Kalki 2898 AD

Kalki 2898 AD is a 2024 Indian Telugu-language film that blends epic mythology with science fiction. Written and directed by Nag Ashwin and produced by Vyjayanthi Movies, it brings together an ensemble cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Shobana, and Disha Patani. Drawing from Hindu scriptures, the movie launches the planned Kalki Cinematic Universe. The story is set in a dystopian Kashi in the year 2898 AD, where a group works to protect the unborn child of a lab subject named SUM-80—believed to be Kalki, the final avatar of Vishnu.

The project was first announced in February 2020 under the working title Project K. Filming began in July 2021, delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and continued sporadically over three years, mostly at Ramoji Film City, wrapping up in late May 2024. The official title was revealed in July 2023. Music was composed by Santhosh Narayanan, cinematography by Djordje Stojiljkovic, and editing by Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao.

Originally set for a 9 May 2024 release, the film was pushed back due to unfinished post-production. It finally hit theaters worldwide on 27 June 2024 in standard, IMAX, and 3D formats. Critics praised Ashwin’s direction, screenplay, background score, visual effects, concept, penultimate scenes, and Bachchan’s performance. With a production budget of ₹600 crore, it is the most expensive Indian film ever made. The film grossed an estimated ₹1,100 crore globally, setting multiple box office records for Indian and Telugu cinema. It became the second highest-grossing Indian film of 2024, the fourth highest-grossing Telugu film, and the tenth highest-grossing Indian film of all time. It won four Telangana Gaddar Film Awards, including Best Film, and four South Indian International Movie Awards, including Best Film – Telugu. At the 72nd National Film Awards 2024, it took two awards: Best Production Design and Best Popular Feature Film.

**Plot** After the Kurukshetra War, Ashwatthama uses the Brahmastra to try to kill Uttarā’s unborn child, aiming to wipe out the Pandava lineage. As punishment, Krishna curses him with painful immortality and eternal suffering, forcing him to wander Earth for six thousand years until he redeems himself by protecting the mother of Kalki, Vishnu’s prophesied final avatar.

Six millennia later, in 2898 AD, Earth is a barren wasteland.