New Delhi: Nag Ashwin’s highly anticipated 3D cinematic marvel, “Kalki 2898 AD,” stormed the global box office with a historic opening, amassing a colossal Rs 191.5 crore gross revenue on its first day, as per Friday’s announcement from the film’s production banner, Vyjayanthi Movies. This box office titan, a fusion of the timeless Hindu epic Mahabharata and visionary science fiction, represents a new epoch in Indian cinema. The film debuted on Thursday, available in six languages: Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi, and English.
The feature showcases an exceptional ensemble cast headlined by cinematic luminaries Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan, and Kamal Haasan. Supplementing this all-star lineup are notable performances by Disha Patani, Saswata Chatterjee, and Shobhana.
In celebration of the film’s phenomenal opening, Vyjayanthi Movies took to their official X (formerly Twitter) account to reveal this groundbreaking figure via a striking poster declaring that “Kalki 2898 AD” had achieved a staggering Rs 191.5 crore in gross box office collections (GBOC).
The tweet read:
“#Kalki2898AD #EpicBlockbusterKalki @SrBachchan @ikamalhaasan #Prabhas @deepikapadukone @nagashwin7 @DishPatani @Music_Santhosh @VyjayanthiFilms @Kalki2898AD @saregamaglobal @saregamasouth”
This opening day figure marks “Kalki 2898 AD” as the third highest opening day grosser for an Indian film, trailing only behind SS Rajamouli’s cinematic masterpieces “RRR” (Rs 223 crores) and “Baahubali 2” (Rs 217 crores), both of which also featured Prabhas in leading roles.
Eyebrows were already raised among trade analysts prior to the film’s release on Thursday, with many forecasting that “Kalki 2898 AD” could easily cross the Rs 200 crore global mark on its debut day. While slightly shy of that projection, the film still stands as a monumental financial and cinematic achievement. Known initially under the working title “Project K,” the film is widely acknowledged as the most expensive production in the annals of Indian cinema, with an estimated budget reaching a staggering Rs 600 crores.
In metropolitan areas such as Hyderabad and Mumbai, theaters witnessed unprecedented footfalls, with additional showings being added to meet the surging demand.
. The film’s initial reviews have been largely favorable, noting its innovative blend of traditional narrative and futuristic aesthetics as a key driver of its widespread appeal.
Vyjayanthi Movies maintained a celebratory tone on social media, repeatedly sharing the opening day earnings through various platforms:
“Large crowds were seen outside theatres in several cities, including Hyderabad and Mumbai. The initial reviews were also favorable,” reiterated the production house.
Given the massive production budget and high expectations, “Kalki 2898 AD” is under intense scrutiny. Its ability to maintain momentum in the coming days will be critical for recouping its investment and cementing its status as a global hit.
Critics and fans alike have praised the film’s state-of-the-art visual effects, impeccable production design, and gripping storyline. The bold narrative choice to merge mythological and futuristic elements has resonated particularly well with younger audiences, who see the film as a gateway to India’s rich cultural heritage, interpreted through a modern lens.
The project’s directorial vision came from Nag Ashwin, who has been lauded for his inventive approach and imaginative storytelling. Composer Santhosh Narayanan’s soundtrack has also contributed significantly to the film’s immersive experience, blending traditional themes with futuristic sounds to complement the film’s narrative arc.
The movie’s promotions were also a factor in drawing massive crowds, with high-profile appearances by Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, and Amitabh Bachchan raising the excitement to a fever pitch. Their roles were kept under wraps until release, adding an element of mystery and allure.
In conclusion, “Kalki 2898 AD” has undeniably set a high standard for future Indian films, both in terms of storytelling ambition and box office performance. As it continues to draw audiences worldwide, its groundbreaking success serves as a bellwether for the limitless potential of Indian cinema on the global stage.
