Kalki 2898 AD

Kalki 2898 AD (also written as Kalki 2898AD) is a 2024 Indian Telugu-language epic science fiction action film written and directed by Nag Ashwin. It offers a bold mix of Mahabharata-inspired Hindu mythology and dystopian sci-fi, set in a harsh, post-apocalyptic future. Produced by C. Aswini Dutt under the Vyjayanthi Movies banner, the film is mounted on a staggering ₹600 crore budget, making it the costliest Indian film made so far. It was released worldwide on 27 June 2024 in standard, IMAX, and 3D formats, across Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada.

The narrative takes place in the year 2898 AD, nearly 6,000 years after the Kurukshetra War. The plot follows Ashwatthama (Amitabh Bachchan), an immortal warrior burdened by his past, who seeks redemption by protecting a pregnant woman (Deepika Padukone). She carries the child foretold to be Kalki, the tenth and final avatar of Lord Vishnu. Their path is threatened by bounty hunter Bhairava (Prabhas) and the ruthless Supreme Yaskin (Kamal Haasan), who rule over a world stripped of resources, dominated by the dystopian city of Kasi.

Cast and Crew

The film brings together a powerhouse cast from across Indian cinema:

• Director: Nag Ashwin (Mahanati)
• Music: Santhosh Narayanan
• Cinematography: Djuro Phalic
• Production: Vyjayanthi Movies
• Runtime: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Rating: PG-13 (for strong action and thematic content)

Production and Release

First announced in February 2020 under the working title Project K, the film entered production in July 2021 after delays caused by the pandemic. Most of the shoot took place at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad, with filming spanning nearly three years. Principal photography finished in late May 2024. Kalki 2898 AD is planned as the opening chapter of a larger “Kalki Cinematic Universe” and leans heavily on large-scale visual effects, aiming to stand alongside Hollywood epics such as Dune and Mad Max. One standout design is Bhairava’s AI-powered vehicle “Bujji”, developed with input from Mahindra engineers.

The film was initially scheduled for release on 9 May 2024, but post-production demands pushed it to 27 June. Major promotional events included a teaser launch at Ramoji Film City on 22 May 2024, followed by the reveal of the “Theme of Kalki” in Mathura on 23 June. The movie opened to huge hype, collected more than ₹1,000 crore worldwide, and entered the list of the highest-grossing Indian films.

The Grand Vision

Directed by Nag Ashwin, Kalki 2898 AD (2024) aims to be more than a regular blockbuster; it feels like a cinematic statement. With a reported budget of over ₹600 crore, it stands as the most expensive Indian film ever produced, and the scale shows in every frame. The film combines mythological themes with dystopian science fiction in a way that is both respectful and daring, imagining a ruined Earth in 2898 AD where the last city, Kashi, hangs upside down in the sky and a cruel god-king rules from a hovering pyramid known as the Complex.

Visual Spectacle That Lives Up To The Hype

The big talking point is the VFX. Indian viewers have often seen glossy trailers followed by disappointing CGI on release. Kalki 2898 AD finally breaks that pattern. From the upside-down skyline of Kashi to the glowing sanctuary of Shambhala, from the disturbing Raia mutants to the astounding divine transformation in the final act, the visual world feels rich, bold, and consistent.

Performances: Prabhas Finds His Form Again

After the mixed response to Adipurush, Prabhas needed a strong comeback, and he gets one here. As Bhairava, he plays a brash, self-serving anti-hero who slowly taps into a larger purpose. He brings back the easy charm of his Baahubali days, mixed with irreverent, almost Deadpool-style humour. Amitabh Bachchan, as the cursed and immortal Ashwatthama, anchors the emotional side of the story, towering on screen (helped by heavy prosthetics), intense, and often deeply moving.

Reception and Awards

Critics appreciated the film’s scale, visual ambition, and fusion of mythology with science fiction, calling it a colourful spectacle that can stand beside Hollywood blockbusters while staying rooted in Indian storytelling. Some reviewers, however, felt the pacing sagged in places, pointed to overdone hero worship, and found the first act a bit overloaded. Audience feedback highlights the high-quality VFX and the emotional impact of the climax.

• IMDb: 7.0/10
• Rotten Tomatoes: around 80% (critics) based on 39 reviews

By November 2025, the film had collected a strong line-up of awards:

• Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival 2025: Film of the Year (30 October 2025, Mumbai)
• South Indian International Movie Awards (SIIMA) 2025: Best Film, Telugu; Best Actor in a Negative Role, Telugu (Kamal Haasan)

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