Kalki 2898 AD

The Indian cinematic landscape is on the cusp to witness the most groundbreaking spectacle the industry has ever produced. From the brilliant mind of Nag Ashwin’s, comes the epic dystopian film, Kalki 2898 AD. Offering to be the perfect amalgamation of science fiction and mythology, blended in a stellar star cast ensemble, it promises to be an unparalleled cinematic experience on the big screen.

Kalki 2898 AD is a sci-fi Telugu film that is set to release in the summer of 2024. Here is everything we know about the filming and production process so far.

Kalki 2898 AD release date

The film is expected to hit theaters on May 9, 2024 as noted by the creators in a recent press meet. Initially dubbed the working title “Project K” back in February of 2020, the project suffered major setbacks in the execution in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the wait has only intensified the anticipation surrounding this colossal production.

The sheer magnitude of Kalki 2898 AD is reflected in its eye-watering budget of ₹600 crore which makes it the most expensive Indian film ever made. The Kalki 2898 AD’s budget and ambition extend beyond its casting choices, delving into the realms of technological advancements and creative choices that defy conventional norms of filmmaking.

Meet the cast of Kalki 2898 AD

The massive project brings forth some of the biggest stars from all across the nation to bring viewers the “super team” that they always wanted. The lineup of actors in “Kalki 2898 AD” reads like a who’s who of the Indian film industry.

Main cast

Prabhas takes on the mantle of Kalki, with Amitabh Bachchan embodying the character of Ashwatthama and Kamal Haasan portraying Kali. Deepika Padukone, in her Telugu cinema debut, and the enchanting Disha Patani add to the stellar cast. The ensemble is rounded out by Pasupathy, Saswata Chatterjee, and the illustrious SS Rajamouli.

Deepika’s Telugu Debut

With her first move down south, viewers are expecting a magical on-screen presence from Deepika.

The intrigue surrounding her character is heightened by Ashwin’s cryptic description of her role as a “surprise,” – something that has never before been attempted by a mainstream lead. Reports suggest a substantial enhancement tailored to her stardom, adding an air of mystery to the film’s narrative.

The prelude for Kalki 2898 AD

Before the cameras started rolling, the casting choices themselves hinted at the grandeur of this Action Movie Hollywood and Ashwin’s vision for authenticity led to a unique preproduction phase for the film.

Casting for the film

Deepika Padukone’s entry into Telugu cinema, Big B’s first full-length role in a major Telugu film, Disha’s return to the Telugu big screen and Kamal Haasan to Telugu cinema all added layers of excitement when the final filming began.

Pre-production

The production needed futuristic vehicles and high-end technology during the filming which, in turn, prompted the director to opt for real props and vehicles rather than relying solely on CGI and green screens.

The team also reached out to business tycoon Anand Mahindra for technical support which led to Mahindra & Mahindra’s involvement in the project, further emphasizing the commitment to authenticity by the makers.

Script Development and Filming for Kalki 2898 AD

The script creation and filming process had to go over several challenges and despite initial plans to complete principal photography by January 2023, the production faced challenges.

The development of the script

The genesis of “Kalki 2898 AD” traces back to the success of Mahanati in 2018. Director Nag Ashwin embarked on a journey to craft an original story and screenplay, which finally materialized in the form of this ambitious project and the script which was under work over the years, with production officially announced in February 2020.

Filming

Filming for Kalki 2898 AD commenced in July 2021 and has been a meticulous process. The decision to break down the shooting schedule into monthly segments, coupled with the use of the cutting-edge DIY Arri Alexa 65 camera, marks a departure from traditional filmmaking practices. The film is not just breaking records in its budget but also in its approach to production, using technology never before seen in Indian. Djordje Stojiljkovic replaced the original cinematographer, bringing his vision to life, and Singeetam Srinivasa Rao joined as a mentor, adding an extra layer of cinematic expertise.

Challenges in filming

The production team had to ward off several challenges during the entire process. Here is a complete timeline for a better overview.

Prabhas’s knee surgery and Bachchan’s rib injury primarily extended the timeline for filming. However, the commitment to delivering the film to the audience remained unwavering from the creator’s side.

By June 2023, around 70 percent of filming had been completed, setting the stage for an extensive post-production and visual effects phase. Kalki 2898 AD’s release date of May 9, 2024, holds the promise of a visual spectacle, bringing together the culmination of years of dedication, innovation, and artistic brilliance.

Development of the soundtrack for Kalki 2898 AD

The evolution of the film’s music can be made into a film itself with all the twists and turns during the development and recording phases. Initially approaching A. R. Rahman, the creators had to eventually settle on Santhosh Narayanan as the composer for the film, accompanied by a surprise contribution from a female Bollywood composer that remains shrouded.

Kalki 2898 AD and Captain Miller stands at the cusp of a new era in Indian cinema for the global audience. With its star-studded cast, revolutionary production techniques, and a narrative that seamlessly weaves together mythology and science fiction in a fun viewing experience, this film is poised to leave an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of audiences.

The commitment of the filmmakers of this ambitious project is inspiring and their efforts to blend technology into the narrative of the film remains to be seen on the release day. And as storytellers and creators push the boundary ever forward, this massive project promises to be the next big thing for the Indian film industry.