Kalki 2898 AD has set Tinseltown abuzz, creating a whirlwind of excitement with the grand trailer launch of Nag Ashwin’s eagerly awaited sci-fi epic. The trailer, revealed earlier this week, has captured global attention, teasing an extraordinary cinematic experience from an Indian production. Laden with mythological undertones, jaw-dropping action sequences, and sprawling visuals, the film seems poised to rival some of the biggest sci-fi blockbusters from Hollywood. The trailer’s release has not only ignited a flurry of fan theories but has also drawn inevitable comparisons to iconic Hollywood sci-fi films.
Examining the trailer, several Hollywood productions seem to have left their mark on Ashwin’s vision for Kalki 2898 AD. The urban sprawl of Complex, the sky city in this dystopian future, immediately calls to mind the socioeconomic divide explored in Alita: Battle Angel’s Zalem. The idea of the wealthy ruling over the impoverished from above is not new to sci-fi aficionados, echoing themes from Fritz Lang’s Metropolis to Prime Video’s Fallout. In both worlds, the rich seek to insulate themselves from the upheavals faced by the poorer classes, a concept that seems to have been transplanted seamlessly into Ashwin’s narrative landscape.
The Hindu mythological reference to Kalki, the final avatar of Vishnu destined to appear during the apocalypse, forms the backbone of the film. This messianic figure, like Vishnu’s avatars before him, remains unaware of his divine identity at the outset. The trailer hints at a protagonist who fits this archetype—similar to Paul Atreides in Dune—destined to lead a revolt against the oppressive upper echelons of society. One crucial character in this setting is Amitabh Bachchan’s Ashwatthama, who appears to be a mentor akin to Javier Bardem’s Stilgar in Dune, poised to train the titular hero, possibly Prabhas’ Bhairava, or the unborn child foretold by Deepika Padukone’s character.
Hollywood’s depiction of power struggles in post-apocalyptic worlds heavily influences the film. Similar to the galactic conflicts in Star Wars and the noble family feuds in Denis Villeneuve’s Dune, Ashwin’s Complex leaders embody high-society conflicts. Star Wars was pioneering in its depiction of dystopian global currencies like ‘Units,’ which have since been echoed in Guardians of the Galaxy, Ready Player One, and Blade Runner.
. In Kalki 2898 AD, Bhairava discusses trading using a similar unit-based currency, showcasing a consistent nod to sci-fi traditions.
The trailer also proudly displays influences in its vehicular designs. The opening shot features a War Rig-type heavy-duty vehicle barreling through the desert, reminiscent of George Miller’s Mad Max universe. Vehicles in Ashwin’s world seem inspired by legendary sci-fi machines like the Batmobile from The Dark Knight and the Spinner from Blade Runner. A hovercraft reminiscent of the Chitauri Chariots from The Avengers and Speeder Bikes from Star Wars also makes a brief appearance, further cementing the film’s sci-fi heritage.
Furthermore, sci-fi staples such as lightsabers, blasters, and energy shields make their expected entry in Kalki 2898 AD. Red and blue energy blasters pay tribute to Star Wars, while invisible energy shields reminiscent of Roland Emmerich’s Independence Day defend Complex’s structures. There’s also a visual allusion to the kinetic energy-powered shields of Wakanda from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
One of the most talked-about elements since the trailer’s release is Ashwatthama’s mysterious “Mind Stone.” Fans speculate wildly about its significance as the trailer shows Ashwatthama across three timelines—after the Kurukshetra war with the forehead gem, without the gem indicated by a bloodied bandage, and potentially in recent times. Theories suggest Ashwatthama’s mission is linked to saving an unborn child as atonement for his dastardly acts in the Mahabharata. Moreover, the antagonist Kali, played by Kamal Haasan, is seen with a glowing forehead—prompting speculation about whether he possesses Ashwatthama’s gem and uses it to foresee future events.
As fans piece together these visual and narrative clues from the trailer, anticipation builds for the film’s release. Kalki 2898 AD, set to premiere on June 27, promises to be a captivating spectacle, seamlessly blending Indian mythological motifs with the grandeur and thrills of Hollywood sci-fi cinema. The answers to the burning questions raised by the trailer will be revealed when the film finally hits the screens, promising a landmark addition to Indian and global sci-fi filmmaking.
