Kalki 2898 AD: It looks like Deepika Padukone is going to play a role inspired by Uttara, but unlike in the Mahabharata, Ashwatthama will be seen protecting Uttara’s unborn child.
A glimpse into a world where mythology meets futuristic sci-fi was unveiled recently with the release of the trailer for *Kalki 2898 AD*. Stirring much intrigue, the trailer featured Deepika Padukone as a pregnant woman and Amitabh Bachchan in the role of Ashwatthama. The film also boasts an ensemble cast including Kamal Haasan, Prabhas, and Disha Patani in pivotal roles. Directed by Nag Ashwin and produced by Vyjayanthi Movies, *Kalki 2898 AD* is a multilingual spectacle slated for release on June 27, 2024.
The trailers spotlight Deepika Padukone portraying a character known as SUM 80, presumed to be Sumathi, the mother of Kalki—an avatar of Vishnu. The big question circulating among fans and critics alike remains: why is Ashwatthama so preoccupied with protecting SUM 80’s child?
To answer this, we must dive into the annals of mythology. Ashwatthama, the son of Drona, was cursed by Lord Krishna after he attempted to kill Uttara’s unborn child, aiming to obliterate the lineage of the Pandavas. As punishment, Krishna took the gem from Ashwatthama’s forehead and cursed him with immortality. He was doomed to wander the forests until the end of Kali Yuga, suffering from wounds that oozed blood and pus, eternally grieving while death evaded him.
Kalki, as per mythology, is the prophesied tenth avatar of Vishnu who will manifest at the end of Kali Yuga to restore Dharma. The narrative tension in *Kalki 2898 AD* hinges on Ashwatthama’s poignant quest for salvation, achievable only with the conclusion of Kali Yuga. Thus, Ashwatthama seeks the arrival of Kalki, the one destined to end the age and thereby his curse. Saswata Chatterjee’s villainous character, on the other hand, seems to view Sum 80’s unborn child as a threat to his reign of havoc and the corrupt system he rules. Consequently, Ashwatthama (Amitabh Bachchan) becomes the protector of Deepika Padukone’s character, tasked with safeguarding the future savior and ender of Kali Yuga.
A vibrant background score and stunning visuals mark the trailer, capturing the compelling juxtaposition between mythological lore and a dystopian future.
. The trailer sets the stage for a riveting cinematic experience, bolstered by the powerhouse performances from its stellar cast.
During a recent promotional event for the film, Amitabh Bachchan reflected on his experience working on such an avant-garde project. Praising the visionary director Nag Ashwin, Bachchan said, “Nagi came and explained the idea of *Kalki 2898 AD*. After he left, I thought, what the hell is Nagi drinking? To think of something like this is absolutely outrageous. Some of the visuals that you have seen just now are unbelievable. To have somebody conceive a project that is so futuristic is amazing.” He further added, “No matter what Nag Ashwin thought of, he actually got all the material and effects to match his vision. It has been an amazing experience working for *Kalki 2898 AD* which I will never forget.”
Given the rich tapestry of characters and the mythology imbued within the storyline, *Kalki 2898 AD* promises to be more than just a visual spectacle. It aims to delve deeply into themes of redemption, destiny, and the cyclical nature of time, drawing from age-old stories while planting them firmly in an imaginative future.
The film incites discussions around how ancient myths can be perpetually relevant and reinterpreted, serving as a bridge between the past, present, and future. Advance bookings for the movie are now open, and the anticipation is palpable.
As the release date nears, the buzz around *Kalki 2898 AD* only grows. Fans across the globe are eagerly waiting to see how the mythical characters they’ve known for ages will come to life in a way that resonates with the futuristic ambitions of the narrative. How will Ashwatthama’s quest for redemption unfold? Will Kalki embrace his destiny as the harbinger of a new era? June 27, 2024, holds the answers.
