The recent success of “Kalki 2898 AD” has sparked a fiery debate online, fueled by a seemingly innocuous Instagram post from director Nag Ashwin. Celebrating Kalki 2898 AD’s Rs 1000 Crore milestone, Ashwin highlighted its achievement without resorting to “gore” or “obscenity.” This seemingly celebratory message landed him in hot water, with netizens interpreting it as a sly dig at Ranbir Kapoor’s “Animal,” known for its grittier tone.
Let’s read the situation. On one hand, Ashwin has a right to be proud. “Kalki 2898 AD,” a sci-fi reimagining of the Hindu deity Vishnu, is a bold cinematic venture that recently minted 1000 Crore at the box office. Its success proves that audiences crave compelling stories, not just graphic violence or vulgarity. This is a win for filmmakers willing to push boundaries with fresh narratives, especially considering its hefty budget of Rs 600 crore. Here, “Kalki” proves that even a high-concept film with complex special effects can be a commercial success without resorting to sensational elements.
However, the online firestorm suggests Ashwin’s message could have been better phrased. Mentioning “gore” and “obscenity” without context does create a sense of comparison, especially considering the recent release of “Animal,” with an estimated budget of Rs 200 crore. It’s easy to see why some interpreted it as a jab at a film achieving similar success with a significantly smaller budget.
Here’s where we need to acknowledge the different terrains these films navigate. “Kalki 2898 AD” delves into mythology and sci-fi, genres that often rely on spectacle and visual effects rather than graphic violence. “Animal,” on the other hand, explores a revenge narrative, where a darker tone might be more appropriate.
Those defending Ashwin have a point. Perhaps his intention was to celebrate “Kalki’s” success on its own merits, not belittle “Animal.”
The key takeaway here is the importance of clear communication. A simple “We’re thrilled audiences connected with ‘Kalki’s’ unique story and visuals” would have avoided this unnecessary controversy.
Ultimately, both films achieving box office success is a victory for Indian cinema. It showcases the audience’s appetite for diverse narratives, from high-concept sci-fi to gritty revenge dramas, and filmmakers’ ability to deliver them within different budget constraints. Let’s celebrate this variety and encourage filmmakers to keep pushing the envelope, without resorting to comparisons that might overshadow individual achievements.
The true battle shouldn’t be between films, but for more original stories that captivate audiences in unique ways. “Kalki” and “Animal” have shown us the path – it’s time for Indian cinema to keep exploring it.
