"Kalki 2898 AD," conceived by Telugu cinema director Nag Ashwin, skillfully weaves elements from a century's worth of sci-fi and fantasy film, from Fritz Lang’s “Metropolis” to Marvel Comics movies, incorporating aspects from the revered Hindu text, "Mahabharata." Claimed as the inaugural entry of the Kalki Cinematic Universe franchise, this movie takes flight concurrently with Kevin Costner’s grand “Horizon” narrative in the U.S.
Unacquainted international audiences may find it beneficial to explore the nuances of the ancient Kurukshetra War before immersing themselves in "Kalki 2898 AD," especially to comprehend recurring references to the legendary battle. The high-energy CGI-based introduction, illustrating Lord Krishna’s curse on the warrior Ashwatthama, provides crucial context. Lord Krishna punishes Ashwatthama with eternal life, offering him redemption if he aids in the arrival of Kalki, Vishnu's tenth and final avatar.
Global cinema-lovers, however, will easily identify Ashwin’s visual and narrative references, from "Dune," "The Handmaid’s Tale," "Star Wars," to "Mad Max." Impressive action scenes employing cutting-edge CGI abound, providing spectacular excitement. But will the fusion of frantic world-building and character development, set amidst parallel plotlines that converge only eventually, keep the attention of viewers and justify future installments?
"Kalki 2898 AD" leaps millennia ahead to Kasi, an extremely detailed dystopian city believed by its inhabitants to be the last refuge on Earth. The city is commanded by Emperor Palpatine-esque Supreme Yaskin (Kamal Haasan), who, along with his elitist peers, basks in the opulence of the Complex, a massive inverted pyramid that towers over the less fortunate masses.
Bhairava (Prabhas), an audacious bounty hunter, aspires to gain enough "credits" to ascend to the Complex. He eyes a golden opportunity when a hefty reward is announced for capturing an escapee named SUM-80 (Deepika Padukone), a product of the Complex's Project K lab.
Throughout their journey through harsh terrains and encounters with allies old and new, the true identities and destinies of the characters slowly unfold. Sweeping battles, high-speed pursuits, and larger-than-life characters lead up to an exhilarating final showdown.
It is essential to note that the fascinating mesh of mythology, futurism, and countless pop-culture references might leave some viewers perplexed. Be that as it may, "Kalki 2898 AD" is an enthralling visual spectacle crafted from a lavish budget, the evidence of which is unmissable on the silver screen.
