Nag Ashwin’s “Kalki 2898 AD” is a visually stunning spectacle that attempts to fuse Indian mythology with a futuristic, dystopian setting. While the film is ambitious in scope and boasts impressive visuals, it struggles to find a cohesive narrative and fully develop its characters.
The film opens in the distant past, during the Mahabharata, establishing the curse of immortality upon the warrior Ashwatthama (Amitabh Bachchan). We then jump to 2898 AD, where Earth is a wasteland ruled by the tyrannical Supreme Yaskin (Kamal Haasan) in the last remaining city of Kasi. Amidst this bleak landscape, we meet Bhairava (Prabhas), a mercenary with a troubled past, who becomes entangled in a rebellion against Yaskin’s oppressive regime.
Visually, “Kalki 2898 AD” is a feast for the eyes. The production design is breathtaking, with a unique blend of futuristic technology and Indian aesthetics. The special effects are top-notch, creating a believable and immersive world. The action sequences are well-choreographed and thrilling, especially the ones involving Prabhas.
An Ensemble Cast with Glimmers of 2898 AD Amidst a Convoluted Narrative
However, the film’s narrative is where it falters. The plot is overly convoluted, jumping between timelines and introducing a plethora of characters without giving them enough depth. The pacing is uneven, with moments of excitement interspersed with stretches of exposition and world-building. The dialogue is often clunky and lacks the emotional resonance that the story demands.
Prabhas delivers a solid performance as Bhairava, showcasing his charisma and action chops. Amitabh Bachchan is imposing as Ashwatthama, though his role is limited. Deepika Padukone, as the mysterious Sum-80, is underutilized and lacks agency. Kamal Haasan, while menacing as Yaskin, is given little screen time. The supporting cast, including Disha Patani and Pasupathy, are mostly forgettable.
The film’s attempt to blend Indian mythology with science fiction is intriguing, but it ultimately feels disjointed. The references to the Mahabharata and the concept of Kalki are interesting, but they are not fully integrated into the narrative. The film would have benefited from a more focused approach to either the mythological or the sci-fi aspects.
Clunky at Times, But Done With Brilliance
Another issue is the film’s excessive reliance on CGI. While the visuals are impressive, they sometimes overshadow the story and characters. The film would have been more impactful if it had found a better balance between practical and digital effects.
Despite its flaws, “Kalki 2898 AD” is not without its merits. The film’s ambition is commendable, and it offers a glimpse into the potential of Indian cinema to create original and visually stunning science fiction. The action sequences are thrilling, and the production design is truly remarkable.
Overall, “Kalki 2898 AD” is a mixed bag. It is a visually stunning film with a promising premise, but it is ultimately let down by a convoluted plot, underdeveloped characters, and an over-reliance on CGI. It is a film that could have been great but ends up being merely average.
Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars
