Kalki 2898 AD presents a bold and ambitious blend of mythology and futuristic storytelling, backed by a star-studded cast and a visionary director. Despite mixed reviews, the film’s early box office success and compelling narrative promise an engaging cinematic experience for audiences.
Telugu superstar Prabhas has emerged as one of the highest-paid actors in the highly-anticipated film Kalki 2898 AD. Released today, June 27, the Nag Ashwin directorial has captivated audiences not only with its star-studded cast but also with the impressive fees commanded by its leading actors. According to reports, Prabhas charged a substantial Rs 80 crore for his role, a significant reduction from his usual fee of around Rs 150 crore per film. This strategic move highlights Prabhas’s dedication to the film’s vision and potential.
Kalki 2898 AD: Salaries of the cast
In addition to Prabhas, the film features Bollywood luminaries Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan, and Kamal Haasan, each earning Rs 20 crore for their roles. This marks Deepika’s debut in Telugu cinema, where she portrays Sumathi, a pivotal character carrying a child destined to revolutionize the world of Kalki 2898 AD. Trailers depict her character’s journey, showcasing her determination to protect her unborn child amidst perilous circ*mstances.
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Kalki 2898 AD Review: A Rs 600 crore multi-starrer masterclass on creating a disaster
Amitabh Bachchan takes on the role of Ashwatthama, a legendary figure from the Mahabharata. His portrayal has already garnered praise from fans who witnessed the first-day screenings, with trailers highlighting his powerful presence. Kamal Haasan, known for his versatile acting, plays the antagonist Kali, whose mission is to thwart Sumathi’s efforts to protect her child. His character adds a layer of intense conflict to the narrative, making the film’s storyline even more compelling.
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Kalki 2898 AD’s budget and advance ticket bookings
The film, made on a colossal budget of Rs 600 crore, has already demonstrated its box office potential. According to Sacnilk.com, Kalki 2898 AD has sold over 1.5 million tickets in the Telugu language alone, earning over Rs 50 crore through advance bookings. This early success indicates strong audience interest and sets the stage for a potentially record-breaking run.
Despite the impressive cast and production values, Kalki 2898 AD has received mixed reviews. Financialexpress.com criticized the film for its disjointed storyline and lackluster dialogues, describing it as a missed opportunity to utilize its substantial budget effectively. “Kalki 2898 AD is a masterclass in squandering a staggering Rs 600 crore budget. From the very outset, the film starring Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, and others, is an unmitigated disaster, plagued by bad dialogues and a storyline that seems to have been cobbled together from the cutting room floor,” it read.
Plot Summary
Director Nag Ashwin’s vision for Kalki 2898 AD offers a fresh perspective on the Mahabharata, blending science fiction elements with ancient mythology. The film’s futuristic setting provides a backdrop for exploring timeless themes of dharma (righteousness) and karma (consequences of actions) within a complex moral landscape. Ashwin aims to reimagine these universal concepts in the context of a future society, promising a thought-provoking narrative.
According to Hindu scriptures, Kalki, the prophesied tenth and final avatar of Vishnu, represents hope amidst the moral decline and chaos of Kali Yuga, the current age. Kalki’s arrival signifies the end of Kali Yuga and the dawn of Satya Yuga, a golden age of truth and righteousness.
The film’s magnum opus features Amitabh Bachchan as Ashwatthama, a crucial character from the Mahabharata. Ashwatthama, son of Guru Dronacharya, is cursed with immortality, poverty, and a festering wound as a consequence of his actions, embodying themes of eternal suffering and redemption. Deepika Padukone’s Sumathi, a pregnant woman, carries an unborn child that poses a threat to the villainous forces and is protected by Ashwatthama.
Kamal Haasan’s antagonist, Yaskin, brings a formidable challenge to Sumathi and her protectors. In his words, “I always wanted to play a bad man because the bad man gets to do all the good things and have fun.” His character adds depth and intrigue to the film’s conflict.
The cast also includes Disha Patani, contributing to the ensemble of talent that drives Kalki 2898 AD forward.
Kalki 2898 AD presents a bold and ambitious blend of mythology and futuristic storytelling, backed by a star-studded cast and a visionary director. Despite mixed reviews, the film’s early box office success and compelling narrative promise an engaging cinematic experience for audiences.
