Kalki 2898 AD Review: The movie captivates viewers with its visual grandeur for its three-hour duration, reaffirming familiar sci-fi and dystopian tropes.
Kalki 2898 AD Review: Nag Ashwin’s “Kalki 2898 AD” delivers exactly what you’d expect from a high-concept sci-fi film. Featuring flying vehicles, advanced weaponry, a tyrannical overlord, a hero with a hidden heart of gold, a damsel in distress, and an indomitable protector, the film thrives on these classic elements. However, this mix proves to be both a strength and a weakness.
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Kalki 2898 AD Storyline
The story follows Bhairava (Prabhas) and his AI droid companion BU-JZ-1, also known as Bujji (Keerthy Suresh). They engage in bounty hunting to earn enough credits for a better life in the opulent Complex, far removed from the squalor of Kashi. Bhairava, despite his seemingly selfish demeanor, harbors a capacity for love, misunderstood by Roxie (Disha Patani). His thoughts are often occupied by classical music when he envisions the Complex or food.
Supreme Yaskin (Kamal Haasan), with his god complex, rules his domain with ruthless authority. Fertile women are reduced to mere vessels for the enigmatic Project K. SU-M80 (Deepika Padukone) is among those who might sacrifice their lives for this experiment. Meanwhile, Ashwatthama (Amitabh Bachchan) awaits the return of his Shivamani, a gem on his forehead, to fulfill his duty of protecting Kalki.
The rebels and refugees of Shambala, led by Mariam (Shobana), who shines in a powerful fight scene, believe in the prophecy of Amma (mother), who will birth a child destined to correct the world’s wrongs. The story escalates as the lives of the privileged and the destitute collide in a world starkly divided by wealth.
Kalki 2898 AD Review
“Kalki 2898 AD” captivates viewers with its visual grandeur for its three-hour duration, reaffirming familiar sci-fi and dystopian tropes. This duality is both commendable and limiting. On one hand, Ashwin’s ambitious vision for his third film is noteworthy, crafting a believable future where women’s autonomy is stripped and capitalistic motives dominate. On the other hand, the film is unable to fully break free from conventional sci-fi elements, like familiar spaceship designs and overused laser battles, which detract from the desired human drama.
However, the film’s blend of mythology and dystopia generally succeeds. Scenes from Kurukshetra integrate well with the futuristic narrative, aiding the audience in connecting past events with the film’s present, set 6000 years later. While the first half may feel slow, the second half gains momentum, setting the stage for future installments.
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Performances: Amitabh and Kamal Steal the Show
A standout element of “Kalki 2898 AD” is Ashwatthama’s redemption arc, masterfully portrayed by Amitabh Bachchan. His performance as the once-cursed warrior seeking redemption is compelling, bringing gravitas to his character. The action sequences, particularly those featuring Ashwatthama, are elegantly choreographed, blending brutality with a dancer’s grace.
Kamal Haasan’s portrayal of Supreme Yaskin, though limited in screen time, is chillingly effective. His menacing presence lingers long after he exits the scene. Prabhas and Deepika Padukone deliver solid performances, with Prabhas adding humor to his role. Yet, it’s the towering performances of Amitabh and Kamal that dominate.
Kalki 2898 AD Review: Areas for Improvement
Ashwin faces the common sequel setup issue, teasing future developments while leaving some narrative threads unresolved. Although the prelude, “Bujji & Bhairava,” offered insights into this universe, the main film could benefit from tighter pacing and more focus on its core storyline. Cameos and self-referential humor, while entertaining, sometimes feel extraneous.
Conclusion
While “Kalki 2898 AD” is not without flaws, its ambition and emotional depth make it a worthwhile watch. Ashwin excels in portraying human emotions, a strength that elevates this sci-fi epic. As Telugu cinema ventures into superhero and sci-fi territory, “Kalki 2898 AD” stands out for its character-driven narrative. Anticipation for the sequel is high, with hopes for an even grander continuation.
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