Indian Blockbuster, ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ Sets Japan Release, Sequel Timeline, as Producers Eye World Expansion (EXCLUSIVE)

As a die-hard fan of Indian cinema who’s seen my fair share of Bollywood blockbusters and regional gems alike, I can confidently say that Nag Ashwin’s “Kalki 2898 AD” is nothing short of a cinematic marvel. The blend of Indian mythology with futuristic technology, the stellar cast led by Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, and Kamal Haasan, and the epic battles that span both physical and spiritual realms make it a must-watch for any film enthusiast.


The Indian science fiction hit movie “Kalki 2898 AD” by director Nag Ashwin is setting sail towards global audiences, with plans to release in Russia and Japan next.

In early 2025, the new movie will be debuted in Japan by distribution company Twin, led by industry veteran Kabata Keizo, who was also responsible for bringing S.S. Rajamouli’s “RRR” to Japan, where it broke records as the highest-grossing Indian film ever shown there.

The movie is planned to be released in Russia, and it’s anticipated that a Russian-dubbed version will soon appear in cinemas. As for China, where some Indian commercial films have thrived in the past, the producers are still considering potential release strategies.

2024’s highest-grossing Indian film, “Kalki 2898 AD,” raked in $140 million. This dystopian future flick stars Prabhas as Bhairava, a mighty warrior with enigmatic beginnings. He journeys through a war-torn and devastated environment, only to find himself ensnared in an age-old prophecy. Amitabh Bachchan steps into the role of Ashwatthama, an eternal character from the Indian epic “Mahabharata,” while Deepika Padukone embodies Sumathi, a woman carrying the unborn Kalki, a Vishnu avatar. Kamal Haasan assumes the role of Supreme Yaskin, the villain. The film seamlessly combines ancient Indian mythology with advanced technology, leading to spectacular battles that transcend both physical and spiritual realms.

I’m proud to share that the movie I’m associated with was brought to life by the trio, C. Aswani Dutt, Swapna Dutt, and Priyanka Dutt, under the esteemed 50-year-old Indian banner, Vyjayanthi Movies. Currently, it’s gracing the screens at the Busan International Film Festival, and I feel honored to be there alongside my fellow producers, Swapna Dutt and Priyanka Dutt.

Work on a follow-up movie is in progress, featuring a thrilling confrontation among the characters portrayed by Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, and Kamal Haasan. As Swapna Dutt stated, “We’ve learned from our previous project. We understand the world more now. We’ll be more adept at production aspects. We’ve already chosen CG studios and other technicalities. The script is almost finalized, and we’ve already filmed 35% of the movie, so we expect to work faster this time.

The production of ‘Kalki’ in 2898 AD was a high-stakes financial venture for its creators. With an estimated cost of around $72 million, it ranks among the priciest Indian films ever produced. Swapna Dutt emphasized their faith in the filmmaker’s vision when questioned about their optimism regarding the project’s success.

She shared that they have great faith in director Nag Ashwin. When he suggested they scale a mountain, they embarked on two films, starting with “Mahanati,” a biopic of the renowned 1950s-1960s actress Savitri, and then another. He proposed reviving an old actress, which they accomplished together. Now, he’s said it’s time for Kalki’s story. With everyone on board, they’re ready to take on the challenge. Nag Ashwin is one of those rare filmmakers who significantly impact cinema and are genuinely devoted to their craft, focusing solely on the art of filmmaking during production. Hence, their trust in him and the tale he presented is unwavering.

“Cinema itself is a gamble, so we are in it for a bigger gamble,” Priyanka Dutt added.

Concerning future additions in the “Kalki” universe, Swapna Dutt suggested broad plans: “Mainly, I believe this story will unfold in two parts initially, and then potentially spin-offs based on Nag Ashwin’s current ideas. He has established a world, so there could be multiple series, animated adaptations, or even comic books. It appears that there is a rich universe ready to expand soon.

Apart from the “Kalki” series, Vyjayanthi Movies is also developing two other films. The first one is titled “Champion,” a period action romance set in 1955, which will be directed by newcomer Pradeep Advaitham. The second film is called “Aakasam Lo Oka Tara” and stars Dulquer Salmaan. This film is a family-centric love story directed by Pavan Sadineni. Both of these movies are scheduled for completion and release before the next installment of the “Kalki 2898 AD” series.

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2024-10-08 12:48