Plot Overview
In “Kalki 2898 AD,” Ashwathama, son of Dronacharya, seeks redemption for his father’s death by protecting the future avatar of Lord Vishnu, Kalki. The film begins with a dramatic scene from the Mahabharata and transitions to a post-apocalyptic Kashi, the last city on Earth, ruled by the totalitarian Supreme Yaskin.
Project K: A sinister experiment to extract a special serum from unborn fetuses is underway. With the help of a rebel, a pregnant SUM 80 escapes the ‘Complex,’ setting off a chain of events. Ashwathama awakens from hibernation to protect her, but faces competition from Bhairava, a bounty hunter aiming to gain permanent entry to the ‘Complex’ by capturing her.
The film’s climax leaves viewers questioning whether good will triumph over evil, ending on a suspenseful cliffhanger.
The Good and the Bad
Plot Execution: Nag Ashwin skillfully integrates the epic Mahabharata with the futuristic setting of 2898 AD. The introductory scene is particularly goosebumps-inducing. However, the film drags in the first half and picks up only towards the climax. Choppy editing detracts from the overall viewing experience.
Cast Performances:
- Amitabh Bachchan shines as the cursed Ashwathama, demonstrating that he can still outshine younger actors with his dedication and skill.
- Kamal Haasan is menacing as Supreme Yaskin, proving why he is one of India’s finest actors.
- Deepika Padukone is natural as the mother of the future God, Kalki.
- Prabhas, however, is the weakest link. His portrayal of Bhairava lacks the necessary intensity, and his comedic scenes fall flat. His chemistry with Disha Patani is nonexistent.
Supporting Cast:
- Anna Ben shines in her brief role.
- Parthasarathy and Shobhana deliver strong performances.
- Saswata Chatterjee is effortless as Commander Manas.
Cameos and Visuals
The film features cameos from notable South Indian actors:
- Dulquer Salmaan is delightful as Captain, Bhairava’s adoptive father.
- Ram Gopal Varma and SS Rajamouli provide comic relief in their brief appearances.
- Brahmanandam Garu is underutilized.
VFX: The visual effects are a mixed bag. While the futuristic dystopian scenes are well-executed, the Mahabharata scenes are sub-par and somewhat cringeworthy.
Music and Soundtrack
The background music is effective in a few places, but the songs are forgettable. Santosh Narayanan, known for his magic in “Enjoy Enjaami,” fails to impress here. The Hindi version of the music is particularly jarring, with incongruent Punjabi music during fight scenes.
Spoiler Alert
Prabhas’ Bhairava is revealed to be Karna in the end. Amitabh’s Ashwathama recognizes his old friend, adding an intriguing twist. However, questions remain about Karna’s alignment with Kalki and his role in the future plot. Hopefully, these will be addressed in the sequel.
Conclusion
“Kalki 2898 AD” is ambitious but falls short of its potential. While the climax is gripping and leaves viewers eager for more, the first half is tedious. If SS Rajamouli had directed, the film might have reached its grand potential. Despite its flaws, the film’s heart is in the right place. Here’s hoping Part II improves on its weaknesses and delivers a more cohesive and engaging experience.
By Narayani V Manapadam
“Narayani is an IT Professional lost in the dreary world of Excel. When time permits, she loves to get lost in the maze of Word(s). But nothing makes her happier than being a cat momma to her beloved Uttam.”
She can be contacted at fraunara@gmail.com.
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