Kalki 2898 AD: Prabhas' Sci-Fi Epic Takes Box Office by Storm

Kalki 2898 AD: Prabhas Shines in a Dystopian Sci-Fi Adventure. A Visual Spectacle with Mixed Reactions

The highly anticipated sci-fi action film, Kalki 2898 AD, led by superstar Prabhas, has not only achieved remarkable success at the box office but has also garnered glowing reviews from audiences and critics alike. Directed by Nag Ashwin, this dystopian epic has managed to surpass notable films like Kamal Haasan’s Vikram and Thalapathy Vijay’s Leo on IMDb. With an impressive rating of 8.4/10, Kalki 2898 AD is creating waves in the cinematic world.

Audience Reception and Reviews of Kalki 2898 AD

The film’s reception on IMDb has been overwhelmingly positive. Viewers have praised various aspects of the movie, from its character development to its stunning visual effects (VFX). One user commented, “An epic full of goosebumps transitions. Amitabh is wonderful, and he has not just played Ashwatthama but lived it. Although the first half is slow, once the movie picks up pace, you start enjoying it even more.”

Another review highlighted the film’s unique genre and strong characters, stating, “A unique genre, a well-written story (script), and strong characters give this movie a strong start. The extravagant visuals and very detailed crisp VFX give the audience the much-needed thrill.” Some users believe that Kalki 2898 AD could mark the beginning of an epic cinematic universe in India. One such user noted, “This is a great start to an epic cinematic universe of India!”

Kalki 2898 AD Box Office Performance

Kalki 2898 AD opened with a bang at the box office. Only slightly behind the massive hit Baahubali 2, which took in Rs 121 crore on its first day, the movie made an incredible Rs 95 crore on its debut in India, making it the second-biggest launch of Prabhas’ career.

The film’s performance in North America has also been impressive, grossing over $5.5 million on its opening day. Industry watchers predict that it could reach the $10-$12 million mark over its first weekend, showcasing its broad international appeal.

Story and Cast of Kalki 2898 AD

Directed by Nag Ashwin, Kalki 2898 AD revolves around the journey of a bounty hunter who aspires to make it big in the Complex. His adventure leads him to encounters with Ashwatthama and SU-M80, forming the crux of the story. The film features a stellar cast, including Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Kamal Haasan, and Disha Patani in key roles. The movie also includes cameo appearances from Vijay Devarakonda, Dulquer Salmaan, Mrunal Thakur, Anna Ben, and Brahmanandam.

Mixed Reviews from the Audience

While many viewers have been captivated by the film’s spectacle and sci-fi elements, calling it a “Hollywood blockbuster” and “Hollywood stuff,” others have found certain aspects lacking. One moviegoer remarked, “I couldn’t believe my eyes—am I watching an Indian movie or a Hollywood blockbuster? The quality and graphics are uncompromised. In one word, congratulations to the entire team. Proud of you all, especially Nag Ashwin. Love you, man.”

Another viewer lauded the film, saying, “Stellar is an understatement. Outstanding and enthralling feat from Telugu cinema.” However, some critics pointed out that the first half of the movie dragged in parts, despite its next-level visuals.

However, not all of the feedback has been favorable. One user expressed disappointment, stating, “The movie is bearable whenever Prabhas is NOT on the screen. The world-building is good but it’s boring in the first half. And the comedy falls flat! Some cringe moments too! So far very poor! Hoping to get better in the second half!” Another viewer labeled it a “COMPLETE MESS” and a “Heartbreak for Prabhas Fans,” criticizing the film for its “useless cameos” and “poor direction.”

Visual and Narrative Appeal

Nag Ashwin’s direction has been praised for its fusion of mythology and science fiction. The storytelling, though initially fragmented, evolves into a cohesive and engaging narrative as the film progresses. With a runtime of around three hours, Kalki 2898 AD manages to keep the audience engaged, thanks to its intricate plot and spectacular visuals.

One IMDb user highlighted this aspect, saying, “Nag Ashwin has created a nice fusion of mythology and science fiction world. The storytelling, even though it feels fragmented at the beginning, becomes a nice flowing fusion as the movie progresses. At around three hours, the movie doesn’t feel like a drag as it is required to build the story up.”

Conclusion

Kalki 2898 AD has proven to be a significant milestone in Indian cinema, both in terms of box office success and audience reception. With its innovative blend of mythology and science fiction, stunning visual effects, and strong performances, the film has set a new benchmark for future Indian movies. As it continues to perform well at the box office and receive positive reviews, Kalki 2898 AD stands out as a must-watch film for sci-fi enthusiasts and cinema lovers alike.