Nag Ashwin addresses claims of 'Kalki 2898 AD' copying 'Dune'
Nag Ashwin's Kalki 2898 AD set the internet abuzz on Saturday with its long-awaited release date: now set at June 27. Along with it, a tantalizing new poster was unveiled, featuring Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, and Deepika Padukone. However, the poster divided people, with many netizens drawing comparisons to the Hollywood blockbuster Dune. Reacting to this, Ashwin cheekily quipped at an event, "Yeah! (Laughed) That is because you see sand. Wherever you see sand, it looks like Dune."
Why does this story matter?
This isn't the first time Kalki 2898 AD has been likened to a Hollywood movie. The film's concept, execution, craftsmanship, and visual representation have repeatedly been compared to Hollywood standards. Ashwin has used character snapshots released periodically to highlight various themes in the film, with sand being a recurring motif. In a recent development, the makers revealed Bachchan's character—the immortal Ashwatthama from the revered epic Mahabharata.
Is it Padukone or Zendaya?
In the latest poster unveiling, Padukone is depicted with short, untied hair and adorned in a brown outfit, a striking visual that has stirred conversation among fans. Many users on X/Twitter drew comparisons between the actor's look and Zendaya's portrayal in the Dune movies. Reacting to the poster, one user remarked, "Why does Deepika's character look so much like Zendaya's character from Dune?" Another commented, "Deepika is giving off Zendaya vibes from Dune (crying face emoticons)."
Take a look at the reaction here
'Film starts with 'Mahabharata' and ends in '2898 AD'
During the Synapse 2024 event in Gurgaon, Ashwin delved into the inspiration behind the film, shedding light on its ambitious scope. "The film starts with Mahabharata and ends in 2898 AD. It spans 6000 years in time," he revealed. Ashwin further elaborated on the creative process, stating, "We tried to create worlds, imagining what they would be like while still keeping it Indian, and not make it look like Blade Runner."
'Kalki 2898 AD' boasts of a star-studded cast
Kalki 2898 AD, an epi science fiction film, boasts a star-studded cast including Kamal Haasan, and Disha Patani in pivotal roles. The film is produced by Aswini Dutt under Vijayanthi Movies with a reported substantial budget of ₹600cr. There are rumors about Vijay Deverakonda and Rana Daggubati joining the project, but no official confirmation has been received from the makers yet.
