Starring stalwarts of Indian cinema such as Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, and Kamal Haasan, the film Kalki 2898 AD is being heralded as the most costly Indian movie ever, boasting a staggering budget of Rs 600 crore. In a recent interview, Prabhas delved into the intricacies of the production costs, providing a robust justification for the unprecedented budget required to bring this sci-fi action spectacle to life.
In an illuminating conversation with Deadline, Prabhas explained, “The entire film is crafted for an international audience. That’s one of the primary reasons why it boasts such a high budget and features the finest actors from across the nation.” Reflecting on his own initial reaction upon learning he would be sharing the screen with legendary figures like Amitabh Bachchan and Kamal Haasan, Prabhas added, “I never imagined that I would have the opportunity to work with icons such as Amitabh Sir and Kamal Sir, let alone in a single film. When I received the news, I immediately called the producer. I said, ‘What are you offering me? This is a milestone beyond anything I could have envisioned.'”
Prabhas has been a pivotal figure in Indian cinema, especially following the monumental success of the Baahubali series, which culminated in his recognition as the first ‘pan-Indian’ actor. Reflecting on this accolade, Prabhas said, “It was the first time we were hearing people describe me as a ‘pan-Indian’ actor. While such titles don’t necessarily affect me, it’s gratifying to know that audiences across the country appreciate my work.”
Kalki 2898 AD draws inspiration from Indian mythology and is directed by Nag Ashwin. The production is backed by veteran producer C. Aswani Dutt under the banner of Vyjayanthi Movies. The ambitious project first grabbed headlines when a teaser was unveiled at the San Diego Comic-Con under its working title, Project K.
Discussing the scale and ambition of the movie, industry insiders have indicated that the large budget has been allocated across various facets such as cutting-edge visual effects, international marketing strategies, and securing the best talent in the industry. The film aims to set new benchmarks not only in Indian cinema but also resonates with global audiences, akin to Hollywood sci-fi epics.
The film’s grand scale goes beyond just star power and budget.
. According to insiders closely associated with the movie, the narrative itself is colossal, with a richly layered storyline reimagining mythological elements within a futuristic framework. “This is not just a film; it’s an experience that we aim to deliver across various languages and cultures,” emphasized Nag Ashwin in a previous interview. With versions releasing in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada, the film aspires to break linguistic and regional barriers traditionally seen in Indian cinema.
The cinematography and special effects have been under global scrutiny ever since snippets were showcased at the Comic-Con. Viewers worldwide are eagerly anticipating how the Indian film industry will pull off a project of this magnitude. Reinventing aspects of mythology and presenting them within a sci-fi narrative is a bold, uncharted territory that the makers of Kalki 2898 AD have ventured into. “It’s a risk, yes, but the potential rewards are astronomical. Indian cinema needs to broaden its horizons, and this film is a significant step in that direction,” said Ashwin.
The ensemble cast, including titans of the Indian film industry, introduces a mix of talent and experience seldom seen together. Amitabh Bachchan brings his unparalleled gravitas, while Kamal Haasan’s versatility is expected to add rich layers to the characters. Deepika Padukone, one of the top female leads in the industry, complements the dynamic cast, rounding out what promises to be an extraordinary cinematic experience.
With release slated for June 27 across multiple languages, excitement for the film has reached a fever pitch. The trailer has already garnered millions of views, and fan theories are abundant on social media platforms. As anticipation builds, it’s clear that Kalki 2898 AD represents more than just a high-budget spectacle. It symbolizes a shift in the Indian film industry’s capacity to create globally appealing movies without losing its cultural essence.
As we edge closer to the film’s release, one thing is clear: Kalki 2898 AD is not just poised to break records in terms of budget, but also in setting new standards for Indian cinema on the world stage. This epic tale, woven with themes both ancient and futuristic, is all set to amaze and inspire audiences far and wide.
