Sci-Fi Action Epic Blockbuster Breaking Box Office All Over The World Is India’s Most Expensive Movie Ever
Nag Ashwin’s Kalki 2898 AD, India’s most expensive film ever made, has been breaking global box office records. With a budget of around $75 million, Kalki 2898 AD was set to be an ambitious project, and has earned $66 million during its opening weekend. Starring well-established actors in Indian cinema such as Prabhas and Amitabh Bachchan, the post-apocalyptic film follows a group’s efforts to save an unborn child named Kalki.
Kalki 2898 AD Is Dominating The Box Office
The film was officially announced in February 2020 but production was significantly delayed due to COVID-19. Filming resumed in July 2021 and was shot over the course of three years finally wrapping in May 2023. By surpassing the budget of S.S. Rajamouli’s RRR, India’s previous title holder for most expensive film, by over $5 million, many were anxious to see what Kalki 2898 AD had up its sleeve.
According to the producers of the film, Kalki 2898 AD grossed $66 million worldwide during its opening weekend alone. Now, it’s sitting at $84 million and has made a third-place debut in the worldwide box office currently fronted by Disney’s Inside Out 2. It certainly can be said that Nag Ashwin’s high ambitions for the project have paid off.
Successful With Western Audiences
The Telugu-language sci-fi epic references the Hindu deity Vishnu. Kalki 2898 AD’s namesake is that of Kalki, the tenth incarnation of the god. The film is set 6,000 years into the Kali Yuga (worst of the world ages in a Yuga Cycle), the era of the demon Kali. Those not well versed in Hinduism may miss this connection but the film has still been extremely successful with Western audiences.
A Sequel Coming Down The Pipe
Nag Ashwin recently revealed that Kalki 2898 AD will not be a stand-alone film and that a part two is currently in the works. The sequel will pick up right where the first left off, tying up any loose threads left behind. It is also rumored that Kalki 2898 AD may eventually open up to its own cinematic universe but Ashwin has not commented on concrete plans for anything beyond Part 2.
Catch The Animated Prequel On Prime
For fans of Kalki 2898 AD left wanting more B & B: Bujji and Bhairava, the animated prelude to the film is currently being rolled out on Prime Video. Set two years before the events of Kalki 2898 AD, the first two episodes were released shortly before the movie debut and the rest are currently being made available. While only a four-episode miniseries, it is already stirring up excitement for more installations from Nag Ashwin.
Check For Local Listings
Kalki 2898 AD is still currently in theaters and available to watch . It has been released across six languages including Telugu, Hindi, and English so check your local theater for what showings they have available. For those who prefer to stream, an official date has not been released. All we know at the moment is that Amazon Prime Video has acquired the streaming rights and that the Hindi version will be available on Netflix. Since most movies are released to stream about two months after their theatrical run, fans hold out hope that it will be made available in September of this year.
