Stars Align: Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan Lead Cast of ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ in Mumbai Unveiling
Mumbai, 20th June 2024: The stars of “Kalki 2898 AD” unveiled details of the highly anticipated Indian sci-fi epic at a national press launch in Mumbai on Wednesday.
Although the film’s budget remains undisclosed officially, industry insiders estimate it to be around $72 million, potentially placing it among the most expensive Indian films ever made.
The event, hosted at a suburban five-star hotel, kicked off with a 75-minute delay—a common occurrence in Bollywood but unusual for the disciplined south Indian Telugu-language film industry, from which “Kalki 2898 AD” originates. Media representatives from across India eagerly awaited the arrival of the stars, greeting them with enthusiastic cheers.
Present at the launch were the film’s stars: Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Deepika Padukone, and producers C. Aswani Dutt, Swapna Dutt, and Priyanka Dutt of Vyjayanthi Movies, with Rana Daggubati from “Baahubali” serving as the evening’s host.
Directed and written by Nag Ashwin (“Mahanati”), who sent a video message since he couldn’t attend, the film is set in a dystopian future post-catastrophe, centered around the city of Kasi. Within this world, The Complex, a massive inverted pyramid structure, symbolizes wealth and luxury, contrasting sharply with the harsh realities faced by those outside. A hidden sanctuary named Shambala offers refuge to people from diverse backgrounds and beliefs.
In Hindu mythology, Kalki is the 10th avatar of Vishnu, prophesied to appear to end the Kali Yuga, the darkest phase of humanity’s history.
In “Kalki 2898 AD,” Amitabh Bachchan portrays Ashwatthama, an immortal figure from the ancient Indian epic “Mahabharata.” Reflecting on his role, Bachchan expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work in such a visionary project, praising the production for its innovative approach.
Kamal Haasan plays Supreme Yaskin, the antagonist, embracing the chance to explore a complex character role traditionally associated with heroes.
Deepika Padukone, portraying Sumathi, a pregnant character, humorously reflected on her method acting experience amidst her own pregnancy, emphasizing the discovery process and the film’s creative depth.
Prabhas, playing the protagonist Bhairava, described the experience of working alongside such esteemed co-stars in a production of epic scale as exceeding his wildest dreams.
The event included previews of previously unreleased footage from the film, accompanied by drum performances and an a capella rendition of the theme song.
“Kalki 2898 AD” is set for a global theatrical release on June 27, showcasing in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, and English languages.
