Nag Ashwin, the visionary director behind the new sci-fi epic ‘Kalki 2898 AD’, took to Instagram to share an emotional post reflecting on the film’s success. Just four days after its release, ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ has already grossed over Rs 500 crore globally, marking an impressive milestone for the film and solidifying its place in cinematic history.
Featuring a star-studded cast including Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Kamal Haasan, and Disha Patani, ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ has captivated audiences and earned praise from industry stalwarts. In his Instagram post, Nag Ashwin expressed immense gratitude and pride for the achievement after a decade-long journey in filmmaking.
“About 10 years ago, three of us began working on our debut feature film ‘Yevade’ together,” Ashwin revealed. “Vyjayanti was at a low point and this film was a risky one. I remember a particular shoot day with 20 extras, and it rained, halting our progress. We couldn’t finish, which meant we had to reschedule and incur additional costs. At the time, those extra costs seemed overwhelming and caused us a great deal of panic. Looking back now, it wasn’t much at all compared to what we’ve achieved today.”
Ashwin continued, reflecting on the growth and accomplishments of his team over the past decade. “Ten years later, every movie we have made together is not just box office successful but a small milestone in film history in its own way. I feel proud and blessed to stand between these two (his co-creators), and be part of the impossible things we are pulling off. There are shortcomings, and there is so much room to improve. And we shall. For now, just Gratitude.”
Earlier at a promotional event for ‘Kalki 2898 AD’, legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan, also known as Big B, shared his awe and appreciation for Ashwin’s creative vision. Bachchan recounted his initial reaction to the film’s concept.
. “Nagi came and explained the idea of ‘Kalki 2898 AD’. After he left, I thought, what the hell is Nagi drinking? To think of something like this is absolutely outrageous. Some of the visuals that you have seen just now are unbelievable. To have somebody conceive a project that is so futuristic is amazing.”
Bachchan’s astonishment turned to admiration as he saw the project take shape. “No matter what Nag Ashwin thought of, he actually got all the material and effects to match his vision. It has been an amazing experience working for ‘Kalki 2898 AD’, which I will never forget,” he added.
Ashwin has hinted at a fresh perspective on one of India’s most significant epics, the Mahabharata. The futuristic setting of ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ integrates science fiction elements with established mythology, propelling Indian cinema into new storytelling realms.
The film’s exploration extends beyond mere aesthetics. Nag Ashwin suggests a potential reimagining of the Mahabharata’s core themes—dharma (righteousness) and karma (consequences of actions)—within the context of a future society fraught with a complex moral landscape. This imaginative synthesis of ancient wisdom and futuristic speculation positions ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ as not only an entertainment extravaganza but also a thought-provoking cultural commentary.
Ashwin’s Instagram post struck a chord with fans and colleagues alike, gaining widespread attention and resonating deeply with those who have followed his journey from ‘Yevade’ to ‘Kalki 2898 AD’. Supporters left a flood of comments commending his dedication, courage, and the sheer audacity of his vision.
Furthermore, the film’s success underscores a significant moment for the Indian film industry, showcasing its capability to compete on a global scale with high-concept narratives and cutting-edge visual effects. The accomplishment of ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ serves as an inspiration for aspiring filmmakers and a testament to the power of creative risk-taking.
As ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ continues to garner acclaim and box office success, it paves the way for future innovations in Indian cinema. Nag Ashwin and his team have set a high bar, demonstrating that with passion, resilience, and a commitment to storytelling, the impossible can indeed be achieved.
