Kalki 2898 AD: All we know about the futuristic fantasy film
An in-depth look at the forthcoming sci-fi thriller from India
By Asjad NazirJun 01, 2024
HOTLY anticipated film Kalki 2898 AD mixes up Hindu mythology with a futuristic dystopian setting. The star-studded science fiction epic is promising to be a path-breaking adventure filled with action, eye-catching special effects and a new kind of storytelling.
Eastern Eye decided to get everyone ready ahead of its global release on June 27 in multiple languages with an A to Z of the mega-budget blockbuster.
A is for Announcement: The movie was first officially announced in February 2020 with director Nag Ashwin and lead star Prabhas as the two main principles attached. It is intended to mark the 50th anniversary of successful studio Vyjayanthi Movies, which has been making mostly Telugu language films since it was launched in 1974.
B is for Budget: With an eye-watering cost of nearly £60 million Kalki 2898 AD is one of the biggest budget Indian films ever made.
A still from the film
C is for Cast: The cast of the epic science fiction action film includes Indian movie superstars Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Kamal Haasan and Amitabh Bachchan. Disha Patani also plays a key role.
D is for Delays: The planned 2020 shooting of the movie was initially delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The release date was postponed multiple times because of post-production work and the 2024 Indian general election.
E is for Engineers: While a lot of special effects have been used, the director wanted to build futuristic vehicles for the film to add authenticity, so reportedly hired a team of engineers to design them. Futuristic sets were also erected in the studio.
F is for First: The movie marks Bollywood star Deepika Padukone’s debut in Telugu cinema. The director has promised that her unique character would take audiences by surprise.
This would also be Amitabh Bachchan’s first full length role in Telugu cinema, following his cameos in Manam (2014) and Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy (2019). It also marks Malayalam star Anna Ben’s debut in Telugu and Hindi cinema.
G is for Good versus evil: The film’s story revolves around a hero in a dystopian world offering a ray of hope when dark forces take over the world and treat people brutally. Kamal Haasan confirmed that he would be playing an antagonist.
H is for Helm: The film’s director and co-writer is Nag Ashwin. His previous three releases as a writer/ director have been acclaimed Telugu films Yevade Subramanyam (2015), Mahanati (2018) and Pitta Kathalu (2021). He also produced Telugu blockbuster comedy Jathi Ratnalu (2021).
I is for Italy: A romantic song from the film featuring lead stars Prabhas and Disha Patani was filmed in Italy earlier this year.
J is for Join: In what is perhaps a first, the official social media handles for Kalki 2898 AD invited anyone, including passionate individuals and content creators to join in the marketing effort of the movie, and left a contact email for people to get in touch.
K is for Kalki: The title Kalki is named after the prophesied 10th and final incarnation of the god Vishnu. He is described as the avatar who rejuvenates existence by ending the darkest and destructive period. Prabhas plays Bhairava, who is an alter ego of Kalki.
A still from the film
L is Languages: There will be Telugu and Hindi versions of the movie. The pan-India release will be dubbed in multiple languages that includes Tamil, Malayalam and Kannada. Producers are also planning to make an English version available.
M is for Mythology: The futuristic action drama may be set in a post-apocalyptic world, but the story and characters are inspired by Hindu mythology.
N is for No: AR Rahman was reportedly approached to deliver music for the movie, but didn’t sign for it. Mickey J Meyer was also apparently considered. But finally, Santhosh Narayanan was given the job of delivering the film’s music.
O is for Opening: The presence of pan-Indian superstar Prabhas will ensure Kalki 2898 AD gets the highest opening weekend for an Indian film released in 2024, so far. It will do more business in the opening few days than the lifetime collection of most Indian movies released this year.
P is for Producer: The film’s producer C Aswani Dutt has been successfully making Telugu films for 50 years and has previously worked with the biggest stars of the industry. His last film was hit romance Sita Ramam (2022). His foray into Bollywood was with successful 2002 gangster drama Company.
Q is for Quick: There have been multiple rumours that high profile A-list stars like Mahesh Babu, Suriya, and Dulquer Salmaan would make quick cameo appearances in the mythological sci-fi film.
R is for Return:Kalki 2898 AD marks the return of Bollywood actress Disha Patani to Telugu cinema, where she had made her acting debut with Loafer (2015). Tamil superstar Kamal Haasan is doing his first Tollywood film since Cheekati Rajyam (2015) and described his role as a cameo.
S is for Studio: Most of the movie has been shot at specially built sets in the famous studio Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad. Some of the biggest blockbusters ever made in India, including the Baahubali movies have previously been made there.
T is for Test: With all the mega-budget cinema releases since his record-breaking blockbuster Baahubali movies underperforming, superstar actor Prabhas has a lot riding on Kalki 2898 AD. That pressure is amplified by the film’s huge budget and will be his biggest test.
A still from the film
U is for Unveiling:Kalki 2898 AD became the first Indian movie to be presented at San Diego ComicCon in July, 2023. The producers unveiled the official title and a first glimpse of the highly anticipated film at the world famous annual event.
V is for VFX: The larger than life superhero film being set in the future means that a lot of visual effects have been used. A huge budget has been put into making it one of the most eye-catching films ever made and a potential gamechanger.
W is for Working title: The initial working title of the movie was Project K.
X is for X: There is an official social media handle of the movie on X (formerly known as Twitter) and Instagram: @Kalki2898AD.
Y is for Younger: A teaser introducing Amitabh Bachchan as his immortal character Ashwatthama went viral across social media because it included an AI version of him as a young man.
Z is for Zendaya: When the Kalki 2898 AD poster of Deepika Padukone dropped, social media users began making comparisons between her and the character played by Zendaya in the Dune movies. That has been one of the many viral trends associated with the hotly anticipated movie and why tickets for it will be heavily in demand.
Abhishek Bachchan credits Aishwarya Rai for taking the lead in daughter Aaradhya’s upbringing.
Says Aaradhya, now 13, has no phone and stays away from social media.
Calls Aishwarya “selfless” for prioritising parenting over everything else.
Slams online gossip surrounding their marriage as baseless and insensitive.
Actor Abhishek Bachchan has dismissed recent speculation around his marriage with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, instead shining a light on her unwavering dedication as a mother. In a recent chat, he spoke warmly about their 13-year-old daughter Aaradhya, revealing that she neither owns a mobile phone nor uses social media, something he attributes to Aishwarya’s hands-on parenting.
Aaradhya Bachchan has no access to social media or a personal phoneGetty Images
Aishwarya Rai's parenting praised as ‘selfless and devoted’
Speaking in an interview, Abhishek was full of admiration for how Aishwarya has raised their daughter. "I have to give credit entirely to Aishwarya. I go out and work, but she does all the heavy lifting when it comes to Aaradhya. She’s incredibly selfless,” he said. According to him, Aishwarya’s decision to put her daughter's well-being above everything else has shaped Aaradhya into a grounded young person.
Abhishek Bachchan calls Aishwarya a devoted mother and partnerGetty Images
Aaradhya has no phone, no social media — by choice and design
In an era when most teenagers are glued to their screens, Aaradhya stands out. “She doesn’t have a phone. She’s not on any social media. She’s being raised to be thoughtful and aware,” Abhishek said. He also acknowledged that while Aishwarya plays the larger parenting role, Aaradhya herself deserves credit for the person she’s becoming, calling her a “wonderful little lady” who brings joy and pride to the family.
Aaradhya is now taller than Aishwarya says Abhishek in candid interviewGetty Images
Responds to rumours, says online chatter can be hurtful
For months, the internet has been buzzing with speculation about a rift between Abhishek and Aishwarya. Without naming any specific rumours, Abhishek expressed frustration with how quickly false stories gain traction. “People sit behind their screens and type things without realising they’re talking about real lives. It’s very easy to be nasty online,” he shared during a media interaction.
Aishwarya Rai often seen with daughter Aaradhya at public eventsGetty Images
‘She’s taller than Aishwarya now’: a proud dad reflects
Recalling the night Aaradhya was born, Abhishek fondly mentioned how she once fit in the crook of his arm. “She’s taller than Aishwarya now,” he said with a smile, adding that the happiness of coming home to a healthy family is what matters most to him today.
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Ranveer Singh in a still from Lootera that captured his most restrained performance
Ranveer’s subtle performance in Lootera marked a major shift from his usual high-energy roles.
The 1950s-set romantic drama became a career milestone for the actor.
His restrained, emotionally complex portrayal earned long-term critical acclaim.
The film showcased a successful collaboration with director Vikramaditya Motwane.
As Dhurandhar builds buzz, Lootera reminds us of Ranveer’s range.
Twelve years ago, Ranveer Singh surprised audiences with Lootera, a period romance that asked him to do something unfamiliar: stay still. Set in 1950s Bengal and directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, the film gave Ranveer the space to deliver one of his most subdued and mature performances. No outbursts. No spectacle. Just quiet heartbreak.
Lootera released in 2013 and marked a stylistic shift for Ranveer Singh Prime Video
Here’s why his role as Varun still holds up more than a decade later:
1. A rare lesson in stillness
Known for loud roles and louder screen presence, Ranveer turned things down, way down in Lootera. His portrayal of a soft-spoken, guilt-ridden thief proved that less can sometimes be more. His silences did the heavy lifting, letting emotion simmer just beneath the surface.
Ranveer Singh’s role as Varun showed he could command the screen without saying much
2. He took a risk and it worked
At a time when most rising stars would double down on mass-appealing hits, Ranveer picked a slower, more poetic film. It was a gamble, especially for someone fresh off commercial successes. But Lootera earned him serious critical respect and broadened perceptions of what he could do as an actor.
The period romance Lootera became a turning point in Ranveer Singh’s career
3. An emotionally layered performance
Varun isn’t a typical romantic lead. He’s torn, flawed, and emotionally guarded. Ranveer managed to convey all that complexity with minimal dialogue, relying instead on body language and micro-expressions that hinted at heartbreak and inner conflict.
Ranveer Singh’s performance in Lootera was praised for its emotional restraint
4. A director who brought out his quieter side
Vikramaditya Motwane’s direction played a big role in shaping the performance. There’s a quiet rhythm to the film, and Ranveer adapted beautifully to it. The collaboration allowed him to step into a world that demanded introspection over intensity, and he delivered.
Ranveer Singh and Sonakshi Sinha starred in the romantic drama set in 1950s BengalYoutube/Altt Balaji Motion Pictures
5. A role that aged well
Not all performances hold up years later, but Lootera does. While it wasn’t a box office juggernaut, the film has since found cult love. Ranveer’s turn as Varun remains one of his most respected, proof that charisma doesn’t always need volume.
Lootera’s legacy has grown over the years despite its modest box office runYoutube/Altt Balaji Motion Pictures
What’s next?
Twelve years on, Lootera continues to be a defining moment in Ranveer Singh’s career. And with his next film, Dhurandhar, already drawing attention for a darker transformation, it’s clear the actor is still full of surprises.
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AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer smile together in viral selfie
AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer will collaborate on the soundtrack for Ramayana: Part One, directed by Nitesh Tiwari.
Rahman shared a selfie with Zimmer on Instagram, captioned “With @hanszimmer #ramayanamovie”.
The photo sparked a wave of excitement online, with fans and celebrities calling it a “historic moment”.
Ramayana: Part One stars Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, and Sai Pallavi, and is set for a Diwali 2026 release.
AR Rahman’s latest Instagram post has set the tone for what might be one of the most ambitious film music projects in recent Indian cinema. The Oscar-winning composer shared a selfie with legendary Hollywood music producer Hans Zimmer, confirming their collaboration on Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana: Part One. The picture quickly went viral, as fans celebrated the rare coming together of two globally acclaimed composers for a single Indian film.
AR Rahman confirms collaboration with Hans Zimmer on InstagramInstagram/arrahman
Music fans celebrate Rahman–Zimmer team-up
The image, shared on 4 July, featured Rahman smiling beside Zimmer, with the simple caption: “With @hanszimmer #ramayanamovie.” But the response was anything but simple. Social media platforms lit up with comments from fans, celebrities, and fellow musicians. Singer Armaan Malik commented “Legends”, while actor Lauren Gottlieb called it “iconic”. One fan summed up the mood online, calling it “the frame of the decade.” Others hailed it as a historic cultural crossover. “ARR x HZ. The frame everyone will remember,” read one comment, while another declared, “Two titans cooking up something colossal.”
Helmed by Dangal director Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana: Part One is shaping up to be a high-budget adaptation of the Indian epic. The first look, released on 3 July, featured Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram and KGF star Yash as Ravana, earning praise for its grandeur and top-notch VFX by Oscar-winning studio DNEG. The film also stars Sai Pallavi as Sita, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman. The sneak peek hinted at an intense visual and narrative experience, portraying the Ram-Ravana war as a battle of cosmic proportions.
Ramayana: Part One is produced by Prime Focus Studios’ Namit Malhotra and co-produced by Yash. The film is scheduled for a global release in Diwali 2026, with Part Two expected to follow in Diwali 2027. With the Zimmer–Rahman musical partnership added to the mix, expectations are now sky-high. As one user wrote: “Close your eyes and you're in another world. This soundtrack is going to be unreal.”
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Birmingham celebrates its heavy metal roots with Back to the Beginning show
Ozzy Osbourne to perform one final time in Birmingham on 5 July, reuniting with Black Sabbath’s original line-up.
Villa Park will host a 10-hour metal concert titled Back to the Beginning, curated by Tom Morello.
The line-up includes Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, and others; proceeds go to three Birmingham-based charities.
The reunion marks the first time Ozzy, Iommi, Butler, and Ward will play together in 20 years.
After a lifetime of chaotic stage antics, searing vocals, and defining an entire music genre, Ozzy Osbourne is officially calling time on his career. On Saturday, the 76-year-old rock legend will headline his final concert in Birmingham, his birthplace, alongside the original members of Black Sabbath, the band that started it all.
Billed as Back to the Beginning, the sold-out event will not only mark Osbourne’s last performance but also a rare reunion with Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward. Their last appearance as a full group was two decades ago.
Ozzy Osbourne to perform one final time in BirminghamGetty Images
Final Black Sabbath reunion draws massive crowd to Villa Park
Villa Park, home to Aston Villa Football Club, will be transformed into heavy metal ground zero on 5 July. The 42,000-seat venue is just minutes from the terraced home in Aston where Osbourne’s journey began. It’s a poetic return for the man dubbed the "Prince of Darkness."
Demand for the show was overwhelming. Tickets vanished in 16 minutes, hotel prices in the city have surged and Black Sabbath murals now blanket Birmingham’s streets.
'Greatest day in metal history' brings top acts to honour Black Sabbath
Curated by Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello, the lineup includes Metallica, Pantera, Gojira, Halestorm, Slayer, and members of Guns N' Roses and Tool. All are performing in tribute to Black Sabbath, the band that turned bluesy rock into a darker, thunderous force back in the late 1960s.
The concert is expected to last over 10 hours. Osbourne will perform a solo set before reuniting with Black Sabbath for hits like Paranoid, War Pigs, and Black Sabbath.
Ozzy Osbourne reflects on legacy, health, and retirement
Though known for his wild, unpredictable persona, from biting a bat onstage to being the first reality TV rock dad, Ozzy’s recent years have been marked by health issues. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2020 and recovering from spinal surgeries, Osbourne says he’s finally ready to slow down.
“I’ve announced retirements before,” he admitted in an interview. “But this time, I know it’s right. I want to be with my family and enjoy what time I’ve got left.”
Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath reunite in Birmingham for farewell concert after two decades Getty Images
Profits from the concert will go to Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorns Hospice, causes close to Osbourne’s heart.
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Priyanka Chopra says she wants strong roles not just ornamental characters
Priyanka Chopra Jonas says she’s just getting started in Hollywood.
Stars as a fierce MI6 agent alongside Idris Elba and John Cena.
Gets into serious action mode with explosions, helicopters, and hand-to-hand combat.
Says her journey is still evolving, with much more to explore in the West.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas may have ruled Bollywood for over two decades, but the global star believes she’s still “nascent” in her Hollywood journey, and that’s what makes it exciting.
The Quantico and Citadel actor stars in the new Amazon Prime Video film Heads of State, playing a sharp MI6 agent named Noel Bisset. Her character has a complicated history with British Prime Minister Sam Clarke (played by Idris Elba) and is tasked with protecting him and the newly elected US President Will Derringer (John Cena) when they're attacked before a major NATO conference.
Priyanka Chopra calls herself nascent in Hollywood as 'Heads of State' streams on Prime VideoGetty Images
In a chat with PTI, Priyanka said she’s proud of her Indian film career and now wants to build an equally diverse portfolio in the West.
“It’s constant evolution for sure. I would’ve never imagined in 2002, when I did my first movie, that I’d be here today,” she said. “I feel like I’m really nascent in my work in the West. I have a major filmography in India, across genres and with amazing filmmakers. I want to build on that in English-language work too. There’s a lot more to do and explore, and I’m excited to see what unfolds.”
Over the years, Priyanka has taken on major Hollywood roles in Baywatch, The Matrix Resurrections, Love Again, and, of course, her breakout lead role in Quantico.
With Heads of State, directed by Ilya Naishuller, she says she had a blast, literally. From gun battles and hand-to-hand fights to explosive helicopter sequences, the film puts her action skills to the test once again.
“I want to be proud of the work I do. I try to choose characters with agency, not just ornamental roles,” she said. “This was a fun movie to do, and I’m really proud of what I did with this character.”
Priyanka Chopra wants to build her English film portfolio after Bollywood successGetty Images
The action-heavy film gave her the chance to collaborate with WWE legend-turned-actor John Cena for the first time, even though they started their careers around the same time in the early 2000s.
“I’ve known of John since his WWE days. He’s so popular in India; it’s hard not to know him,” she laughed. “When he transitioned to movies, I found his choice of roles really interesting. So I was very excited to work with him.”
Priyanka added that Cena is just as funny off-screen as he is on it, something that made their scenes easier and more spontaneous.
“He’s got great comedic timing even in real life. That helps a lot, especially when you're improvising on set.”
Talking about the film’s high-octane stunts, Priyanka gave full credit to the crew.
“Actors are only as good as the teams around us, especially in a movie like this. We had an incredible stunt team and a visionary director who storyboarded nearly every shot. He knew exactly how high a helicopter needed to be or how big an explosion should look. When you’re surrounded by such a solid technical team, you feel confident and capable, no matter which country you’re filming in.”
Ilya Naishuller, Priyanka Chopra and John Cena attend the special screening for "Head of State" Getty Images
The ensemble cast also includes Paddy Considine, Stephen Root, Carla Gugino, Jack Quaid, and Sarah Niles. The film is produced by Peter Safran and John Rickard.
As she continues balancing work across continents, Priyanka Chopra says one thing remains unchanged: her drive to grow.
“Success is constant evolution,” she said. “And I feel like I’m just getting started out here.”