In a grand celebration of cinematic excellence, the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards 2025 crowned Kalki 2898 AD as the Film of the Year. The gala event, held at Mumbai’s NSCI Dome on October 30, brought together stars, creators, and dreamers from across the Indian film industry to honor creativity in its highest form. Amid the glitter of lights and applause, the recognition of this mytho-sci-fi epic marked a defining moment for both its makers and audiences who witnessed its visionary storytelling.
Kalki 2898 AD, directed by Nag Ashwin, has been a cinematic revelation since its release. Starring Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, and Disha Patani, the film boldly wove together ancient Hindu mythology with futuristic dystopia. It’s not every day you see Gandhari’s curses and gravity-defying hover bikes in the same universe, yet Ashwin’s imagination made it look seamless and spectacular.
With a global box office collection exceeding 1,100 crore, Kalki 2898 AD didn’t just break records—it reinvented what mainstream Indian cinema could look like. From its jaw-dropping VFX to its spiritual undertones, every frame screamed ambition and reverence. The Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards, recognition now cements its place as not just a blockbuster, but a benchmark in storytelling and world-building.
The festival itself lived up to its legacy, celebrating India’s artistic heart across cinema, culture, and heritage. It was a night of glamour and gratitude, where visionary films and passionate performances found their deserved spotlight. The audience’s cheers echoed long after Kalki 2898 AD’s win, symbolizing the triumph of bold narratives and new-age creativity.
For fans and creators alike, this moment isn’t just an award—it’s a reflection of India’s evolving cinematic pulse. As Kalki 2898 AD walks away with one of the most prestigious honors in the country, it leaves behind a challenge for future storytellers: dream bigger, risk more, and build worlds that remind us why movies matter.