After initially being set for a May 9 release, the epic Indian filmKalki 2898 ADhas now beenscheduled to debut on June 27. Directed byNag Ashwinand starring some of Indian cinema’s biggest names,Kalki 2898 ADhas been described asa mythological epic with science-fiction elements. The film also received a new poster alongside the release date announcement, teasing apost-apocalyptic settingand someexciting world-building.Prabhastakes center-stage on the one-sheet, withDeepika PadukoneandAmitabh Bachchan’s characters on either side of him, and the ground beneath them littered with the bodies of fallen soldiers.
As we’d seen inthe film’s first teaser, Prabhas is wearing a costume that blends sci-fi and fantasy aesthetics. Padukone, on the other hand, looks an awful lot like Kora fromZack Snyder’sRebel Moonmovies for Netflix. The acting icon Bachchan, whowas recently revealedto be playing a Mahabharata-inspired mentor-figure named Ashwatthama in the movie, also flanks Prabhas. His long beard and robes might remind viewers of Gandalf fromthe Lord of the Rings movies. Reportedly produced on a budget of $75 million,Kalki 2898 ADis going for massive scale, with its mythology-inspired narrative, A-list casting, and VFX-heavy visuals.
The movie is alsohoping for crossover success in the West. It was given a platform at last year’s San Diego Comic Con, where Prabhas and Ashwin, along with the legendaryKamal Haasan, invited Hall H audiences that had tasted the thrills of big-budget Indian cinema withRRRto sample more entertainment of a similar kind. As fans of directorS.S. Rajamouli’s work would know, Prabhas is best known for playing the lead roles in the filmmaker’s epic action moviesBaahubali: The BeginningandBaahubali 2: The Conclusion. He experiencedan extended period of disappointmentfollowing the blockbuster success of the Baahubali movies, but bounced back last year withSalaar: Part 1 - Ceasefire.
Padukone, on the other hand, would probably be best known to Western audiences for her supporting role inxXx: Return of Xander Cage. She is, however, one of the brightest and most sought-after actors inHindi-language cinema, or, as it’s known around the world, Bollywood. Bachchan, whose sole Hollywood project remainsBaz Lurhmann’sThe Great Gatsby, is something of a legend; perhaps the greatest and most admired male star that India has ever produced, alongsideShah Rukh Khan. He is now firmly in his elder statesman era, and last played a similar role inBrahmastra: Part One - Shiva.
The firstKalki 2898 ADteaser revealed a world that looked very similar to Arrakis fromDenis Villeneuve’s Dune movies. With interest in large-scale Indian cinema only increasing thanks toRRR- last year sawJawan,PathaanandAnimaldo exceedingly well in North America - it remains to be seen if some of this newfound cultural clout can rub off onKalki 2898 ADas well.The film will be released across the world in multiple languages on June 27. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.
Kalki 2898 AD
In a dystopian future, society is on the brink of collapse, ruled by corrupt powers exploiting technology and religion. A mysterious figure emerges, believed by some to be the prophesized warrior destined to overthrow the tyrants and restore balance. As he gathers followers, his quest becomes a symbol of hope for the oppressed, challenging the very fabric of the corrupt regime.
