Prabhas in the Telugu film ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
After much anticipation, Nag Ashwin’s dystopian sci-fi spectacle Kalki 2898 AD Hits theaters on June 27. The film has received largely positive responses for its elaborate world-building, which blends elements of Indian mythology with futuristic plots, as well as gripping performances from Amitabh Bachchan, Prabhas and Deepika Padukone and Kamal Haasan (as the evil dictator Supreme Yaskin). The film is set in the futuristic dystopian city of Kashi, and its epic narrative spans a time-frame of 6,000 years.
Here are some interesting facts about the film (spoilers ahead) –
Cool Cameo
Kalki 2898 AD The film has many cameos that will make audiences whistle and hoot all over India. Popular actors like Vijay Deverakonda, Dulquer Salmaan and Mrunal Thakur have small but impactful roles in the film. Apart from this, renowned filmmakers SS Rajamouli and Ram Gopal Varma have also made exciting guest appearances. Also, veteran actor Shobana has made a comeback to Telugu cinema after 18 years in this film.
Keerthy Suresh is delighted as Bujji
Some sci-fi franchises aren’t complete without a lovable AI robot that aids the hero on his epic journey. Kalki 2898 ADSouth star Keerthy Suresh voices Bujji, the AI-powered supercar of Bhairava, played by Prabhas. Our colleague Sangeetha Devi Dundoo wrote in her review of the film, “Bhairava and Bujji share a unique partnership, but we get only a brief description of Bujji’s origin story.”
A scene from the ‘Bujji Aur Bhairava’ animated prequel series
Famous image-makers
Serbian cinematographer Djordje Stojiljikovic crafts captivating visual landscapes and stratified worlds KalkiStojiljkovic grew up in Belgrade and has a passion for both cinematography and visual effects. His previous films include the dystopian short Enema and a science-fiction film set in India queen queen queen (Director Rajaram Rajendran) Stojiljikovic shot Kalki 2898 AD Alexa 65 camera with Arri DNA lenses, making it suitable for IMAX release with minimal upscaling.
World-leading impact
Extensive visual effects Kalki 2898 AD The visuals are supplied by two primary studios, Prime Focus DNEG and The Embassy Visual Effects. The film has a total of 700 VFX shots.
A scene from ‘Kalki 2898 A.D.’
DNEG is a world-leading VFX house based in London. Their credits include Blade Runner 2049, Dune, Tenet, Interstellar, Oppenheimer And Other. He has won the Academy Award six times for his VFX and animation work. In 2023, DNEG acquired Prime Focus Technologies.
Embassy Visual Effects is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. They have contributed VFX shots to Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films such as iron Man series.
Tamil Talks
Lyricist Vivek has written dialogues for several lead characters in the Tamil version. Kalki 2898 ADA renowned lyricist, Vivek has worked with leading composers including AR Rahman, Santosh Narayanan, Anirudh Ravichander and Yuvan Shankar Raja. In 2018, his ‘Simtaangaran’ created a stir on social media.
Franchise Incoming
The makers have teased Kalki Cinematic Universe (KCU) and as confirmed by early reviews, the film is gearing up for a sequel (to be continued…” are the final words of the film). Ahead of the release, the makers have teased the release of the film. B&B: Bujji and BhairavaAn animated prequel series on Amazon Prime Video, depicting the bond between Bujji and Bhairava.
