Kalki 2898 AD: A Polished Indian Sci-Fi Spectacle
Directed by: Nag Ashwin
Starring: Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Saswata Chatterjee
**Rating:** ★★★☆☆
"Kalki 2898 AD" delivers a dazzling and ambitious Telugu-language sci-fi adventure, blending elements from traditional Indian epics with familiar Western sci-fi influences. Directed by Nag Ashwin, this big-budget fantasy brings to mind recent Indian cinematic spectacles like "Brahmastra Part One: Shiva" and "Adipurush," but stands out by effectively balancing its grandiose scale with an unexpectedly rich narrative.
A Familiar but Engaging Tale
Set in a dystopian future, the film unfolds in a world ravaged by scarcity, low birth rates, and the absence of heroes. Supreme Yaskin (Kamal Haasan), a cyborg despot reminiscent of Emperor Palpatine from "Star Wars," rules over the pseudo-Utopian Complex. He exerts his control through Commander Manas (Saswata Chatterjee) and a battalion of stormtrooper-like soldiers. Prabhas stars as Bhairava, a scavenger indebted to many and seeking refuge within the Complex.
An Unexpected Alliance
Bhairava's fate intertwines with SUM-80 (Deepika Padukone), later renamed Sumathi, a pregnant refugee escaping from a "Handmaid’s Tale"-esque laboratory. With a bounty on her head, she is protected by the Herculean Ashwatthama (Amitabh Bachchan), who is on a mission to safeguard her and her potentially messianic child. Together, they journey towards Shambala, a sanctuary guarded by the saintly Mariam (Shobhana) and her army of techno-spear-carrying soldiers.
Finding Its Rhythm
The film's first half meticulously sets up the dystopian world and its characters, laying the groundwork for the more action-packed and emotionally charged second half. As the ensemble cast settles into their roles, the film begins to declare its grandeur more convincingly. The highlight is the impressive representation of Indian mega-stars, especially Amitabh Bachchan, whose commanding presence elevates the film.
Visuals and Effects
"Kalki 2898 AD" excels in its visual and special effects, with the CGI bringing familiar sci-fi tropes to life in a uniquely Indian context. The Complex's spaceships and soldiers, while reminiscent of Western sci-fi, are imbued with a distinct style that adds to the film's charm. The action scenes, particularly the fights involving Amitabh Bachchan and Prabhas, are well-paced and dramatically engaging, thanks to the film's talented animators and special effects artists.
Balancing Drama and Spectacle
While the film hits several familiar and predictable story beats, it strikes a balance between dramatic storytelling and genre conventions. The characters, though sometimes performing campy gestures, manage to transcend their roles, particularly in the film's second half. The movie's genuine moments of emotional depth and its exploration of faith and hope amidst adversity lend it an unexpected poignancy.
Final Thoughts
"Kalki 2898 AD" may not break new ground in terms of originality, but it succeeds where many of its predecessors have faltered. By taking its genre conventions seriously and polishing its narrative elements, the film offers a compelling and visually stunning experience. The inevitable sequel promises even greater events, and if the first installment is any indication, it will be well worth the wait.
Now showing in theaters.