The most anticipated Indian film of the year, “Kalki 2898 AD,” hit the screens today, June 27. This star-studded spectacle, featuring a lineup of some of the biggest names in Indian cinema, is off to a phenomenal start, garnering praise from both audiences and critics.
A Star-Studded Cast
“Kalki 2898 AD” boasts an impressive ensemble cast, bringing together some of the most celebrated names in Indian cinema. Leading the pack is Prabhas, who plays the central character Bhairav. Known for his larger-than-life roles and massive fan following, Prabhas’ presence ensures a significant draw at the box office. Joining him is Deepika Padukone, making her debut in Telugu cinema with a role that promises to showcase her versatility and star power. Deepika’s inclusion is a strategic move, likely to attract audiences from across the country, given her widespread popularity and critical acclaim in Bollywood. The film also features the legendary Amitabh Bachchan as Ashwathama, whose unparalleled experience and charisma add gravitas to the project. Bachchan’s involvement is a testament to the film’s high stakes and ambitious vision.
Adding to this stellar lineup is Kamal Haasan, an actor known for his transformative roles and exceptional acting prowess. Portraying the character Kali, Haasan’s participation elevates the film’s anticipation to another level. Shaswat Chatterjee and Disha Patani also play pivotal roles, each bringing their unique talents to the table. Directed by Nag Ashwin, “Kalki 2898 AD” promises to be a visual extravaganza, leveraging cutting-edge special effects to create a futuristic and immersive experience. The film’s high-octane action sequences and innovative storytelling are set against a backdrop of advanced technology and stunning visuals, making it a landmark production in Indian cinema. With such a diverse and talented cast, “Kalki 2898 AD” is poised to captivate audiences and set new benchmarks in the industry.
The High Remuneration
The movie’s budget stands at a staggering ₹600 crore, reflecting not only the high production values but also the substantial salaries of its star cast. This monumental investment underscores the filmmakers’ commitment to delivering a top-tier cinematic experience. The star-studded lineup commands impressive fees, contributing significantly to the film’s overall budget. Leading the charge is Prabhas, who plays the protagonist Bhairav. Known for his blockbuster hits and massive fan base, Prabhas has reportedly taken home ₹80 crore for this role. This figure, though lower than his previous fee of ₹150 crore, reflects his status as one of the top-paid actors in the industry, even after adjusting his salary in light of recent box office performances.
Deepika Padukone, making her Telugu cinema debut with “Kalki 2898 AD,” has secured a career-best remuneration of ₹20 crore for her role. Her involvement in the project not only brings star power but also emphasizes the filmmakers’ intent to attract a broad audience. Similarly, Bollywood icons Amitabh Bachchan and Kamal Haasan have each been paid ₹20 crore, highlighting their legendary status and the high expectations for their performances. Disha Patani, another key member of the cast, has received ₹2 crore, adding to the impressive total remuneration package. These substantial fees illustrate the film’s reliance on star appeal and the significant financial risks taken to assemble such a high-profile cast.
Prabhas as Bhairav
Prabhas, who takes on the lead role of Bhairav in “Kalki 2898 AD,” has reportedly received a fee of ₹80 crore for his performance. This substantial amount, though a reduction from his previous remuneration of ₹150 crore, still underscores his position as one of the highest-paid actors in the Indian film industry. The decision to lower his fee came after a series of box office disappointments, reflecting a strategic adjustment to balance the film’s budget while maintaining his substantial star power.
Despite this reduction, Prabhas’ involvement in “Kalki 2898 AD” remains a significant draw for audiences. Known for his charismatic screen presence and ability to handle larger-than-life roles, Prabhas brings a compelling intensity to the character of Bhairav. His past successes, particularly in the “Baahubali” series, have cemented his reputation as a bankable star capable of driving massive box office revenues. In “Kalki 2898 AD,” his performance is expected to be a key element in the film’s appeal, contributing to its potential for blockbuster success.
Deepika Padukone
Marking her debut in Telugu cinema, Deepika Padukone has secured a career-best salary of ₹20 crore for her role in “Kalki 2898 AD.” This substantial fee underscores her status as one of the most sought-after actresses in Indian cinema. Deepika’s inclusion in the film has significantly boosted its star power, drawing attention from her vast fan base across India and beyond.
Deepika’s participation in “Kalki 2898 AD” is a strategic move that highlights the film’s ambition to appeal to a wide audience. Known for her versatility and powerful performances, she is expected to bring depth and nuance to her character, enhancing the film’s overall impact. Her previous roles in blockbuster hits and critically acclaimed films have established her as a powerhouse performer, capable of delivering compelling portrayals across various genres. By featuring in this high-budget, star-studded project, Deepika is set to reach new heights in her career, while also contributing to the film’s anticipated success at the box office.
Amitabh Bachchan as Ashwathama
Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan, who plays the character Ashwathama in “Kalki 2898 AD,” also took home a fee of ₹20 crore. His involvement in the film is a significant draw for audiences spanning multiple generations. With a career that has spanned over five decades, Bachchan’s enduring appeal and unparalleled acting prowess add immense value to the project.
Bachchan’s role as Ashwathama brings a gravitas and depth that only an actor of his caliber can provide. Known for his commanding screen presence and ability to imbue his characters with profound emotion, Bachchan’s performance is highly anticipated. His participation not only elevates the film’s profile but also ensures a connection with a broad demographic, from longtime fans who have followed his illustrious career to newer audiences discovering his talent for the first time. In “Kalki 2898 AD,” Bachchan’s portrayal of Ashwathama is expected to be a pivotal element, contributing to the film’s narrative and its overall success.
Kamal Haasan as Kali
Veteran actor Kamal Haasan, portraying the character Kali in “Kalki 2898 AD,” received a fee of ₹20 crore, matching the remuneration of his co-stars Deepika Padukone and Amitabh Bachchan. Haasan’s involvement has significantly heightened anticipation for the movie, given his reputation as one of Indian cinema’s most versatile and accomplished actors.
Kamal Haasan’s role as Kali is expected to be a highlight of “Kalki 2898 AD.” Known for his transformative performances and ability to embody a wide range of characters, Haasan brings a unique depth and intensity to his roles. His participation in the film not only adds considerable star power but also promises a performance that will be both memorable and impactful. Haasan’s extensive experience and acclaimed career, marked by numerous awards and accolades, ensure that his portrayal of Kali will be a standout element, further boosting the film’s appeal to a diverse audience. His presence in “Kalki 2898 AD” underscores the film’s ambitious scope and its aim to deliver a cinematic experience of the highest caliber.
Disha Patani
Disha Patani, another notable name in the star-studded cast of “Kalki 2898 AD,” received ₹2 crore for her role in the film. While the details about her character remain under wraps, this element of mystery has piqued the curiosity of fans and critics alike. Patani’s involvement adds another layer of excitement to the movie, as audiences eagerly await to see how her character fits into the grand narrative.
Known for her striking screen presence and versatility, Disha Patani has carved a niche for herself in the Indian film industry. Her performances in previous films have showcased her ability to handle a variety of roles, from action-packed sequences to emotive drama. In “Kalki 2898 AD,” Patani’s character, shrouded in secrecy, is expected to bring a fresh and intriguing dimension to the story. This anticipation not only boosts interest in her role but also contributes to the overall buzz surrounding the film. As part of this high-profile project, Disha Patani’s participation underscores the film’s appeal and its potential to captivate audiences with its star-studded cast and compelling storytelling.
Box Office Prospects
“Kalki 2898 AD” is already making waves at the box office, with over 1.9 million tickets sold on its first day in India alone. This impressive start is a testament to the film’s immense anticipation and the star power of its cast. Trade analysts are predicting a massive worldwide opening, potentially exceeding ₹200 crore, which would set a new benchmark for first-day collections in Indian cinema. This projection surpasses the previous record held by Prabhas’ “Saalar,” which garnered ₹175 crore on its opening day.
The strong ticket sales and positive early reception indicate that “Kalki 2898 AD” is poised to become one of the highest-grossing films of the year. The film’s blend of high-budget visual effects, a compelling storyline, and a stellar ensemble cast is drawing audiences in large numbers. The anticipation has been further fueled by the involvement of renowned actors like Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan, and Kamal Haasan, whose performances are a major draw for moviegoers. With such a strong start and the potential for record-breaking earnings, “Kalki 2898 AD” is set to make a significant impact on the global box office, reaffirming the growing prominence of Indian cinema on the world stage.
Final Thoughts
“Kalki 2898 AD” isn’t merely a film; it’s an event that marks a significant milestone in Indian cinema. With its high-profile cast, groundbreaking visual effects, and a staggering budget of ₹600 crore, the movie stands poised to redefine the scale and scope of cinematic extravaganzas. Directed by Nag Ashwin, the film promises a sensory feast with its cutting-edge technology and larger-than-life storytelling.
As “Kalki 2898 AD” continues its theatrical run, it will undoubtedly be closely scrutinized for its box office performance and reception among audiences and critics alike. The early indicators of record-breaking ticket sales and positive buzz reflect its potential to leave a lasting impact on the industry. With its star-studded ensemble, including Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, and Disha Patani, the film has captured the imagination of moviegoers worldwide.
As anticipation mounts and audiences flock to cinemas, “Kalki 2898 AD” is poised not just to entertain but to set new benchmarks for Indian cinema’s global reach and storytelling prowess. Its success will likely pave the way for more ambitious projects and reaffirm India’s position as a powerhouse in the world of cinema.