Kalki 2898 AD Critics Review: By Taran Adarsh, Komal Nahta, Anupama Chopra, Rajeev Masand

Cast: Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Disha Patani, Kamal Haasan

Director: Nag Ashwin

Where to Watch: In Theaters

Overall Critics Ratings: 3.5/5 (three and a half stars)

The audience was eagerly waiting for ‘Kalki 2898 AD‘ which was released on around 8500 screens worldwide. The booking of this film made in five languages Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi has crossed the figure of 55 crores. This is the reason why whether it is the 5:30 am show in Hyderabad or the 8 am show in Mumbai, a good crowd of audience was seen. This grand budget and ambitious film of the famous South director Nag Ashwin has a fair of big actors including Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, and Kamal Haasan. There is no doubt that this unique confluence of science and mythology is no less than a visual wonder for the audience, but I wish that the story had also been worked on in the same way as it was done on VFX and CGI. If this had happened, then undoubtedly it would have proved to be an icing on the cake.

Kalki 2898 AD 2024 (Image Credit: Vyjayanthi Movies)

Kalki 2898 AD Critics Review: By Taran Adarsh, Komal Nahta, Anupama Chopra, Rajeev Masand

After watching Kalki 2898 AD, I thought for half an hour how to start its review. The makers have taken almost the same amount of time for Prabhas’ introductory scene. That sequence just doesn’t end. Neither the comic punches are landing, nor the literal punches. Despite this, that scene keeps dragging on. Although there is no doubt that Nag Ashwin has tried to make a unique film. Nothing like it has ever been made in Indian cinema. He has not compromised on his vision in terms of visuals. That thing is visible on the screen. But the writing of the film does not match the brilliance of its visual storytelling. Therefore, despite being such an ambitious film, ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ ends up being a slightly better film than average. Which is a matter of great regret. Despite this, ‘Kalki’ proves to be Prabhas’ best film after ‘Baahubali’. Read below to know why and how.

Ratings: 4/5 Review By: Rahul Parshad Website: Filmyhype

There is no doubt that this is a Hollywood-level film. The money invested in the film shows on screen. The cinematography, visual, and sound effects deserve praise. Such films are worth watching only in theatres. If you want to experience something larger than life on screen, then you can definitely go for this film. Since the first half is weak, you may have to be a little patient. For a great cinematic experience, definitely watch Kalki 2898 AD. The bonding between Buji and Bhairav will entertain you a lot. After a long time, Amitabh Bachchan has appeared as a strong character. This film can definitely be enjoyed by going to the theatre with the family. When it comes to the performance of technical departments..the performance of cinematography, visual effects, and art departments in this movie is excellent. The cinematography by Stojico Vick is good. But Santhosh Narayan’s music is a minus. The background score in many scenes feels poor. The songs are very boring and unimpressive.

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Ratings: 3.5/5 Review By: Amandeep Narang Website: ABP Live

For now, ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ sets a shining protoype for all future films in the similar genre space to follow and learn from. This Nag Ashwin film blends myth and science fiction so well, is deeply rooted and inspired from a cultural text, and feels original after a long, long time. A shining flag in the science fiction space Indian film industries have set out to explore, Kalki 2898 AD is, shall and will always remain a benchmark to learn from and go back to. Watch ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ for not just its actors, but also for everything else in between.

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Ratings: 3.5/5 Review By: Abhimanyu Mathur Website: DNA India

But Kalki is more than just the visuals. Nag Ashwin’s beautiful marriage of mythology, dystopia, science-fiction, and world-building is what sets it apart from other films. Even before release, it has been compared to everything from Dune to Star Wars, but the truth is that it is very much an original tale. There may be influences from various sources, both visual and thematic, but Kalki has an identity that is as Indian as the stars in it. It is a brave film that deserves its day in the sun despite its flaws.

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Ratings: 3.5/5 Review By: Sakshi Verma Website: Jagran

The film also features a series of unexpected yet delightful cameos that add depth and intrigue to the story. Vijay Deverakonda brings a fresh energy to his scenes. Dulquer Salman takes on a brief but memorable role as Prabhas’ Captain, while Mrunal Thakur’s short yet convincing performance leaves an impact. However, Disha Patani’s minimal screen time feels like a missed opportunity. In a surprising twist, SS Rajamouli makes an unexpected cameo, adding an extra layer of excitement.

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Ratings: 4/5 Review By: Sakshi Verma Website: IndiaTV News

Kalki 2898 AD is a pure build-up for what’s coming next in the sequel. The film is purely fictional but makes you believe that it is reality. Its larger-than-life spectacle transports you to Kashi, Complex and Shambala. The choice of actors and their perfect portrayal make this film a must-watch. Nag Ashwin’s concepts are of good level and spark imaginative experiences. The epic battles, clap-worthy VFX, high points and surprise elements make this movie deserving of one for four stars. If you are a fan of action and sci-fi films, Kalki 2898 AD is just the one for you.

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Ratings: —/5 Review By: Sangeetha Devi Dundoo Website: The Hindu

Kalki’s narrative has several subtexts to decode, long after the film is over. The parallels drawn between Yaskin and Kamsa, the design of the Complex, the surroundings of Yaskin and the flying machine used by Manas. There is a lot to root for. If only it had sidestepped the lacklustre romance and the underwhelming dialogues to make for a more cohesive narrative. Despite these shortcomings, Kalki is a brave new attempt that deserves big cheers.

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Ratings: 3.5/5 Review By: Deepansh Duggal Website: Money Control

What Works for Kalki is its aesthetic. Director Nag Ashwin gets the colour palette of a dystopian world just right. There was some conversation on the Internet about Kalki 2898 AD being similar to Dune: Part Two—which couldn’t be further from truth. Kalki 2898 AD is the start of something new—a cinematic universe in India, our very own Marvel if I may say so, rooted in mythology, set in a dystopian future. The film is a brilliant blend of the two themes and does justice to both. It will be interesting to see which way Kalki Cinematic Universe goes. The critic in me is happy because we finally have a filmmaker who walked the road not taken and offered something different.

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Ratings: 3.5/5 Review By: Janani K Website: India Today

Director Nag Ashwin needs a big round of applause for blending Indian mythology and the futuristic world together. Like ‘Baahubali’, ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ ends on a cliffhanger and paves the way for a new cinematic world altogether. The surprise cameos, even though leaked by Prabhas himself, were perfect theatrical moments. ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ is a visual extravaganza that gives you goosebumps, especially during the action sequences.

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Ratings: 4/5 Review By: Chirag Sehgal Website: News18

Even the writing of the first half lacked the punch. It is boring and confusing but wait for the second half of the film. The film develops post-interval and starts to fall into place. You finally begin to understand what was happening in the first half and the plot becomes clear. It then plays on the intriguing factor and makes you wonder, ‘What will happen next?’ It combines action with visual spectacle and mythology with technology and science – which makes the film worth watching. The film ends on a high note and leaves you with several questions – Who will be Deepika’s child? How will Amitabh’s Ashwathama protect Deepika? What does Kamal Haasan’s character want? Will Prabhas realise his true powers? What is Project K? How will the battle between science and mythology end?