Decoding Supreme Yaskin
“Kalki 2898 AD,” starring Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Prabhas and Kamal Haasan has been generating a lot of buzz. Directed by Nag Ashwin, the film has already surpassed Rs 200 crore at the Indian box office within three days of its release. With its unique blend of futuristic science fiction and references to the Mahabharata, the film has intrigued many, especially regarding Kamal Haasan’s character Supreme Yaskin.
In the movie, Supreme Yaskin is depicted as working on Project K. While the details of this project remain largely undisclosed, it is evident that Yaskin is attempting to develop a serum that extends life using artificially inseminated human fetuses. His goal is to find a woman who can carry these fetuses to term. Yaskin’s appearance, connected to numerous cords that keep him alive, evokes the image of an underdeveloped human fetus.
Yaskin’s ultimate aim appears to be achieving immense power and causing destruction, specifically targeting Sumati’s (Deepika Padukone) unborn child. This ambition to dominate and destroy mirrors the mythological figure Kali, a demon destined to battle Kalki.
What’s its according to Hindu mythology?
According to Hindu mythology, Kalki is the tenth avatar of Lord Vishnu, who is prophesied to appear at the end of the Kali Yuga to restore righteousness. In this narrative, Kali represents a period of moral decline and chaos.
The parallels between Yaskin and Kali suggest that Nag Ashwin might have drawn inspiration from the myth of Kalki to shape his villain. Yaskin’s intent to eliminate the unborn Kalki and inject his serum into him aligns with the mythological conflict between Kali and the divine avatar of Vishnu. This connection is further highlighted towards the end of the film, where Yaskin recites a Sanskrit verse, “Jagannatha ratha chakraalu vastunnaai vastunnaai,” which translates to “The wheels of Jagannatha’s chariot are coming, they are coming.” This chant signifies Yaskin’s realization that the Vishnu avatar is imminent, foreshadowing the epic clash to come.
