Ever since its announcement, the highly anticipated sci-fi epic Kalki 2898 AD has been making waves. Adding to the growing anticipation, the makers released a special prelude to the film as part of their extraordinary promotional campaign. After releasing the first episode, the makers have now released a second episode offering a glimpse into the world of Kalki 2898 AD.
In the second episode of the prelude, Nag Ashwin delves into the three distinct worlds of Kalki 2898 AD: Kashi, depicted as the last remaining city struggling for survival; the Complex, a paradise in the sky controlled by the elite; and Shambala, a mystical land serving as a refuge for those persecuted by the Complex.
Kashi (Varanasi) is portrayed as the birthplace of civilization, now a desolate place where the Ganga has dried up, leaving its inhabitants in brutal survival-of-the-fittest conditions. Above Kashi towers the Complex, a mega-city shaped like an inverted pyramid filled with greenery, resources, and luxury—representing a microcosm of the world as it once was. The Complex's inhabitants control the world's resources, while those in Kashi dream of entering this paradise, creating a cycle of socio-economic struggle.
Shambala is introduced as a hidden mythical land akin to Shangri-La, believed to be the dwelling place of avatars and advanced beings. This realm is central to the legends of Kalki, adding a powerful and familiar element to the story.
Nag Ashwin, in the video, said, "So, these are the three worlds and each of them has a unique design and process behind it. The Complex people have their costumes, weapons, and vehicles designed in a certain way depending on the resources they have. The world and people of Kashi are designed in a different way because of what they have. In their world, they have money called 'units' and there are bounty hunters who need these units to get their aspiration done to get into the Complex. Then there is the third world, Shambala, which is essentially a massive refugee camp for all the religions and cultures that have been hunted down by the Complex. So, they all needed a place to hide. The people in Shambala are refugees, rebels, and their assistants who are fighting the Complex. So, the story is basically these three worlds which are unique in their own way. The story going forward explores how their paths cross and what unfolds thereafter."
Directed by Nag Ashwin and produced by Vyjayanthi Movies, Kalki 2898 AD is set to release theatrically on June 27, 2024. The film features a star-studded cast, including Amitabh Bachchan.