Stating that Kalki 2898 AD’s story is centered on Padukone’s character, director Nag Ashwin talks about how he was careful about shooting the climax with the pregnant actor.
Launching a film after investing four years of one’s life can be both a thrilling and daunting experience. For director Nag Ashwin, the surge of emotions has been overwhelmingly positive following the release of his sci-fi epic, Kalki 2898 AD. Such has been the film’s reception that it raked in over Rs 400 crore in the domestic market within its first week of release. “It’s immensely gratifying to see audiences enjoy the film and to receive messages that often begin with ‘Thank you for making this film,’” Ashwin expressed with a smile of contentment.
Creating a futuristic landscape is no easy feat, but the veteran director had an added layer of pressure: doing justice to a stellar cast. Ashwin, however, credits his talented ensemble – Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Prabhas, and Deepika Padukone – for making the task less cumbersome. “These actors brought not only their immense talent to the set but also a sense of professionalism and insight that alleviated any concerns of insecurity or limited screen time. They are true legends and superstars; their judgment about the film is rock-solid, and they are secure in their roles within the story. Discussions about screen time typically arise when actors are less experienced or insecure,” Ashwin elaborated.
Among the film’s standout narrative elements is Deepika Padukone’s character, SUM-80, also known as Sumathi, the mother of the titular character Kalki. Despite promotional content suggesting that her role was relatively minor, Ashwin was unwavering in his belief that Sumathi was integral to the story. “We had to conceal parts of her storyline because, in many ways, the film revolves around her. She is the crux of the narrative and the most important character in this cinematic universe. There is undoubtedly more of Sumathi to be explored in the second installment,” Ashwin revealed.
Notably, Deepika Padukone was pregnant during the filming of the movie’s climactic scenes, necessitating a careful and considerate approach on set. “Ensuring her comfort was our highest priority, considering her condition. I’m thrilled that, in a unique way, Deepika’s baby made their screen debut,” Ashwin beamed.
The phenomenal box-office success of Kalki 2898 AD has challenging conventional wisdom regarding the viability of sci-fi films in India. Ashwin attributes the achievement to a well-crafted story over genre-specific elements. “Focus on getting your story right. The setting and VFX should complement the narrative but do not overshadow it. Even if some VFX shots aren’t perfect, a compelling story will resonate with audiences,” advised Ashwin.
As he gears up for the sequel, Ashwin is keenly aware of the mixed feedback surrounding the first installment’s pacing, particularly in the initial half. “We have already shot about 20 days’ worth of footage for the second part. The first film required extensive character introductions, which slowed the pace. I am actively listening to the feedback and am committed to delivering a more dynamic second part,” he vowed.
Taking a film, which demanded the last four years of your life, to the audiences can be satisfying as well as nerve-wracking. For Nag Ashwin, it’s exhilarating.
. His sci-fi actioner, Kalki 2898 AD, made over Rs 400 crore in the domestic market within a week of its release. “It’s satisfying to see people enjoy and write congratulatory messages that usually start with ‘Thank you for making this film,’” he grins.
Creating a futuristic world must have been a challenge, coupled with the pressure of doing justice to the all-star cast. But Ashwin says his actors—Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Prabhas and Deepika Padukone—made his job easier. They brought not only their talent to the project, but also their professionalism and acuity, leaving no room for insecurity or fears about limited screen time. “We call them legends and superstars because they have judgment about a film, they are secure about their purpose in the story, and how their role would expand or be limited in this part. Discussions about who has more screen time probably come [into play] when the actors are upcoming, younger or less secure.”
Among Kalki 2898 AD’s most-talked about aspects is Padukone’s character SUM-80 aka Sumathi, the mother of Kalki. The promos gave the impression that she had a small role. The director, however, was always clear that Sumathi was the most important character. “We had to hide a bit of her story. But in a way, the film is all about her. She is the story, the film’s most important character. We’ll definitely see a lot more of her in the second part.” Padukone was pregnant when she shot for the movie’s climax. Naturally then, her comfort was Ashwin’s top priority. “We were very careful, making sure she was comfortable with every shot. I’m happy that in a way, Deepika’s baby made its screen debut,” he smiles.
The movie’s smashing success has shown that contrary to popular notion, sci-fi films have takers in India. If Ashwin has one tip to give, it is that the genre doesn’t matter, the story does. “Get your story right first. The setting and VFX are secondary. If you have a great story and even if a few VFX shots fall short, it’s fine.” As he looks forward to working on the second part, he is mindful of the criticism that the first edition is receiving regarding its slow pace in the first-half. “We’ve shot for probably 20 days of the second part. With Kalki, there were so many characters to be introduced. So, we took our time. But I’m listening to the feedback and trying to make sure that we make a much better [second part].”
