Film: Kalki 2898 AD 
Cast: Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Kamal Haasan, and Disha Patani among ensemble cast 
Director: Nag Ashwin
Rating: 2.5 Moons

The highly anticipated film titled Kalki 2898 AD finally made it to theaters after immense hype. The dystopian sci-fi film is a blend of mythology and futuristic world. Director Nag Ashwin envisioned showcasing Mahabharat's link in a post-apocalyptic world after 6000 years of Kurukshetra war. The film magnum opus starring Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, and Deepika Padukone among an ensemble cast is inspired by the Hindu mythology of lord Vishnu’s last incarnation named Kalki.

Kalki 2898 AD is dated 6000 years after Mahabharat’s Kurukshetra war in the last city of the world Kaashi. The film starts with the last moments of the war where Lord Krishna curses Ashwathama to live forever until he saves his Kalyug avatar as Kalki. Set in a dystopian landscape the film is a three-hour stretch long with some unnecessary drama, comedy, action, and entangled story. It is completely AI generic with a typical plot of destroyer vs savior. The film can be linked with several Hollywood movies like Star Wars, Blade Runner, Dune, Matrix and Marvel as it is flooded with high visual effects and photorealistic animation. It is a spectacle cinematic experience on its own but lacks a storyline and screenplay. The has unrequired humor and a forced romantic song. 

The first half of the magnificent larger-than-life film doesn’t meet the buildup and turns out to be boring. Prabhas fails to bring back his magic making a poor entry and uninteresting dialogues forced with forced humour. The story jumps from one sequence to another in minutes losing the engagement of the viewer, grabbing and understanding the plot. However, the second half is a visual extravaganza with Amitabh Bachachan saving the movie from drowning. Big B as Ashwathama pulls up the pace with his high-octane action sequence, fierce look, and stellar performance. On the other hand, Deepika Padukone has a little role yet the story revolves around her. She has justified the character of a lost woman unknowing of what’s happening out in the world. 

Kamal Haasan has less screentime but he owns it with his magnanimity and aura. Disha Patani too had less screen space and she managed to perform it well. The sci-fi action entertainer features cameos of Dulqueer Salman, Mrunal Thakur, Vijay Deverakonda, and SS Rajamouli among others who managed to be noticed.

Kalki 2898 AD is undoubtedly a visual extravaganza with a poor background score. Produced by Vijayanthi Movies the film’s music doesn’t compliment the action sequences and the end BGM brought back memories of RRR. Nag Ashwin gave his best as a director but a few things could have been avoided in the movie. Your patience will be tested before the interval but don’t quit there the film has a little engaging fight sequence in the second half. Simple verdict, Kalki 2898 AD is not worth investing 3 hours and high-valued ticket.