Plot
In the distant year of 2898 AD, amidst a dystopian world fraught with malevolent forces, the tenth and final avatar of Lord Vishnu, Kalki, is prophesied to be born, heralding a new era.
Review
‘Kalki 2898 AD’ begins with a gripping depiction of the aftermath of the Mahabharata war, focusing on Lord Krishna’s curse upon Ashwatthama (Amitabh Bachchan), granting him immortality. This sets the stage for a narrative deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, within a star-studded cinematic universe. The story revolves around Kalki, the awaited avatar of Lord Vishnu, destined to arrive on a white horse, marking the end of the Kali Yuga.
Writer-director Nag Ashwin weaves his tale around this prophecy, laying the groundwork for future installments in this expansive universe. Utilizing his imaginative prowess, Ashwin transports viewers into a visually stunning world. This visual grandeur, executed with the help of cinematographer Djordje Stojiljkovic, is undeniably the film’s greatest strength. The narrative unfolds in the lone surviving city of Kasi, ruled by the tyrannical Commander Manas (Saswata Chatterjee) and overseen by the enigmatic God King Supreme Yaskin (Kamal Haasan) from the mysterious Complex. It’s a dark world where fertile women are murdered, and men are enslaved. The ray of hope lies with Bhairava (Prabhas) and a band of rebels from Shambhala, who strive to rescue SUM80 (Deepika Padukone), the bearer of the awaited avatar.
However, the story, while intriguing, is often entangled in a web of numerous characters and subplots, some of which stray from the central narrative. Ashwin’s plot frequently diverts into unnecessary detours, particularly noticeable in the first half, where Prabhas’ character struggles to find coherence. Attempts at humor, including those involving veteran actor Brahmanandam as Bhairava’s landlord Rajan, fall flat, as does the underdeveloped romantic subplot with Roxie (Disha Patani).
Fortunately, the film gains momentum in its latter half with Amitabh Bachchan’s impactful return. The veteran actor captivates with his infectious energy and delivers compelling performances in high-octane action sequences. Despite the extensive use of special effects and computer animation, Bachchan infuses his character, Ashwatthama, with a palpable sense of realism and unbridled power. Deepika Padukone impresses with her nuanced portrayal of SUM80, a character destined for great strength.
Supporting performances, such as Shobhana’s wise Mariam and Saswata Chatterjee’s somewhat caricatured Commander Manas, contribute to the film’s varied ensemble. Kamal Haasan delivers a chilling performance as God King Supreme Yaskin, leaving a lasting impact. Cameo appearances by Vijay Deverakonda, Mrunal Thakur, Dulquer Salmaan, S.S. Rajamouli, and Ram Gopal Varma add brief yet memorable moments to the narrative.
Nitin Zihani Choudhary’s production design stands out for creating a visually captivating landscape that enhances the immersive experience. While the musical score by Santhosh Narayanan falls short, the background score effectively complements the film’s narrative, enhancing pivotal moments.
‘Kalki 2898 AD’ is undoubtedly a larger-than-life visual spectacle that transports viewers into a vividly imagined universe. The film’s visual prowess overshadows many of its narrative flaws by immersing audiences in the atmospheric world of Kasi and the Complex. Moreover, it’s a concept that promises to inspire imaginative experiences beyond the screen. If you relish epic battles between gods, good, and evil, ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ offers a visually stunning and satisfying audio-visual experience, albeit one that demands patience.
