KALKI 2898 AD: Movie Review

What is Project K? It was the question that plagued millions of fans around the world and was finally answered at San Diego Comic-Con in 2023, when the all-star cast of Kalki 2898 AD revealed glimpses of the film which had hitherto only been referred to as Project K. Director Nag Ashwin took on a gargantuan undertaking to craft an epic sci-fi film unlike anything India had seen before, and while other movies recently had attempted this genre, very few had truly succeeded. All eyes were on Kalki 2898 AD – not only did its dystopian vision look tantalizing, it was one of India’s most expensive films ever made, and its cast included some of the biggest legends of Indian cinema, Kamal Haasan and Amitabh Bachchan, in highly secretive roles.

Ashwin’s ambition has led Kalki 2898 AD to be one of the most ambitious, visionary, and interesting sci-fi epics to have ever come out of India. Despite its structural and narrative issues, the film’s far-reaching scope merges a medley of cinematic sensibilities, drawing richly from mythology, science fiction, fantasy, and Telegu masala action to craft a unique cinematic experience. Director Nag Ashwin doesn’t hold back in his maximalist sci-fi/fantasy epic that takes heavy inspiration from Star Wars, Mad Max, The Hunger Games, and more, but recontextualizes the cinematic language for a film centered around the mythology of the Hindu epic Mahabharata. It’s an inspired choice, and despite the religious undertones of the film, the rich cultural narrative of the Mahabharata feels intelligently ingrained into the dystopian world that Kalki 2989 AD draws. It’s enthralling, action-packed, and smartly written, produced, and directed, even as the structure often feels clunky and the story feels overriden with many characters. Even when its execution feels scrappy at times, the pure passion and ambition of Kalki 2989 AD comes through; it’s epic, escapist, and larger-than-life.

Kalki 2989 AD features one of the most notable casts in Indian cinema in a while, linked together by the presence of Kamal Haasan and Amitabh Bachchan, two of India’s biggest screen legends in pivotal and iconic roles. Haasan is absolutely terrifying in his role as Supreme Yaskin, the menacing “big bad” of the film who manages to leave an impression looming over the film, despite a mostly limited role. Meanwhile, Amitabh Bachchan looks and sounds fantastic as the larger-than-life Ashwatthama, an unexpected guardian who must ensure the safety of the one he intends to protect. After a series of missteps, Prabhas (the “Rebel Star”) is finally in top-notch form with Bhairava, a character that plays to the performer’s strengths and gives him a chance to show some of his comedic chops. As the film progresses, Prabhas’ role also evolves, and it was great to see the performer (himself one of the biggest stars in India) take on a role where he gets to show off his range and unique style. Deepika Padukone is also in top-notch form as SUM80, despite having a somewhat limited role, and Anna Ben is a serious scene-stealer as Kyra. Look out for Saswata Chatterjee in his solid turn as Commander Manas and a slew of cameos, including slightly smaller ones from Mrunal Thakur, Disha Patani, and S.S. Rajamouli.

Kalki 2898 AD is a film full of ambition and effort; it was always set to be writer/director Nag Ashwin’s attempt at an opus, and he largely succeeds in crafting something unique and original. That being said, there’s no argument about it – Kalki 2898 AD takes several pages from Hollywood’s book and the influences are usually quite obvious, but it’s the way that Ashwin reformats these inspirations to make his own story that make this film interesting. While the film is definitely within the sci-fi genre, the mythological allusions in the film are what give it its identity, and while some moments may come off as hokey, the film blends mythos and sci-fi in a smart and sometimes unexpected way. The saga of the Mahabharata and its associated mythos drive the narrative here and find new life in Kalki 2989 AD, which reinvigorates ancient stories for a futuristic retelling that genuinely feels convincing and epic. It’s all done with a self-aware, maximalist touch circa S.S. Rajamouli’s films, and the action feels kinetic and epic. There are definitely moments when the narrative can feel sloppily handled or the approach of the film a bit amateurish, but Kalki 2989 AD is one of the most epic and passionate attempts at spectacle that India has ever take on. Turn off Brahmāstra – it’s the age of Kalki 2898 AD, the far better attempt at mixing sci-fi and religious mythos.