As “Kalki 2898 AD” makes its grand debut in theaters, a fascinating revelation about the cast’s salaries has emerged, capturing media attention and feeding into the film’s already significant buzz. The buzz predominately focuses on Prabhas, who has reportedly taken a substantial decrease in his fee for the Nag Ashwin-directed sci-fi extravaganza. Known for his performances in larger-than-life roles, Prabhas has charged Rs 80 crore for his role in this film—a significant reduction from his usual fee of Rs 150 crore.
Prabhas, who faced critical panning for his performance in the mythological drama “Adipurush,” appears to have made a strategic move in agreeing to a pay cut. Industry insiders speculate that this decision aims to align with the film’s overall staggering budget of Rs 600 crore. Nevertheless, other major stars, including Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan, and Kamal Haasan, have commanded a substantial fee of Rs 20 crore each, maintaining their lucrative standing in the industry.
Director Nag Ashwin has kept the anticipation high, hinting at an innovative reinterpretation of the Mahabharata. The film’s futuristic theme sets the stage for a unique blend of science fiction and mythological elements. Ashwin aims to delve deeper than surface aesthetics, with ambitions to rethink the core tenets of dharma—righteousness—and karma, or the consequences of one’s actions, within a complex future society. This promises an intellectually stimulating contemplation of how timeless principles can mirror in future moral landscapes.
Rooted in Hindu scripts, the narrative of “Kalki 2898 AD” centers upon Kalki, the prophesied tenth and final avatar of Lord Vishnu. The arrival of Kalki is a beacon of hope against the backdrop of Kali Yuga, an era characterized by moral degeneration, chaos, and a diminishing ethos of righteousness (dharma). The coming of Kalki heralds the end of this age and ushers in the golden period of Satya Yuga, synonymous with truth and justice.
Taking center stage, Amitabh Bachchan assumes the powerful role of Ashwatthama, a mythical warrior from the Mahabharata. Ashwatthama, the formidable son of Guru Dronacharya, historically sought to eliminate the unborn child of Abhimanyu through a celestial weapon, the Brahmastra.
. Incensed by this act, Lord Krishna condemned Ashwatthama to eternity marked by poverty and an unhealing wound—a life of immortal suffering enduring until the end of time.
Adding to the stellar cast, Deepika Padukone steps into the role of Sumathi, a pregnant woman whose unborn child poses a threat to the malevolent powers at play. In a narrative twist, Sumathi receives protection from the immortal Ashwatthama.
Bringing his unparalleled experience to the antagonist Yaskin, Kamal Haasan promises a compelling portrayal of villainy. Commenting on his affinity for playing the antagonist, Kamal Haasan remarked, “I always wanted to play a bad man because the bad man gets to do all the good things and have fun.” His presence adds a significant layer of gravitas and charm to the complex world of “Kalki 2898 AD.”
The ensemble cast is further strengthened by Disha Patani, who also plays a vital role in this highly anticipated saga.
As the film hits the screens, these revelations about the cast’s compensation have only added more fuel to the burning curiosity surrounding “Kalki 2898 AD.” With its expansive budget and an ambitious attempt to blend ancient mythology with futuristic concerns, it’s clear that the film stands at the crossroads of cinematic innovation and cultural reverence.
Moreover, the film’s premise doesn’t merely rest on retelling mythological tales; it seeks to delve into the philosophical essence of the Mahabharata. The futuristic setting offers a rich canvas to reinterpret key principles like dharma and karma within a context that resonates with contemporary questions and moral dilemmas. This promises to be more than a visual spectacle—it aims for a cerebral engagement that adds a new dimension to familiar stories.
In summary, “Kalki 2898 AD” isn’t just another big-budget film; it’s a cinematic journey set to challenge perceptions and resonate across generational values. Nag Ashwin’s vision, backed by a stellar cast and an extraordinary budget, holds promise for a groundbreaking entry in Indian sci-fi cinema.
