Nag Ashwin’s Indian sci-fi blockbuster ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ is poised to make waves internationally, with its next release destinations being Japan and Russia, according to a report by Variety. The film, which has already captivated audiences in India, is set to debut in Japan in early 2025 through Twin, a distribution company that previously brought ‘RRR’ to Japanese audiences, where it became the highest-grossing Indian film of all time.
In Russia, a dubbed version of the film will be hitting theaters in the coming months, marking another major international expansion. As for China, a key market for Indian cinema, the producers are still evaluating the best strategy to introduce ‘Kalki 2898 AD’.
The film, which intertwines Indian mythology with sci-fi elements, has been praised for its ambitious narrative. Set in the futuristic dystopian city of Kashi (Varanasi), the story revolves around Amitabh Bachchan’s immortal warrior Ashwathhama, who is tasked with protecting the next avatar of Lord Vishnu, carried by Deepika Padukone’s character, Sumathi. Prabhas plays the role of a bounty hunter, Bhairava, who is sent to capture her by Kamal Haasan’s antagonist, Supreme Yaskin.
‘Kalki 2898 AD’ has been a box-office success, defying the trend of big-budget titles failing to deliver in recent months. Director Nag Ashwin, who already has a sequel in development, expressed confidence in the power of Indian mythological stories, comparing their depth and heroism to Hollywood’s Marvel and DC superhero franchises. He told PTI in an interview, “If we tell these stories in a way that resonates with today’s generation and mix it with sci-fi, it could very well match the complexity of western superhero films.”
With star-studded performances and a unique blend of myth and modernity, ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ is setting its sights on becoming a global cinematic phenomenon, much like its predecessor Indian films.
Key Highlights:
- International Expansion: Nag Ashwin’s sci-fi epic ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ is scheduled for release in Japan and Russia, with a dubbed Russian version and an early 2025 release in Japan.
- Star Power & Global Reach: The film, featuring Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Prabhas, and Deepika Padukone, has captured attention globally, following the success of Indian films like ‘RRR’.
- Mythology Meets Sci-Fi: Blending Indian mythology with futuristic sci-fi, the film positions itself as a potential answer to Hollywood’s superhero franchises.