The new Indian blockbuster filmKalki 2898 ADhas overtaken the lifetime domestic haul ofRRR, the Telugu-language hit that rode a wave of positive international reception to an Oscar in 2022. And it has achieved this feat in just 11 days. WhileRRRarguably introduced a whole new generation of Western audiences to mainstream Indian cinema, the movie actually gained prominence only after its Netflix debut.Kalki 2898 AD, however,was promoted internationallyand was always designed to build onRRR’s momentum. Incidentally, a blockbuster box office performance and the same country of origin aren’t the only things connecting the two films.
Kalki 2898 ADstarsPrabhas, who rose to superstardom following his lead performance inRRRdirectorS.S. Rajamouli’s two Baahubali blockbusters. In fact,Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, remains the top-grossing Indian film of all time at the domestic box office, having made over $20 million in 2017.This weekend,Kalki 2898 ADgrossed a little under $2 million, retaining a spot in the top 10 of the charts and taking itsrunning domestic total to over $16 million. Globally, the film isexpected to pass the $100 million milestoneany time now. By comparison,RRRconcluded its domestic run with $15 million in 2022 and went on to gross over $160 million worldwide.
This weekend,Kalki 2898 ADalso overtook the $15 million lifetime domestic hauls ofShah Rukh Khan’sJawan, and the controversial revenge epicAnimal. Having experienced a series of setbacks in the last few years — he bounced back withSalaar: Part 1 — Ceasefirein 2023 —Prabhas is now responsible for two of the top three Indian films at the domestic box office. Sandwiched betweenBaahubali 2andKalki 2898 ADis the action filmPathaan, also starring SRK. Released in 2023, the movie grossed $17 million domestically.
Directed byNag Ashwin,Kalki 2898 ADcombines dystopian science-fiction tropes with tales from the Hindu epic Mahabharata. Prabhas stars as a bounty hunter named Bhairava, who is tasked with capturing a woman named Sumathi. Played byDeepika Padukone, Sumathi is pregnant with a baby who is said to be the prophesied messiah. The movie sets up a direct sequel, which will pit Bhairava against Supreme Yaskin, a supervillain played byKamal Haasan, whose presence lingered inKalki 2898 AD. The movie also stars the iconic superstarAmitabh Bachchanas the Immortal Ashwatthama, who has been hailed as the film’s stand-out character.
Reviews forKalki 2898 ADhave been mostly positive, with the film currently holding a “fresh” 82% critics score and a 91% audience score on the aggregator websiteRotten Tomatoes. In his review,Collider’sJeff Ewinghighlightedthe film’s “unique genre hybridization, interesting world-building, and skilled performances.” Touted asIndia’s most expensive film— the movie was produced on a reported budget of $75 million —Kalki 2898 ADis playing in theaters. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.
Kalki 2898 AD
In a dystopian future, society is on the brink of collapse, ruled by corrupt powers exploiting technology and religion. A mysterious figure emerges, believed by some to be the prophesized warrior destined to overthrow the tyrants and restore balance. As he gathers followers, his quest becomes a symbol of hope for the oppressed, challenging the very fabric of the corrupt regime.
