Kalki 2898 AD: From Bhairava's Kashi to Shambala's resistance - 5 new details revealed

    Just a few days before the grand release of Kalki 2989 AD, Nag Ashwin revealed the logic, forces, conflicts, and emotions that drive the narratives in the world of Kalki.

    A still from Kalki.

    A still from Kalki.

    Director Nag Ashwin recently shared more details about the cinematic universe of his upcoming movie Kalki 2898 AD. The film combines mystical stories with the spectacular elements of the sci-fi genre. Boasting an all-star cast, including Prabhas, Kamal Haasan, Amitabh Bachchan, and Deepika Padukone, the movie is set to open in cinemas worldwide on June 27.

    Just a few days before the movie's grand release, Nag Ashwin released a new video explaining the logic, forces, conflicts, and emotions that drive the narratives in the world of Kalki.

    Here are the five new revelations about the world of Kalki:

    Kashi, the last city on earth

    Kashi (Varanasi) is the last remaining city on Earth, set by the now-dry river Ganga. Once the cradle of civilization, Kashi is now a brutal, survival-of-the-fittest society. Above Kashi towers a massive, inverted pyramid-shaped complex that stretches kilometers into the sky, representing a stark contrast with the harsh reality below.

    The Complex, a sky-high paradise

    The complex is a mega-city in the sky, full of greenery, resources, water, animals, and food. It is a microcosm of what the world used to be, resembling a paradise. The complex is controlled by a privileged few who have access to all the resources, while those in Kashi dream of entering this utopia, only to find it a trap.

    Shambala, the hidden world

    Shambala, inspired by cultural myths like Shangri-La in Tibetan tradition, is a hidden mystical land. It is believed to be where advanced beings and avatars reside, tying into the legend of Kalki, the final avatar.

    Shambala plays a crucial role in the overarching narrative of the film.

    The design and culture

    Each world in Kalki 2898 AD has a unique design and cultural ethos.

    The complex is depicted with advanced weapons and costumes, reflecting its abundance of resources. In contrast, Kashi's inhabitants have designs that reflect their scarcity and struggle for survival. The economy is based on "units," with bounty hunters seeking them to fulfil their aspirations.

    Shambala, a refuge and resistance hub

    Shambala functions as a massive refugee camp, harbouring those persecuted by the complex. It is a melting pot of different religions and cultures, united in their resistance against the complex. The inhabitants of Shambala are part refugees, part resistance fighters, and part rebels, adding a layer of conflict and depth to the story.

    The story of Kalki 2898 AD unfolds within these three distinct worlds, each with its unique characteristics, and explores how their paths cross and drive the narrative forward.