Written and directed by Nag Ashwin, this Telugu-language science fiction film is based on Hindu scriptures and is set in a post-apocalyptic world where economic disparity has created tension between those who live in luxury and those who live in poverty.
The film follows a warrior determined to protect a mother whose child has yet to be born but is destined to save the world.
Ashwin and his team first premiered the film's teaser trailer at San Diego Comic-Con 2023 and became the first Indian film to get a panel at the prestigious conference hall.
“It was like a dream come true. My whole life, I was inspired by Marvel or Star Wars. And then slowly, I had these ideas, one by one, and then it all came together. When the MC called us on stage, I just couldn't believe how big my idea was,” he explained.
For Ashwin, the success of “Kalki 2898 AD” is proof that original stories from other parts of the world can work in America. “I think it's amazing and it's proof that there's an appetite for original stories from other parts of the world. So whatever we do from here on out, we're confident that there's going to be an audience that's going to enjoy it and they're going to come see it,” he said.
The film also stars Deepika Padukone as SUM-80. Ashwin said that working with Padukone was “great”.
“I think he was incredibly good at his role. It’s very difficult to do what he did on the set of that film. There was so much going on around him, but on camera he could command attention without much dialogue, without saying much. It’s difficult to do that,” Ashwin said.
Padukone is one of the highest-paid actresses in India in 2023. She has received numerous awards for her acting skills and is listed among the most popular personalities in the country. Time magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2018 and gave her the Time 100 Impact Award in 2022. (ab/uh)
