In sci-fi cinema, the epic Kalki 2898 AD has emerged as a box office sensation, garnering widespread acclaim from fans and critics alike. This cinematic marvel features Prabhas as Bhairav, a bounty hunter from Kashi, and Deepika as SU-M80, a pregnant test subject known as Sumathi. Legendary actors Amitabh Bachchan and Kamal Haasan portray Ashwatthama and Supreme Yaskin, respectively. Released in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi, the film is available in 2D and 3D formats. Director Nag Ashwin delves into the star-studded casting, the film’s success, and future projects in his interview with Lipika Varma.
Hashtag Exclusive Interview With Nag Ashwin
Excerpts-
How does receiving such a fantastic response at the box office as a filmmaker feel?
I am incredibly grateful that we had the right casting and that the audiences have embraced and approved the film. Their positive response to the cast and other aspects of the movie is deeply satisfying.
With the entry of the millennium star Amitabh Bachchan, do you agree he elevates the film to another level?
Playing Ashwatthama, he elevates the film to another level. He is a legend and makes this character believe that the character was almost tailor-made for him. He brings it alive on the screen. He was my first option, and I don’t think whoever else I may have thought of would have said no.
How much time went into roping in Shri Amitabh Bachchan?
He was the first person we approached. We followed the regular process -pitching and then narrating the script, his role, and some discussions. Nothing more or less went into getting him on board.
Did Kamal Haasan take almost a year [according to reports] to say yes to his character? What were his hiccups?
Kamal was the last person we approached. We wanted to be sure of the role we offered him, so we took a little time, but he agreed to be on board.Also, frankly speaking, he is Kamal Haasan [smiles]. He needed to be convinced before coming on board. Thus, it took that much time.
Being successful has always been your goal, starting with your first film, Nenu Meeku Telusa, as an assistant director. Now, you are set to give tough competition to the makers globally. With this sci-fi attempt, are you aiming for the Oscars?
Not really. We are just enjoying this moment for whatever we have achieved. In my opinion, every movie has its fate, and we are lucky that every movie we have attempted has reached the audiences the way we wanted. We tried to make Kalki 2898 the same way, and achieving what we were set out for feels excellent.
The South directors and filmmakers have turned the tables. Earlier Bollywood films brought global recognition, but now South makers are taking India to a worldwide level.
It’s always the story that has to work. It also depends on the story the director or writer wants to show. He may belong anywhere in the nation. Also, I don’t think that language matters. Films have come a long way from here for the past three years. It’s just a cycle.
Did you expect this film to fall in place with every sphere of filmmaking so very adequately?
It took a lot of work, for sure. Undeniably, the team worked nonstop, no matter how long. Looking at the people’s responses, we feel pretty satisfied, especially when people embellish this film with adjectives like “never seen before” and more.
Nag Ashwin’s Kalki-2898 is bringing laurels and a booty bag for Vyjayanthi movies against the invested amount. What’s their reaction?
Vyjayanthi movies always back something new and risky. They are all pleased that every rupee they invest is not only coming back with loads of love from one and all. It’s a very satisfying moment for everyone.
Single theatre owners, especially Gaiety—Galaxy [Mumbai] owner Manoj Desai, were unhappy with the stepbrother’s treatment of them because they couldn’t book tickets for Kalki 2898 in advance. What would you say to this?
I am not aware of such things. The producers and the distributors handle this sphere.
Do you agree that when films are made with such exorbitant budgets, there is a vast recovery pressure on the producers/distributors?
Of course, it matters a lot, especially with a movie of this size; they must ensure it reaches every corner. India is a massive country with vast potential. Very rarely do we harness even half of it. We are looking forward to movies with increasing box office potential.
Is Vyjayanthi Films happy with the recovery to this day?
We are in the process of getting a break even. I think most people are pretty confident of the profit. But it’s just been a week, so we are happy now.
Well, you are doing Kalki’s second part, as it suggests. Who will be your Kalki?
It’s there in the womb [of Deepika Padukone]. The baby will continue to be in the womb. We will begin from where we have left.
1. “The baby will continue to be in the womb. We will begin from where we have left. We will not show up in the next.”
2. “It’s always the story that has to work. It also depends on the story the director or writer wants to show. He may belong anywhere in the nation. Also, I don’t think that language matters.”
3. “Looking at the people’s responses, we feel pretty satisfied, especially when people embellish this film with adjectives like ‘never seen before’ and more.”
