Marvel or Star Wars. The film’s ambition is undeniable—merging Hindu scriptures with cyberpunk aesthetics and Hollywood-inspired action. But ambition alone doesn’t make a masterpiece. Let’s break down the key elements that define Kalki 2898 AD.

The Star-Studded Cast of Kalki 2898 AD

The film boasts an ensemble cast that reads like a who’s-who of Indian cinema. Here’s a closer look at the key players:

• Amitabh Bachchan as Ashwatthama: Bachchan steals the show as the immortal warrior cursed by Lord Krishna. His towering presence (literally, as he’s depicted as an 8-foot-tall sage) and gravelly gravitas make him the emotional anchor of the film. Critics universally praise his performance as the highlight, delivering “wolf-whistle moments” that energize the audience.
• Prabhas as Bhairava: The Baahubali star plays a bounty hunter with a roguish charm, but his performance divides viewers. While some appreciate his comedic timing and action-hero flair, others find his character clownish and underdeveloped, especially in the first half.
• Deepika Padukone as SUM-80/Sumathi: As the mother carrying the unborn Kalki, Padukone brings a quiet strength to a role that’s more symbolic than dynamic. Critics note her “commendable restraint,” though some argue her character lacks depth beyond being a “damsel in distress.”
• Kamal Haasan as Supreme Yaskin: Haasan’s chilling portrayal of the totalitarian ruler is impactful despite limited screen time. His presence sets up an intriguing villain for future installments.
• Disha Patani, Shobhana, and Others: The film features a carousel of cameos, including Vijay Deverakonda, Dulquer Salmaan, and SS Rajamouli, which add fan-service moments but sometimes feel like distractions. Shobhana’s brief role as Mariam, the matriarch of Shambala, evokes a Star Wars-like rebel leader.

The Budget: A ₹600 Crore Gamble

With a production budget of ₹600 crore, Kalki 2898 AD is a high-stakes venture. The money is evident on screen—futuristic vehicles, sprawling sets of Kasi and the floating Complex, and jaw-dropping CGI that rivals Hollywood blockbusters like Dune or Blade Runner. The production design by Nitin Zihani Choudhary creates a vivid dystopian world, from neon-lit slums to an inverted pyramid city. The use of the DIY Arri Alexa 65 camera, a first for Indian cinema, adds to the visual spectacle.

But was it worth it? The film grossed an estimated ₹1,042–1,100 crore globally, making it the second highest-grossing Indian film of 2024 and the fourth highest-grossing Telugu film ever. It also set box office records in North America with record-breaking pre-sales. Yet, some critics argue that the massive budget inflated actor fees (Prabhas reportedly earned ₹150 crore) and led to compromises in storytelling.

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Kalki 2898 AD Movie Review: Hits and Misses

What Works

• Visual Spectacle: The film’s visuals are a triumph. From the rusty, cyberpunk-inspired Kasi to the sleek, oppressive Complex, the world-building is immersive. The last 30 minutes, particularly the Mahabharata-inspired climax, are hailed as some of the best sequences in Indian cinema.
• Amitabh Bachchan’s Performance: Bachchan’s Ashwatthama is the heart of the film, blending mythological gravitas with superhero-like action. His scenes, especially in the second half, elevate the narrative.
• Mythology Meets Sci-Fi: The fusion of Hindu scriptures with dystopian sci-fi is bold and largely successful. Moments like Krishna’s curse on Ashwatthama and the reveal of Prabhas’ character in the climax tie the ancient and futuristic beautifully.
• Cameos and Fan Moments: The star-studded cameos, while sometimes distracting, create buzz and excitement, especially for fans of Telugu and Indian cinema.

What Falls Short

• Pacing and Storytelling: The first half drags with a bloated runtime (over three hours) and unnecessary subplots, like Disha Patani’s underdeveloped character. Critics note a lack of emotional depth and a reliance on clichés borrowed from Hollywood.
• Prabhas’ Character: Bhairava’s comedic tone feels out of place in the dystopian setting, and his arc only gains traction in the second half. Some viewers found his performance forced.
• Music and Score: Santhosh Narayanan’s score is a mixed bag. While the background music elevates key moments, the songs are forgettable and disrupt the flow.
• Emotional Disconnect: Despite its epic scope, the film struggles to make viewers care about its characters. Sumathi’s invulnerability and the cursory treatment of secondary characters like Kyra (Anna Ben) weaken the stakes.

How Kalki 2898 AD Compares to Other Indian Epics

How does Kalki stack up against other Indian blockbusters like Baahubali, RRR, or Brahmastra? Unlike Baahubali and RRR, which lean heavily on emotional storytelling, Kalki prioritizes world-building over character depth. Its sci-fi ambitions align more with Brahmastra, but Kalki feels more polished and less overtly religious. However, its pacing issues and uneven tone make it less cohesive than SS Rajamouli’s epics.

The film’s Hollywood inspirations (Dune, Star Wars, Mad Max) are evident, but it carves a unique “Indofuturist” identity by rooting its narrative in the Mahabharata. This blend makes it a standout, even if it doesn’t always stick the landing.

Real-World Impact: Box Office and Cultural Significance

Kalki 2898 AD isn’t just a movie; it’s a cultural moment. Its global box office success (₹1,042–1,100 crore) proves Indian cinema can compete on a world stage. The film’s Telangana Gaddar Film Award for Best Feature Film underscores its critical acclaim. For Indian movie lovers, it represents a bold step toward genre diversity, showing that Telugu cinema can tackle sci-fi with the same gusto as mythology or action.

But the film also sparked debates. Some fans criticize its “Westernized” aesthetics, arguing it borrows too heavily from Hollywood. Others praise its ambition, seeing it as a blueprint for future Indian franchises. On platforms like Reddit, fans debate everything from Prabhas’ performance to the film’s feminist critiques, particularly around Deepika’s role as a “mother figure.”

FAQ: Common Questions About Kalki 2898 AD

Final Thoughts: A Flawed but Visionary Epic

Kalki 2898 AD is a paradox—a film that soars with ambition but occasionally trips over its own scale. It’s a visual feast that pushes Indian cinema into uncharted sci-fi territory, anchored by Amitabh Bachchan’s commanding performance. Yet, its pacing issues and emotional gaps remind us that even the grandest visions need a tight script to truly resonate. For Indian movie lovers, it’s a bold experiment worth experiencing, especially on the big screen.

What did you think of Kalki 2898 AD? Loved the visuals or frustrated by the pacing? Join our free Indian Cinema Slack Community to share your thoughts and dive deeper into the Kalki Cinematic Universe.