‘Kalki 2898 AD: The ambitious and highly anticipated sci-fi epic, ‘Kalki 2898 AD,’ directed by the visionary Director Nag Ashwin, has emerged as a monumental success. Released on June 27th, the film stars some of India’s biggest superstars, including Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, and Deepika Padukone. Produced under the prestigious Vyjayanthi Movies banner by Ashwini Dutt, the film has captivated audiences globally, achieving blockbuster status and continuing to draw full houses in theaters. Celebrating this grand success, Nag Ashwin recently shared insights and experiences during a media interaction held on the Kalki sets in Shankarapally.
A Visionary Milestone for Indian Cinema
During the media interaction, Nag Ashwin expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the audience and the film industry. He said, “Thanks on behalf of our team, Vyjayanthi Movies, for encouraging everyone to watch the movie and for giving such a great success. I think this is a whole industry success. A door has been opened for many production houses, actors, writers, and upcoming directors. Kalki is like a reference point for those who write such science fiction stories. Many people have been congratulating the movie since its release. Kalki is said to have given a good cinematic experience.”
The Genesis of ‘Kalki 2898 AD’
When asked about the inspiration behind adapting ‘Kalki’ from the incidents in the Mahabharata, Ashwin drew parallels with another iconic film. “Mayabazar is what we remember from Telugu cinema. Mayabazar is an adaptation of Mahabharata. Those particular incidents are not found anywhere in the Mahabharata. That is creative fiction. The inspiration came from there,” he explained.
The Shambhala Quest and Narrative Expansion
Explaining the motivations of the Shambhala people within the film, Ashwin highlighted the thematic depth of ‘Kalki 2898 AD.’ He noted, “Complex has removed a balance in the world, Shambhala’s target is to bring a balance in the world again.”
The decision to split the story into two parts came after the realization that a single film could not do justice to the expansive narrative. “First, I wanted to make this story in just one movie. After completing the shooting of some schedules, it felt like a challenge to tell such a big story in one part. Then, we decided to make it in two parts. We shot for part 2 for 20 days. There is so much more to do, so much action, so much backstory, and so many new worlds to see. All of them should be created now,” Ashwin elaborated.
A Star-Studded Risk and Reward
Addressing the challenge of directing such a heavy subject with a star-studded cast, Ashwin credited his producers for their courage. “Our producers took a risk. If I have to spend this much, they will spend more than that. And, Big actors like Amitabh, Kamal, Prabhas, Deepika were hired with the intention of doing justice to the story and characters.”
Responding to queries about Prabhas’s screen time and character development, Ashwin assured that the sequel would feature more of Prabhas. “Kalki has massive subject matter, world-building, and lots of characters. All these should be shown. Now the world-building is done. The audience was introduced to that world. The roles, powers, and motives of the characters are known. Prabhas will have more screen presence in part 2.”
Character Dynamics and Audience Engagement
Prabhas’s character, revealed as Karna in the climax, will continue to be portrayed positively in the sequel. “Karna’s character is positive. Wherever you see in India, everyone loves Karna’s character. Justice should be done to the character of his story,” Ashwin confirmed. When asked if ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ was designed to appeal to children, Ashwin admitted, “There is an intention that children will learn about the Mahabharata and our original heroes. We have wonderful stories. That is why the film was made light-hearted rather than too dark.”
Challenges and Future Prospects
Reflecting on the most challenging part of creating ‘Kalki 2898 AD,’ Ashwin highlighted the difficulty of maintaining consistency over a long production period. “To keep a movie for four and a half years, you have to have judgment, it is difficult to have the same judgment when a scene written in 2019 is being edited in 2024. It requires a different skill set. In the case of this film, it was difficult.” As for future projects, Ashwin stated that there is currently no plan to adapt the entire Mahabharata into a film series. He also expressed his fondness for cameos, explaining that they add excitement and joy to the viewing experience.
A Tribute to Industry Legends
Ashwin shared his thoughts on collaborating with industry stalwarts like Rajamouli and Ram Gopal Varma. “This is purely a tribute to Rajamouli and RGV. They are the Directors who changed the industry. Actually, RGV asked why me. I said sir, you should be in Kali Yuga (laughs).”
A Testament to Dedication and Craftsmanship
Discussing the intricate set designs and his favorite location, Ashwin praised the production team’s hard work. “Our production team worked very hard. My favorite place in this is Shambhala Steps. I used to sit there. The sunrise and the sunset look very good from there.” He also humorously noted his deep bond with producer Ashwini Dutt, suggesting that he may continue working exclusively with him due to the lengthy production timelines.
Celebrating Success and Looking Ahead
Nag Ashwin concluded by acknowledging the immense support and belief that Prabhas brought to the project. “Prabhas was very excited when I told this story. He believed in the project and anchored from the beginning saying we are making a massive movie.” As ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ continues to run successfully in theaters, the anticipation for its sequel builds. This cinematic triumph not only underscores the brilliance of its creators but also sets a new benchmark for the Indian film industry. With its compelling narrative, stellar performances, and groundbreaking visuals, ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ is a testament to the power of visionary filmmaking and the boundless potential of Indian cinema.
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