Kalki 2898 AD : A monumental success with record-breaking pre-sales
The sci-fi epic Kalki 2898 AD, featuring a star-studded cast including Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan, and Kamal Haasan, has set the film industry abuzz with its groundbreaking visual spectacle and compelling narrative. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Nag Ashwin, the film portrays a modern avatar of Lord Vishnu, dubbed Kalki, who descends to Earth amid a post-apocalyptic turmoil to combat evil forces. This high-octane narrative has already captivated audiences globally, with initial screenings indicating a blockbuster in the making.
Early Reviews: A Cinematic Marvel Unfolds
From the very first show in a US theatre, Kalki 2898 AD received an overwhelming response, characterized by a thunderous applause during Prabhas’ spectacular entry scene. Critics and fans alike have praised the film’s innovative visuals and engaging storyline, which seamlessly integrates elements reminiscent of sci-fi classics such as Blade Runner and Mad Max. A reviewer on X hailed the film as “outstanding,” noting the electrifying fight scene between Prabhas and Amitabh Bachchan as a highlight.
Box Office Shattering Records: A Look at the Numbers
The anticipation for Kalki 2898 AD was mirrored in its pre-sale figures, where it impressively sold over 19 lakh tickets across various languages in India, and over 15 lakh in the Telugu language alone. The film has already amassed over Rs 50 crore from these advance bookings, setting it on a trajectory to surpass ₹100 crore at the domestic box office on its opening day alone. With trade experts projecting a potential global gross of over ₹200 crore, Kalki 2898 AD is on its way to becoming one of the highest-grossing films in Indian cinema.
Production and Anticipation: Navigating Through Pandemic Delays
Initially disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, production resumed in July 2021 at Hyderabad’s futuristic Ramoji Film City. The film’s budget of ₹600 crore (approximately US$72 million) earmarks it as the most expensive Indian film produced to date, further underscoring its massive scale and the high stakes involved in its success.
The strategic release and the robust marketing tactics employed have significantly amplified the hype, making Kalki 2898 AD not just a cinematic event but a cultural phenomenon. The fusion of a traditional mythological character with a futuristic narrative could set a new trend in the genre of sci-fi within Indian cinema.