Movie Name : Kalki 2898 AD
Release Date : June 27, 2024
Cast : Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Rajendra Prasad, Disha Patani, Saswata Chatterjee, Brahmanandam, Anna Ben, Shobana, Mrunal Thakur, Dulquer Salmaan, Vijay Deverakonda etc.
Director : Nag Ashwin
Music Director :Santhosh Narayanan
Andhrawatch.com Rating : 3.25/5
Story:
In the dystopian realm of Kashi, the final city on Earth in 2898 AD, Supreme Yaskin (Kamal Haasan), the sovereign of the Complex, dreams of a fresh dawn for humanity. To realize this vision, he establishes a fertility laboratory aimed at ushering in a new generation. Among the numerous women evaluated, he identifies Sumathi (Deepika Padukone) as the ideal candidate for his audacious experiment.
Meanwhile, Bhairava (Prabhas), a relentless bounty hunter, harbors ambitions of gaining entry into the Complex for a brighter future. Simultaneously, the mysterious Ashwatthama (Amitabh Bachchan) appears, determined to rescue Sumathi from Yaskin’s grasp. A dramatic confrontation unfolds as Bhairava, motivated by the bounty on Sumathi, faces off against Ashwatthama.
Can Bhairava successfully hand over Sumathi to the Complex? What compels Ashwatthama to protect her? What past connections unite Ashwatthama and Bhairava?Who is Sumathi, and does she have affiliations with the mysterious ‘Rebels of Shambala’? These compelling queries drive the story forward, eagerly awaiting revelation on the cinematic stage.
Review :
Prabhas excels as Bhairava, a charismatic bounty hunter known for his wit, ambition, and cunning demeanor. He embodies Nag Ashwin’s vision for the protagonist with remarkable skill. Prabhas effortlessly fits into the role of Bhairava, and his interactions with the digital companion Bujji (voiced by Keerthy Suresh) bring a refreshing charm to the narrative. The futuristic car, crucial to the plot, adds spectacle to pivotal sequences. Prabhas’ surprising dual role is a revelation best experienced in theaters.
Amitabh Bachchan’s depiction of Ashwatthama is the film’s crowning achievement. It seems as though he was destined for this role. His on-screen charisma is magnetic, and even his sparse dialogue carries immense weight.The confrontational scenes between Prabhas and Amitabh are highlight.
Deepika Padukone impresses in her Telugu cinema debut as Sumathi navigating profound challenges in pursuit of the future envisioned by the people of Shambala. Her character brims with emotional depth, brought to life by Nag Ashwin’s screenplay that captures poignant and heartfelt moments.
Kamal Haasan, the legendary actor, takes on the role of the antagonist, Supreme Yaskin, captivating audiences with his intense delivery of dialogue and powerful expressions. His transformation is remarkable, fully immersing himself in the role of the villain with a standout performance.
The supporting actors Rajendra Prasad, Pasupathy, Sobhana, and Anna Ben contribute solid performances that enhance the film’s depth. Their presence elevates key scenes, showcasing the dedication of Nag Ashwin and his team. Cameos by SS Rajamouli, Ram Gopal Varma, Anudeep, Mrunal Thakur, Vijay Deverakonda, and Dulquer Salmaan add delightful surprises to the storyline.
The latter half of the film is brimming with intense moments that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The Mahabharata sequences are executed exceptionally well, with a climax and cliffhanger ending that are truly awe-inspiring. Santhosh Narayanan’s background score enriches these scenes, leaving a lasting impact.
Despite its compelling second half, the film struggles with a slow-paced first half. There are opportunities for the director and editor to tighten the narrative by cutting scenes of lesser significance.
The interactions between Prabhas and Disha Patani lack engagement, and the inclusion of a song set in Complex feels superfluous.
Certain potentially thrilling scenes are not fully realized until the interval. Greater emotional depth in the second half, particularly regarding Shambala and its mission, could have heightened the impact. Additionally, establishing a stronger connection between Bujji and Prabhas in the initial stages might have enriched the overall storyline.
Overall,”Kalki 2898 AD” stands out as a pinnacle in Tollywood, seamlessly merging a futuristic world with mythological elements. Prabhas captivates with his remarkable dual roles, a true delight for his fans. Amitabh Bachchan delivers an outstanding performance, while Deepika Padukone shines brightly in her role. The interval’s explosive impact and the gripping clashes between Prabhas and Amitabh Bachchan are truly remarkable. From the intense build-up to the gripping cliffhanger, the film offers breathtaking sequences that justify every moment on screen. However, the deliberate pacing and length of the first half may challenge audience patience.