Kalki 2898 AD is captivating audiences across the nation with its grandiose scale and intricate storyline. The film, directed by Nag Ashwin, has rapidly exceeded Rs 200 crores in box office collections within just three days of its release in India. Featuring an ensemble cast including Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, and Kamal Haasan, the movie is receiving widespread acclaim for its innovative blend of Indian mythology and science fiction set in a dystopian future.
The film is rooted in the legend of Kalki, the 10th avatar of Lord Vishnu, who is prophesied to emerge at the end of the Kali Yuga to re-establish dharma. Drawing heavily from the Mahabharat, Kalki 2898 AD repeatedly references and recreates moments from the epic battle between the Kauravas and Pandavas, weaving these timeless elements into its futuristic narrative.
Here are seven pivotal characters from the Mahabharat that Nag Ashwin has skillfully integrated into his sci-fi odyssey:
**Amitabh Bachchan – Ashwatthama**
Amitabh Bachchan’s portrayal of Ashwatthama is both intense and riveting. In the Mahabharat, Ashwatthama, who attempted to kill Uttara’s unborn child, is cursed by Lord Krishna to wander the earth until the end of Kali Yuga, plagued by festering wounds and longing for death which eludes him. This torment is vividly brought to life in Kalki 2898 AD, adding depth to the character and the film’s overarching theme of redemption and eternal suffering.
**Krishnakumar Balasubramanian – Krishna**
The character of Lord Krishna, portrayed by Krishnakumar Balasubramanian, remains enigmatic as his face is often obscured. Krishna’s pivotal role in the Mahabharat is well-known; he orchestrated the great battle and served as Arjun’s charioteer. In Kalki 2898 AD, Krishna appears at critical junctures, reinforcing his eternal guidance and influence which transcend time and epochs.
**Vijay Deverakonda – Arjun**
In a gripping cameo, Telugu superstar Vijay Deverakonda breathes new life into the character of Arjun. Featured prominently in the Kurukshetra battle scenes, Vijay captures the essence of Arjun’s heroism and skill, contributing to the film’s rich tapestry of interconnected destinies and eleventh-hour battles.
**Prabhas – Karna**
As the narrative unfolds, viewers are initially led to believe that Prabhas is the reincarnation of Bhairava. However, in a twist that surprises everyone, it is revealed that he is actually Karna, the valiant yet tragic hero of Mahabharat.
. The climax underscores this revelation when the sacred weapon, Vijaya, which only Karna could wield, reactivates upon coming into contact with Prabhas’ character. Ashwatthama’s recognition of Bhairava as his old friend Karna is a masterstroke that lends a profound layer to the story.
**Dulquer Salmaan – Parshurama**
Dulquer Salmaan’s character, a steadfast captain who mentors Bhairava, draws inspiration from Parshurama, the immortal warrior sage and guru to Karna in the Mahabharat. The character’s agelessness, despite the passage of time, aligns with Parshurama’s mythical immortality and eternal presence, further adding to the mystique and depth of Kalki 2898 AD.
**Deepika Padukone – Sumati**
Deepika Padukone’s character, named Sum-80, channels Sumati from Hindu mythology. Sumati is prophesied to be the mother of Kalki, the destroyer of evil and harbinger of a new era. This parallel enriches Sum-80’s character arc and integral role in the film’s narrative as the harbinger of change and rebirth in a dystopian world.
**Malvika Nair – Uttara**
In a brief yet significant role, Malvika Nair depicts Uttara. In the Mahabharat, Uttara is targeted by Ashwatthama who attempts to kill her unborn child. This heinous act leads to his curse by Lord Krishna. Although Malvika’s screen time is limited, her role is crucial in highlighting Ashwatthama’s eternal punishment and the cyclical nature of justice and moral retribution.
Kalki 2898 AD has not only resonated with audiences but also sparked renewed interest in Indian mythology by presenting these age-old tales through a futuristic lens. Nag Ashwin’s bold attempt to marry the grandeur of the Mahabharat with the exciting possibilities of sci-fi has carved a unique niche in contemporary cinema. With its stellar cast and intricate narrative, Kalki 2898 AD delivers a cinematic experience that is both visually stunning and deeply thought-provoking. As the film continues to break box office records and capture hearts, it stands as a testament to the timeless appeal of epic storytelling when reimagined for modern times.
