Kalki 2898 AD is both stellar and sloppy. Is it worth a watch?

Nag Ashwin's Kalki 2898 AD breaks the mold of the typical sci-fi epic. It's a bold and audacious project, a visual spectacle that pushes the boundaries of Indian cinema. It's a behemoth, a film that throws its weight around with the ambition of even going beyond Ayan Mukherjee’s 2022 directorial Brahmastra.

Kalki 2898 AD Trailer - Hindi | Prabhas | Amitabh Bachchan | Kamal Haasan | Deepika | Nag Ashwinyoutu.be

While such epic sagas are either a hit or a miss and like any other movie, Kalki 2898 AD soars in some areas and stumbles in others.

Thinking it’s a ripoff of Dune or Mad Max? No, not at all. What I saw in Kalki 2898 AD was a glimpse of Metropolis by Fritz Lang, a 1927 German Expressionist sci-fi classic. Both films depict a class divide. Just how Metropolis uses towering skyscrapers and vast industrial machines to create a sense of awe and alienation, a visual language that Kalki 2898 AD echoes in its depiction of the affluent city i.e. Complex which is a paradise for the privileged & the Rebels who aspire either to be a part of the Complex or be rebellious to change the world ‘for tomorrow’.

This visual dichotomy is breathtaking. The CGI artists deserve a standing ovation for crafting a world both beautiful and brutal. Every frame is meticulously crafted, a testament to the film's mammoth budget. Yes, the frames do take inspiration from The Mandalorian, Dune and Mad Max but nothing feels copied, apart from the only frame that faced a plagiarism controversy before the film was released.

A snippet from the VFX breakdown of the various sets of Kalki 2898 ADVijayanthi Network

A snippet of Complex from the set of Kalki 2898 ADVijayanthi Network

The first half, however, suffers from pacing issues. The narrative feels sluggish at times, and Prabhas's stoic performance doesn't quite elevate the material. Thankfully, the film finds its footing in the second half. The story cleverly weaves in parallels to the Kurukshetra war from the Mahabharata, adding a layer of mythological intrigue.

Amitabh Bachchan is, as always, phenomenal. His portrayal of Ashwathama is electrifying, a masterclass in screen presence. Deepika Padukone and Kamal Haasan deliver strong performances too, albeit in smaller roles. However, some characters, like Disha Patani's, feel like missed opportunities and not to forget, there are other celebrity cameos too - Dalquer Salman, Director SS Rajamouli and Ram Gopal Verma. So you can expect some fan moments for sure, but they do almost nothing to contribute to the story in any way. Their narratives fizzle out, leaving the audience wanting more.

A shot of Ashwatthama played by Amitabh Bachhan in Kalki 2898 ADVijayanthi Network

The film's greatest shortcoming is its lack of emotional resonance. Despite depicting atrocities and suffering, it struggles to truly connect with the audience on a deeper level. The violence feels gratuitous at times, and the comedic sequences land with a thud.

Despite its flaws, Kalki 2898 AD is a visually stunning film with a promising future. The ambition is undeniable, and the groundwork for a larger cinematic universe is firmly laid. The second half hints at a more emotionally engaging story, and with some tighter editing and a stronger narrative focus, the sequel could truly be spectacular.

We’d rate it 3.5 out of 5. We're excited to see what the sequel brings.