Kalki 2898 AD' Now Streaming on OTT: A Visually Stunning Mythical Odyssey with Mixed Reviews

Mumbai: The much-anticipated film Kalki 2898 AD has finally made its debut on OTT platforms, offering audiences a visually spectacular journey through a mythical, futuristic world. Directed by Nag Ashwin, the film had previously shattered box office records but has garnered mixed reactions since its release online.

An anonymous comment on a series of appreciation posts for Imtiaz Ali’s Rockstar (2011) summed up the sentiment for Kalki 2898 AD quite aptly: “Ranbir Kapoor was so good in the film that we didn’t realize Nargis Fakhri was not up to the mark.” This statement prompts an intriguing question: Can a single actor elevate an entire film through sheer performance? Unfortunately, in the case of Kalki 2898 AD, the answer appears to be no.

Despite Amitabh Bachchan’s extraordinary portrayal of Ashwathama, a legendary figure tasked with protecting the future, the film ultimately falls short of expectations. Bachchan’s performance is unquestionably the highlight of the movie, bringing gravitas and intensity to every scene he graces, particularly in the fight sequences. His role as the last man standing since the time of the Mahabharata solidifies his status as one of Hindi cinema’s most enduring talents.

However, even Bachchan’s brilliance could not fully redeem Kalki 2898 AD from its flaws. Nag Ashwin’s ambitious attempt to adapt a ‘Pauranik’ tale into a futuristic cinematic universe, complete with cutting-edge visual effects, falters under its own weight. The film struggles with convoluted storytelling and underdeveloped characters, making it difficult for audiences to connect with the narrative. The inclusion of characters from other religious mythologies, such as Maryam and Rumi, only serves to further complicate and alienate viewers from the core story.

Prabhas, who plays Bhairva, delivers a performance that unfortunately feels more like a caricature than a fully realized character. As an incarnation of Karna, his role lacks the depth and complexity needed to resonate with the audience. Deepika Padukone, portraying the ‘Mother’ of God, also fails to leave a lasting impression, with her character coming across as dull and uninspired. Kamal Haasan, while impressive, is underutilized, possibly setting up a larger role in the sequel.

Visually, Kalki 2898 AD is a feast for the eyes. The VFX and CGI are top-notch, with stunning depictions of the utopian city of Shambhala, the mythical Kashi, and the epic scenes from the Mahabharata. These elements alone justify the film’s impressive box office performance and make it a must-watch on the big screen.

However, Kalki 2898 AD raises concerns about a growing trend in Hindi cinema, where content quality is often sacrificed for grand theatrical experiences. Following in the footsteps of films like Brahmastra and RRR, Kalki 2898 AD prioritizes spectacle over substance, contributing to a sense of monotony in the industry as similar visual themes are repeatedly explored.

The film concludes on a cliffhanger, promising a sequel that will hopefully address the shortcomings of the first installment. Whether Nag Ashwin can redeem himself with the next chapter remains to be seen.