Kalki 2898 AD movie review: A cinematic brilliance that should be enjoyed on the big screen

Kalki 2898 AD movie review

There is no denying the fact that ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ is one of the best films to have come from Telugu cinema. The visuals showcased are out of the world. The film wins superb marks as the manner in which science fiction is mixed with mythology is just amazing, and kudos to Nag Ashwin for thinking something out of the box.

Vyjayanthi Movies has delivered exceptional production values in this project. The dedication and effort invested by the production team are evident in every aspect of the film. The screenplay in the first half of the film feels relatively flat, with a noticeable lack of high moments and a pacing that could have been more dynamic. This initial portion of the movie struggles to maintain a steady rhythm, making it somewhat difficult to fully engage the audience.

However, the intermission is a turning point, executed with precision and effectively setting the stage for the second half. This segment builds anticipation as the crucial characters prepare for significant events, laying the groundwork for the unfolding drama.

In the second half, the film indeed finds its stride. The pace picks up considerably, drawing the audience into a more gripping and intense narrative. The storytelling becomes more focused and compelling, with the stakes rising and the action escalating. This improvement in pacing and engagement makes the latter part of the movie far more captivating than the first.

The first half of the film may struggle with pacing and lacks high moments, the well-executed intermission and a significantly improved second half makes up for it. The presence of iconic actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Prabhas, and Kamal Haasan elevates the film, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

Performances

Even at the age of 80 plus, Amitabh Bachchan is still ruling the hearts and is amazing in Kalki. Director Nag Ashwin has penned a solid role for Amitabh Bachchan, and he delivers a knockout punch. His look, dialogue delivery, and stunts are amazing. Prabhas does not have much to do in the first half, but he is showcased in a stunning manner in the second half. Prabhas is very good with his comedy timing.

Deepika Padukone gets the meaty role of a pregnant woman and does an amazing job. All her scenes with Prabhas are good. Anna Ben, Disha Patani, and Shobana create an impact with their roles. Kalki has cameos from Vijay Deverakonda, Dulquer Salman, RGV, and Rajamouli and they come in as a special package. Kamal Haasan is there for only in two scenes but he creates a solid impact. The manner in which his look has been designed is fantastic. Saswata Chatterjee is also solid in his negative role. His look and screen presence suits the mood of the film.

Technicalities

Djordje Stojiljkovic’s cinematography in the film is nothing short of outstanding. His ability to capture stunning visuals and create a vivid atmosphere greatly enhances the overall aesthetic of the movie. Each frame is meticulously composed, showcasing a keen eye for detail and a masterful use of lighting and color to evoke the desired mood and tone.

On the other hand, Kota Venkateswara Rao's editing, while generally good, leaves room for improvement. The first hour of the film, in particular, could benefit from sharper editing. By trimming unnecessary scenes, the pacing of the movie could have been significantly improved, allowing the narrative to flow more smoothly and maintain the audience's engagement from start to finish.

Santhosh Narayanan’s musical score is another highlight of the film. His compositions are impressive and add depth to the storytelling. However, his songs may require multiple listens to fully appreciate and grow on the audience. Despite this, his work significantly enhances the emotional and dramatic impact of the film. The art department has created visually stunning sets and environments that bring the story to life. The VFX team has seamlessly integrated visual effects that enhance the viewing experience without overshadowing the narrative.

Kalki 2898 AD final words

On the whole, every penny spent by the makers is clearly reflected in the meticulous attention to detail and the high standard of the finished product. ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ has some best visuals in recent times and will cater to every section of the audience. Though the pace is slow, the sheer visuals and star cast make up for a must-watch on the big screen.