Kalki 2898 AD: A Maximalist Sci-Fi Epic

In the world of science fiction, it’s not often that we come across a film that seamlessly blends mythology, martial arts, and Bollywood-style dance-romance-melodrama plot mechanics. But that’s exactly what Kalki 2898 AD, a Telugu-language film, brings to the table. This ambitious project is set in a dystopian future and features a star-studded cast, including Amitabh Bachchan and Prabhas.

A futuristic cityscape

The film takes us on a thrilling ride, jumping between the battlefield 3,000 years ago and the year 2898, where Earth is a withered dystopia. The city of Kasi is the last remaining metropolis, consisting of a slum on the ground and a massive inverted pyramid called the Complex, ruled by the cruel semi-divine dictator Supreme Yaskin (Kamal Haasan). The world-building is intricate, with a blend of design motifs and sparkly, color-saturated visual effects that look both futuristic and hand-crafted at the same time.

The story follows Bhairava (Prabhas), a wisecracking, self-interested mercenary ripe for emotional redemption, as he pursues a bounty in Sum-80 (Deepika Padukone), a runaway from the Complex who is part of a nefarious experiment that extracts magical fetal tissue from farmed pregnant women. This experiment is used by Supreme Yaskin to moisturize his desiccated frame.

Amitabh Bachchan as Ashwatthama

The film’s visuals are a treat, with brassy looking, intricately patterned weapons that give off bright-blue CGI sparks, Tibetan sand mandalas that erupt into magical fire, and saris that would make Barbarella proud. The action sequences are fast-paced, with desert car chases that evoke memories of Mad Max.

A high-octane car chase

While the film’s ambition is admirable, it’s not without its flaws. The pacing can be frustrating, with an interval in the middle and a huge pileup of reveals, reversals, shocks, and cliffhangers in the last 15 minutes. However, the payoff is worth it, and fans of science fiction and fantasy will be eager to see what the next installment of the Kalki Cinematic Universe has in store.

The poster for Kalki 2898 AD

In conclusion, Kalki 2898 AD is a maximalist sci-fi epic that’s not afraid to take risks. With its unique blend of Indian mythology, martial arts, and science fiction, it’s a must-watch for fans of the genre.