Nag Ashwin’s much-anticipated film, Kalki 2898 AD, featuring Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, and Kamal Haasan, is set to hit theaters on June 27.
The movie intertwines Hindu mythology with a dystopian narrative, focusing on a mission to save the unborn child of Deepika Padukone’s character, believed to be Kalki, the avatar of Lord Vishnu.
Industry tracker Sacnilk predicted that Kalki 2898 AD could earn up to ₹200 crore globally on its first day, which would set a record for 2024. In India, the film is expected to bring in between ₹120-140 crore on opening day, surpassing any other film released this year.
Nag Ashwin shared his awe at directing icons Amitabh Bachchan and Kamal Haasan, recalling his nervousness on the first day of shooting with Bachchan. He humorously noted the challenge of giving acting directions to such seasoned actors.
During a live Instagram session, Ashwin revealed that Prabhas' character, Bhairava, enters the film 20 minutes in, after significant world-building. He described Bhairava as a mix of innocence and superhero qualities, a character that is expected to resonate particularly well with younger audiences.
Prabhas confirmed that Dulquer Salmaan and Vijay Deverakonda have cameo roles in the film. He expressed gratitude towards them for enhancing the film’s appeal.
At a pre-release event, Kamal Haasan shared his initial doubts about joining the project, highlighting his self-doubt and the challenge of standing out among such a stellar cast. He ultimately accepted the role, acknowledging the unique nature of his character.
Given its high production costs, the Andhra Pradesh government has allowed temporary ticket price hikes to help recover expenses. In Mumbai, tickets are priced up to ₹2000, and in Delhi, up to ₹1800. For instance, a 3D screening ticket at PVR Director’s Cut in Gurugram’s Ambience Mall is priced at ₹1850 before taxes.
Kalki 2898 AD has already garnered over ₹44 crore in advance bookings for the opening day, reflecting high anticipation among audiences.
The film has been in the making since before the pandemic, with Prabhas’ involvement announced in February 2020, followed by confirmations of Deepika Padukone and Amitabh Bachchan joining the cast. Kamal Haasan took a year to commit to the project.
The film also features Disha Patani and Saswata Chatterjee in significant roles.