Kalki 2898 AD has been a critical darling for sci-fi fans, captivating audiences with its dazzling special effects and gripping narrative. But beneath the film’s futuristic sheen, keen-eyed viewers might have spotted some familiar elements woven into the story. Director Nag Ashwin himself shed light on these Kalki 2898 AD references, offering a glimpse into the cinematic influences that shaped his visionary creation.
Beyond Tollywood: A Galaxy Far, Far Away
While comparisons were drawn to Harry Potter, Ashwin clarifies in an interview, “Star Wars is a huge influence. I love Star Wars, so that’s subconsciously a part of my aesthetic,” he says. This influence is evident in the character of Luke, clearly inspired by Luke Skywalker. Even the opening scene with Ashwathama, stripped of his immortality, echoes Thanos’ removal of the Mind Stone in Avengers: Infinity War.
A Dystopian Cocktail: Dune, Arcane, and Black Panther
The world of Kalki 2898 AD borrows inspiration from other sci-fi stories. For example, the film features a poor and crowded city called Kaashi, reminiscent of the undercity of Zaun in the Netflix series Arcane. Both locations share a similar sense of despair and struggle for their inhabitants. Similarly, the hidden land of Shambala shares a resemblance with Wakanda from Black Panther, both harboring advanced technology within a secluded society.
Echoes in the Narrative: Oldboy and the MCU
The film also throws in some narrative curveballs that harken back to other cinematic experiences. Deepika Padukone’s character’s repetitive life as a hostage evokes the psychological thriller Oldboy, where the protagonist is trapped in a similar, unending loop.
The characters themselves borrow traits from established heroes and villains. Prabhas’ Bhairava combines the charm and backstory of Star Lord from Guardians of the Galaxy with the technological prowess of Iron Man. The villainous Manas, with his unwavering loyalty to the supreme Yaskin, reminds us of Ronan the Accuser from the MCU, both serving as pawns in a larger plan. Interestingly, Yaskin himself leaves an aftertaste reminiscent of Thanos, particularly in the film’s closing moments.
A Universe of Its Own
While Kalki 2898 AD draws inspiration from various sources, it ultimately carves its own niche in the sci-fi landscape. The story revolves around Ashwathama, cursed with immortality after the Kurukshetra war. Now, in a dystopian future, he seeks redemption by protecting Sumati, the mother of Kalki, Vishnu’s last reincarnation. Set against the backdrop of a tyrannical regime led by the evil Yaskin, the film becomes a thrilling tale of rebellion, sacrifice, and hope.
Nagg and the Power of Inspiration
While discussing his influences, Ashwin also mentioned a more unexpected source: Samuel Beckett’s absurdist play “Endgame.” “There’s this line in Endgame,” Ashwin said, “‘Habit is all we have to set against despair.’ That line resonated with me deeply in the context of Kalki’s world. The characters are clinging to routines and traditions in a desperate attempt to find meaning in a meaningless world. It’s a sentiment I wanted to explore in the film.”
So, the next time you watch Kalki 2898 AD, keep an eye out for these hidden references. They add another layer of enjoyment to this visually stunning and thought-provoking film.
