Prabhas’ most anticipated sci-fi epic Kalki 2898 AD has made its way to the theatres. The movie attempts to blend Indian mythology with post-apocalyptic science fiction. While this concept is novel for Indian cinema, the story and world lack originality, seeming heavily influenced by numerous Hollywood films, including Star Wars, Guardians of the Galaxy, Black Panther, and Mad Max.
The film opens with a sequence from the Mahabharata which, despite questionable de-aging technology, serves as a good introduction to the world of Kalki. The first half is a mixed bag, including Prabhas's introduction, which drags and limps with unnecessary and poor dialogue.
There are entire sequences and out-of-place songs that neither advance the plot nor develop characters. The background score feels bland and lacks impact.
Prabhas, who looks better than in his recent outings, receives limited screen time in this half, but his mannerisms and dialogue feel forced and cringeworthy. Keerthi Suresh, as Prabhas's AI assistant/car companion, fares even worse. Deepika Padukone, Shobhana, and a plethora of unnecessary cameos have little to do.
The movie works in places, especially when Amitabh Bachchan graces the screen with his commanding presence, standing tall among the cast, quite literally. The main antagonist, played by Kamal Haasan, is another standout, though he barely gets any screen time.
The second half is where most of the story progresses. The three-hour movie spends two and a half hours building the world and rushes everything in the last thirty minutes. Once again, Amitabh Bachchan and Kamal Haasan elevate the movie with their aura.
Overall, the Kalki cinematic universe shows potential for improvement in future installments. It's rare to see Indian mythology adapted in movies of this scale, and if the director manages to follow up with tighter scripts and less derivative scenes, there's potential for something good.