Kalki 2898AD review :
Direction: Nag Ashwin
Screenplay : Nag Ashwin
Producer: C. Aswani Dutt
Starring :Amitabh Bachchan, Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Kamal Haasan
Cinematography: Djordje Stojiljkovic
Editor: Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao
Music: Santhosh Narayanan
Kalki 2898AD review: Kalki2898AD starring Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan and Deepika Padukone is finally out in theatres. Let’s see how film is.
Story:
Kalki 2898 AD is set in a chaotic future where a powerful force, portrayed by Kamal Haasan, seeks a serum from a fertile woman. The core story explores the reasons behind this need and the ensuing conflict between Bhairava (Prabhas) and Ashwatthama (Amitabh Bachchan). Their mission to rescue Sumathi (Deepika Padukone) drives the narrative forward.
Performances and Technical Aspects
Bhairava (Prabhas): Bhairava feels more like an extended cameo than a central character, a surprising choice by director Nag Ashwin. Despite the possibility of a sequel, Bhairava’s role in this three-hour film is disappointingly limited. In the first half, his presence is inconsistent, making a brief return in a humorous exchange with Bujji that falls short of expectations. His characterization lacks depth, reducing him to a figure who makes subtle jokes. However, the last twenty minutes redeem his character, with Prabhas delivering a striking performance.
Ashwatthama (Amitabh Bachchan): Amitabh Bachchan’s portrayal of Ashwatthama stands out as a major highlight. His screen presence and performance are compelling, seamlessly executed in action sequences that defy his age.
Kamal Haasan: Kamal Haasan’s makeup is immediately impressive, but his brief screen time doesn’t allow for a significant impact. His role is hinted to be more prominent in the sequel.
Sumathi (Deepika Padukone): Playing a pregnant lab subject, Deepika’s character gradually develops, though the intrigue around the lab setting is lacking. Her performance is adequate with her screen presence adding to the film’s appeal but no standout moments are delivered.
Supporting Cast: Disha Patani, as Roxie, has a forgettable role despite ample screen time. The film features a host of talented actors like Rajendra Prasad and Shobhana, who give decent performances. Brahmanandam’s scenes with Prabhas fall short of generating heartfelt laughter. Pasupathy, Anna Ben, and Saswata Chatterjee deliver competent performances but none leave a lasting impression. Keerthy Suresh’s voice-over for Bujji is a nice touch.
Technical Crew: The camera work by Djordje Stojiljkovic is brilliant, and the art direction team, including Anil Jadhav and Santosh Shetty, does justice to the epic project. Editing by Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao could have been better, as the film feels overly lengthy. The action sequences, choreographed by King Solomon and others, are commendable. Santhosh Narayanan’s music falls short of expectations for a film of this scale though the background score in the second half’s action sequences is effective.
Production Values: Vyjayanthi Movies’ production values are top-notch, living up to their reputation for big-budget films. Producers Aswani Dutt and his daughters, Swapna and Priyanka Dutt have made a bold attempt that positions them on the pan-India stage.
Analysis
Director Nag Ashwin, known for his blockbuster “Mahanati,” brings his emotional storytelling to “Kalki 2898 AD.” The film begins with Amitabh Bachchan’s Ashwatthama, grabbing attention from the start. Rajendra Prasad and Shobhana’s characters also engage initially, creating excitement. Bhairava’s introduction through a humorous exchange sets the tone, followed by a lengthy fight sequence. However, Bhairava’s impact is underwhelming, and his prolonged absence in the first half feels disjointed for a lead role.
Deepika Padukone’s SUM-80, a pregnant lab subject, is crucial to the plot, but character introductions lack follow-through. The film’s first half, despite being long, fails to make any characters stand out. The Supreme’s (Kamal Haasan) introduction lacks the required cinematic impact, despite the impressive VFX. Roxie’s (Disha Patani) track adds to the overall boredom.
The interval is executed nicely, building anticipation. The second half begins with a Mad Max-style action sequence featuring Anna Ben. Despite its length, this sequence succeeds in visual impact. The second half focuses heavily on action, which works well, with top-notch technical standards. The film peaks towards the end, showcasing Prabhas’ potential in action. However, it abruptly ends, setting up a sequel.
Nag Ashwin, known for his expertise in emotion and drama, delivers a superficial job in “Kalki 2898 AD,” prioritizing action over emotional depth. The lab idea, crucial to the plot, lacks clarity and emotional connection. The recurring mention of ‘Complex’ fails to establish the necessary depth in the story. Despite these shortcomings, the director and his technical crew deliver an action-packed second half that maintains engagement and showcases the film’s scale.
Verdict
“Kalki 2898 AD” deserves a theater watch for its grand scale, vision and impressive action sequences. However, the lack of emotional depth and drama is a significant drawback. The film excels in its visual spectacle and technical execution but falls short in delivering a compelling emotionally resonant story.
