Ashwin revealed that “Kalki 2898 AD” starts with elements from the Mahabharata and spans 6,000 years
Director Nag Ashwin recently shared insights into the inspirations behind his highly anticipated film “Kalki 2898 AD.” Contrary to popular belief, Ashwin did not draw from the Harry Potter series but instead took cues from two Hollywood classics: “Dune” and “Blade Runner.”
Ashwin revealed that “Kalki 2898 AD” starts with elements from the Mahabharata and spans 6,000 years, ending in the distant future. He emphasized his effort to create futuristic worlds while maintaining an Indian essence, rather than emulating the dark, dystopian aesthetic of “Blade Runner”.
The film, boasting a star-studded cast including Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan, and Kamal Haasan, has stirred considerable excitement and comparisons to Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune,” especially regarding the visual portrayal of its characters. Despite these comparisons, Ashwin clarified that while “Dune” served as an inspiration, the goal was to craft a unique narrative rooted in Indian culture and mythology.
“Kalki 2898 AD” is produced by Aswini Dutt under Vyjayanthi Movies, with a substantial budget of ₹600 crore, underscoring its ambitious scope and the director’s vision for a grand, culturally rich sci-fi epic.
