The blockbuster Indian filmKalki 2898 ADwill soon be released on streaming, potentially attracting a whole new wave of recognition after a massively successful theatrical run. StarringPrabhasin the lead role,Kalki 2898 ADwas sold as the country’s most expensive movie, and a rare example of a dystopian science-fiction spectacle that was also rooted in Indian mythology.Kalki 2898 ADwasinspired heavily by the Hindu epic Mahabharata, and also seemed to draw from Western pop-culture landmarks such asBlade Runner,Dune, andStar Wars.
Like with most Indian movies of this size,Kalki 2898 ADwas released inmultiple local languages. The Hindi version of the moviewill be released on Netflix on August 22, while the film’s Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Tamil versions will be releasedon Prime Video on the same day. India, for those who might not know, has several regional language film industries that operate independently of each other. But these industries unite once in a while, when a project as massive asKalki 2898 ADcomes along.
While the movie features a Telugu superstar in Prabhas, who remains best known for directorS.S. Rajamouli’s two-part Baahubali series, it also features Hindi film stars such asDeepika PadukoneandAmitabh Bachchanin supporting roles. Directed byNag Ashwin, whopromoted the film at last year’s San Diego Comic Con, the film follows the bounty hunter Bhairava, who is pulled into an epic mission to protect a woman carrying a future messiah-figure. During the mission, Bhairava discovers that there is more to life than a selfish pursuit of wealth, as he faces off against the forces of a tyrannical ruler who will be showcased more prominently in the planned sequel.
Kalki 2898 ADconcluded its theatrical run with over $130 million worldwide, emerging as the sixth-biggest Indian hit of all time at the global box office. The movie also ended up out-performing Prabhas' ownBaahubali 2: The Conclusiondomestically, with a lifetime haul of $18 million.Kalki 2898 ADopened to mostly positive reviews, and has settled at a “fresh” 83% approval rating on the aggregator websiteRotten Tomatoes, with Collider’sJeff Ewingcalling it"a strong epic that’s certainly worth visiting, thanks to a unique genre hybridization, interesting worldbuilding, and skilled performances."
A couple of years ago, Baahubali director Rajamouli’sRRRwent on to attract widespread attention from Western audiences following its release on streaming, and eventuallyended up winning an Academy Award.Kalki 2898 ADwould hope to generate similar interest when it debuts on Netflix and Prime Video next week. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.
Kalki 2898 AD
In a dystopian future, society is on the brink of collapse, ruled by corrupt powers exploiting technology and religion. A mysterious figure emerges, believed by some to be the prophesized warrior destined to overthrow the tyrants and restore balance. As he gathers followers, his quest becomes a symbol of hope for the oppressed, challenging the very fabric of the corrupt regime.
