Unbelievable Facts About Kalki 2898 AD: From Casting Superstars to Facing Critics

Kalki 2898 AD facts: Introduction

A fan once asked SRK in an interview, “Can anyone afford SRK, Salman, and Aamir in one film?” Well, a big shot like Ambani invited all three to his son’s wedding and spent 5000 crores, equal to SRK’s total wealth. Meanwhile, a new director from the Telugu industry comes up with a futuristic content idea. Bollywood producers today still don’t want to waste time on new writers and directors, telling them to work menial jobs. However, producers like C. Ashwin Dutt show faith in a new director’s vision, spending 600 crores and giving them the freedom to execute their ideas.

This allows the director to cast four pan-India superstars—Kamal Haasan, Amitabh Bachchan, Prabhas, and Deepika Padukone—along with many other stars. The entire Indian public trusts the vision of a director who looks like a yoga teacher, and despite the negativity, the film crosses 1000 crores in just 15 days. In this post, we will discuss jaw-dropping facts related to Kalki 2898 AD’s future casting and scenes. You’ll be surprised to learn things you didn’t know before, like the 25 crore lawsuit filed by the makers against two critics and the injury Big B sustained while shooting a scene. We’ll also talk about the future characters like Vijay Deverakonda and Dulquer Salmaan as described by Nag Ashwin.

The Rise of Kalki 2898

Credit – Variety

Despite being the most expensive crypto-based film ever, with big names but lackluster performances, the film faced harsh criticism that still haunts the makers. Some haters even declared that the film industry should stop their antics and quietly exit. But ignoring the noise, the makers invested 700 crores and made a comeback with Kalki 2898 in June 2024, challenging the haters to count the zeros in a thousand crores first before talking.

Multiple Delays

The movie was postponed thrice, which often negatively impacts business, making the public upset and causing chaos among other filmmakers. Initially set for a January 2024 release, it was delayed due to unfinished post-production work, including VFX, and rescheduled to May 9th. However, given the Lok Sabha elections and competition from international films like “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” it was postponed to May 28th and finally released on June 27th.

Amitabh Bachchan’s Central Role

Credit- Harper’s Bazaar

Originally named “Ashwatthama,” many believed Kalki 2898 was more Amitabh Bachchan’s film than Prabhas’s. Amitabh’s character Ashwatthama received significant screen time, making it the strongest presence in the film. The movie’s name was later changed from “Ashwatthama” to “Kalki 2898,” with Amitabh Bachchan being Nag Ashwin’s first and only choice for the role.

Big B’s Dedication and Injury

While shooting, Amitabh Bachchan sustained injuries, breaking his rib cartilage and suffering a muscle tear, which caused severe pain. Despite this, he completed the film after six weeks of treatment. Impressed by producer C. Ashwin Dutt, Big B even touched his feet in appreciation, highlighting Ashwin’s dedication to safety on set.

For the role of Ashwatthama, Amitabh underwent a three-hour prosthetic transformation process, a testament to his dedication. He watched the film four times, each viewing providing new insights. I’ve also watched it three times, noticing something different each time.

Also read: Stree 2 movie review: Post-Credit Review & Ending Explained

Advanced Technology and Visual Effects

The film featured 700 shots and advanced technology to depict an imaginary dystopian world. The Embassy, known for working on projects like Iron Man and Captain America, enhanced the desert and wasteland scenes using CGI. The biggest challenge was depicting high-speed vehicle battles in the desert. Additionally, DNEG, an Oscar-winning company, worked on many visual effects with a team of 1200 artists.

The Story and Setting

The story of Kalki 2898 portrays a future where the world is destroyed, with only the last city, Kashi, surviving. The film features multiple languages on signboards, representing unity in diversity, as people from different communities come together.

References to Hanumanji

The movie also references Hanumanji. Future sequels will introduce the six Chiranjivis who will help Kalki end Kaliyug, with the strongest being Hanumanji. A mace, seen in the Supreme Yasak’s counselor’s lab, could be a weapon of Hanumanji, connecting the film to future narratives.

Legal Actions Against Critics

Kalki makers filed a 25 crore lawsuit against two critics for spreading unnecessary hate and falsely reporting the film’s collection. This move demonstrates the seriousness of the issue, as earlier, Vidyut Jammwal also accused Sumit Kadel of demanding money for a favorable review of his film “Crack.”

The Futuristic “Bujji Car”

Credit – DriveSpark

The futuristic “Bujji Car” in Kalki 2898, costing 7 crores to build, was a major attraction. Unlike the usual CGI vehicles, this iconic car was built to make Prabhas’s vehicle stand out.

Collaborations and Performances

Working with Amitabh Bachchan is a dream come true for any newcomer, and Prabhas even shared acting tips with a co-star. Initially, Kamal Haasan rejected the offer, disliking the first look of the Supreme Yas King character. After revisions, he accepted the role and received praise for his performance despite a short screen presence.

Deepika Padukone, playing the character Sumathi, gave a powerful performance while being pregnant in real life, adding depth to her portrayal. Nag Ashwin’s favorite scene is her entry during the interval, which he believes will become iconic.

Prabhas’s Character and Symbolism

Prabhas’s tattoo in the film, inspired by Norse mythology, symbolizes the “Glory of Death in Battle,” aligning with his character Bhairava Karn’s reincarnation and battlefield death.

Future Sequels and Characters

Fans eagerly await the next part of Kalki 2898. Rumors suggest the second part’s shooting is 60% complete, but Nag Ashwin clarified they have only completed 202 days of shooting. He confirmed Dulquer Salmaan’s cameo and denied Allu Arjun’s, hinting at more developments in the cinematic universe.

Conclusion

Kalki 2898 is a testament to the power of vision, dedication, and the ability to rise above criticism. With its futuristic themes, stellar cast, and advanced technology, the film has set new benchmarks in the Indian film industry. As fans, we look forward to seeing how the story unfolds in future sequels and what new surprises Nag Ashwin has in store for us.