KALKI

Kalki 2898 AD is a 2024 Indian Telugu-language epic mythological science fiction film written and directed by Nag Ashwin. Produced by Vyjayanthi Movies, it features an ensemble cast including Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Shobana and Disha Patani. Inspired by Hindu scriptures, the film serves as the first installment in the planned Kalki Cinematic Universe. Set in a dystopian future in the year 2898 AD in the city of Kashi, the story follows a group on a mission to protect lab subject SUM-80's unborn child, believed to be Kalki, the final incarnation of Vishnu. The film was officially announced in February 2020 and had the working title of Project K. Principal photography commenced a year later in July 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was shot sporadically over the next three years extensively in Ramoji Film City and wrapped by late-May 2024. The official title was revealed in July 2023. The film features music by Santhosh Narayanan, cinematography by Djordje Stojiljkovic, and editing by Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao. Kalki 2898 AD was initially scheduled for release on 9 May 2024, but was postponed due to unfinished post-production work. It was released worldwide on 27 June 2024 in standard, IMAX, and 3D formats with mixed reviews praising Ashwin's direction, screenplay, background score, visual effects, concept, penultimate scenes and Bachchan's performance. The film was also criticised for its slow and uneven first half, lengthy runtime, disjointed subplots, weak dialogue and underdeveloped characters. Its comedy, particularly Bhairava's jokes, was also considered ineffective, while some critics found its use of familiar science-fiction elements lacking in originality. With a ₹600 crore production budget, it is the most expensive Indian film ever made. The film grossed an estimated ₹1,100 crore globally and has set multiple box office records for an Indian and Telugu film, becoming the second highest-grossing Indian film of 2024, the fourth highest-grossing Telugu film, and the tenth highest-grossing Indian film of all time. The film won four Telangana Gaddar Film Awards, including Best Film, and four South Indian International Movie Awards including Best Film – Telugu. At the 72nd National Film Awards 2024, it won 2 awards including Best Production Design and Best Popular Feature Film.