• Chetan Nadiger
Film: Kalki 2898 AD
Producer: Ashwini Dutt
Director: Nag Ashwin
Starring: Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Deepika Padukone, Shobhana, Disha Pathani, Bramhanandam and others
A lot of films have been made based on the Hindu mythology. Recently, a few films have been set in the futuristic world. ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ is a rare film which is based on the futuristic ideas coupled with Hindu mythology.
The film starts off with Kashi which is said to be the last city of this world. The world is ruled by Supreme Yaskin played by Kamal Haasan who is waiting for a magical serum to gain extra powers. He is in charge of a city called Complex; a place built for the privileged. Bhairava (Prabhas) who does petty jobs in Kashi dreams of making it to the Complex by earning units that will enable to earn his place among the privileged.
Meanwhile, there is pregnant Sumathi (Deepika Padukone) who runs away from the Complex due to various reasons. There is also Ashwatthama (Amitabh Bachchan) from the Dwapara Yuga, who has a responsibility to fulfil. All the three meet for a reason and what is the reason is the crux of ‘Kalki 2898 AD’.
Director Nag Ashwin’s vision for ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ is very ambitious. It’s not easy to make such a film. Not only in terms of monetary issues, the idea and the story line are not very easy to convince the audience. Nag takes a lot of time (the first half fully) to set the premise of the film. The film takes off only in the second half. The first half of the film looks disjointed with different episodes. The story moves from Ashwatthama to Bhairava to Yaskin to Sumathi. But by the end of the first half, the audience might slowly understand what’s happening in the film. With various episodes the first half of ‘Kalki’ lags and at times becomes boring. There are few supposed to be comic sequences, but the audience doesn’t find it impressive enough to laugh.
The film takes off only in the second half of the film. The pieces slowly fall into place and the main characters connect on screen in the second half of the film. The screenplay is racier and gets more engaging for the audience. Though there is no emotional connection with the story, the audience involves in the film because of the pace and the grand visuals. Just when everything is going on smoothly, Nag abruptly ends the film saying that the story will be continued further in the cinematic universe.
Prabhas is seen in the role of a macho man who has excellent fighting skills. He looks blank in many scenes, particularly during the romantic portions. Deepika Padukone acts as a catalyst in the film, but is very much underutilized. She may get more chance in the sequel. Disha Patani has nothing much to do. Kamal Haasan has a brief time on screen in this film. He might not look fearsome as a villain, but the actor leaves a tremendous impact on the audience. It is Amitabh Bachchan who steals the show with his performance. Amitabh as Ashwatthama is excellent and if not for ‘Big B’, the film would have become unbearable. His presence elevates the film to a large extent. Shobhana makes her mark on screen. There are many other actors in the film, but their presence does not make any impact on the film. There are few surprise appearances by celebrities and it is best to be watched in the theaters.
‘Kalki 2898 AD’ is a visual extravaganza with technical values. The action sequences are a treat to watch for. Director Nag Ashwin must surely get a thumbs up for making such a film blending Indian mythology and the futuristic world together. However, there are a few loopholes, which the director might rectify in the sequel.
