Director: Nag Ashwin
Starring: Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Rajendra Prasad, Disha Patani, Saswata Chatterjee, Brahmanandam, Anna Ben, Shobana, Mrunal Thakur, Dulquer Salmaan, Vijay Deverakonda, 
Duration – 181 Minutes
 
Directed by Nag Ashwin, "Kalki 2898AD" is a bold attempt to blend futuristic sci-fi with mythological elements, set against the backdrop of Kashi, the last city on Earth, in the year 2898 AD. With a stellar ensemble cast featuring Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan, and Kamal Haasan, the film promises an epic narrative filled with action, intrigue, and philosophical undertones.
 
The story unfolds in a dystopian future where Supreme Yaskin (Kamal Haasan), the ruler of Complex, seeks to reshape humanity through controversial fertility experiments. His focus turns to Sumathi (Deepika Padukone), a woman with a mysterious past and untapped potential, whom he sees as pivotal to his vision of a new world order. Meanwhile, Bhairava (Prabhas), a charismatic bounty hunter with his own agenda, and Ashwatthama (Amitabh Bachchan), an enigmatic figure with a mission to protect Sumathi, find their paths converging in unexpected ways. As alliances shift and hidden agendas come to light, the film explores themes of identity, redemption, and the consequences of wielding ultimate power.
 
From a technical standpoint, Nag Ashwin's direction is visionary, attempting to blend futuristic sci-fi aesthetics with mythological motifs borrowed from the Mahabharata. Djordje Stojiljkovic's cinematography brings the sprawling, futuristic cityscape of Kashi to life, capturing both its grandeur and its dark underbelly with striking visuals. The production values by Vyjayanthi Movies are commendable, evident in the detailed art direction, impressive visual effects, and intricate costume designs that enhance the immersive experience of the film.
 
Performance-wise, the ensemble cast delivers mixed results. Prabhas shines in his dual roles as Bhairava and another crucial character, showcasing a blend of charisma, intensity, and vulnerability that anchors the film. Amitabh Bachchan brings his trademark gravitas to the role of Ashwatthama, infusing the character with depth despite limited screen time. Deepika Padukone impresses in her Telugu cinema debut, portraying Sumathi with resilience and emotional depth, though her character's arc could have been more fleshed out. Kamal Haasan commands the screen as Supreme Yaskin, portraying the antagonist with chilling charisma, yet the character lacks the depth needed to fully resonate as a formidable force.
 
Where "Kalki 2898AD" falters significantly is in its screenplay and narrative coherence. The film struggles to establish a clear and engaging storyline, often meandering through subplots without meaningful connection or development. Mythological elements are introduced sporadically but fail to integrate seamlessly into the futuristic setting, feeling forced and arbitrary at times. The pacing is uneven, with moments of sluggish exposition and abrupt plot developments that undermine the narrative flow. Key character motivations remain ambiguous, leaving audiences disconnected from their journeys and struggles.
 
While the film's action sequences are well-executed and visually stunning, they often feel disconnected from the overarching narrative, serving more as spectacles rather than meaningful contributions to character development or thematic exploration. The climax, while delivering on spectacle, lacks emotional resonance due to the film's failure to build strong connections between the audience and its characters.
 
In conclusion, "Kalki 2898AD" is a visually ambitious and conceptually intriguing film that ultimately falls short of its potential due to its narrative shortcomings and underdeveloped characters. While Nag Ashwin's direction and the technical craftsmanship of the film are commendable, they cannot fully compensate for a screenplay that lacks coherence and fails to engage on a deeper level. Despite moments of visual splendor and strong performances from its cast, "Kalki 2898AD" struggles to leave a lasting impact, ultimately feeling like a missed opportunity to explore its intriguing premise with depth and clarity.