Director Nag Ashwin is teasing his upcoming sci-fi film, Kalki 2898 AD, with an exclusive animated prelude. The short film, featuring the voice of Prabhas, will be available on an OTT platform, marking a first-of-its-kind marketing strategy for Indian cinema. According to reports, a major streaming service acquired the rights for a significant sum, offering viewers a glimpse into the film’s world before its theatrical debut.
Kalki 2898 AD boasts a star-studded cast including Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Deepika Padukone, and Disha Patani. Despite its initial May 9, 2024 release date, sources close to the film’s production indicate a possible delay. This potential postponement is reportedly due to scheduling conflicts with the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in India. The elections will be held in seven phases, with the first round beginning on April 19 and vote counting scheduled for June 4.
Kalki 2898 AD is not the only film potentially affected by the elections. Vishwak Sen’s Gangs of Godavari was also pushed back to a May 17 release date to avoid clashing with election activity.
Director Nag Ashwin, known for his biographical film Mahanati, has previously spoken about the film’s significance within the Indian sci-fi landscape. Ashwin describes Kalki 2898 AD as a unique project that stands apart from past Indian time travel films. He highlights the film’s focus on a future India and its dystopian setting, offering a fresh perspective within the genre.
The announcement coincides with the commotion stirred up by the animated prelude. While an official announcement regarding the film’s release date is still pending, one can expect a different experience to the world of Kalki 2898 AD through the upcoming animated short.
