Kalki 2898 AD: An Artistry that only Telugu Industry can execute instead of Bollywood

“Kalki 2898 AD” emerges as an epic saga intertwining myth, science fiction, and dystopia, crafted in Telugu by Nag Ashwin and produced by C. Aswani Dutt under Vyjayanthi Movies. The stellar ensemble, featuring Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Deepika Padukone, Disha Patani, and Pasupathy, embarks on a journey set in the distant future of 2898 AD, depicting a world engulfed in sin and chaos. Centered around Kalki, a contemporary incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the narrative unfolds with the awakening of Kalki through the invocation of Ashwatthama, his mission being to thwart the malevolent designs of Kaali using cutting-edge technology and weaponry. Despite its grand vision, the film faced its share of hurdles during development and production. Initially announced in February 2020 to coincide with Vyjayanthi Movies’ 50th anniversary, the project encountered a setback due to the COVID-19 pandemic, delaying filming until July 2021. The endeavor, backed by an astounding budget of ₹600 crore, stands as one of India’s most lavish cinematic ventures. The collaboration of esteemed talents like Santhosh Narayanan for music, Djordje Stojiljkovic for cinematography, and Nitin Zihani Choudhary for production design amplifies anticipation for this ambitious project.

The casting of Kalki includes icons from various film industries adds to the anticipation, with Deepika Padukone making her Telugu debut and Amitabh Bachchan portraying a pivotal role. Notably, Disha Patani’s return to Telugu cinema enriches the ensemble. The Kalki’s preparation entailed sophisticated technology and futuristic vehicle development, with support from businessman Anand Mahindra. The elaborate sets erected in Hyderabad enhance the film’s visual spectacle, complementing the futuristic narrative. Despite challenges, the project perseveres, aiming for completion by January 2023. However, unforeseen circumstances prolong the production, with filming continuing into March 2023. The Kalki’s marketing gains momentum with a panel featuring key cast members at the San Diego Comic-Con in July 2023, unveiling a glimpse of the film and its official title.

[Image Source: HindustanTimes]