Indian stars Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan, Prabhas, and Kamal Haasan were all smiles at the national press launch in Mumbai for their new action-adventure movie Kalki 2898 AD.
Although the film's budget hasn't been officially disclosed, it's estimated around $72 million (600 crores INR), possibly making it one of the most expensive Indian films ever made.
The event started fashionably late, typical of Bollywood but rare for the organized Telugu film industry where "Kalki 2898 AD" originated.
Media from across India eagerly awaited the arrival of stars like Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, and Deepika Padukone, along with producers C. Aswani Dutt, Swapna Dutt, and Priyanka Dutt from Vyjayanthi Movies.
Rana Daggubati, known for "Baahubali", hosted the evening.
Deepika Padukone looked stunning in a black halter-neck dress, while Prabhas rocked a black shirt and Amitabh Bachchan stood out in a striped jacket. Kamal Haasan opted for a beige-colored jacket.
Directed by Nag Ashwin, known for the award-winning film Mahanati, the movie features Deepika Padukone and Prabhas in their first collaboration, while Deepika has previously starred alongside Amitabh Bachchan in Piku.
The film Kalki 2898 AD is set in a post-apocalyptic world with limited resources.
The story revolves around the city of Kasi and its stark class divisions.
The rich live luxuriously in The Complex, a massive inverted pyramid, while others struggle outside, hoping to enter Kasi.
There's also a hidden refuge called Shambala.
In Hindu mythology, Kalki is the final incarnation of the God Vishnu, destined to end mankind's darkest era, the Kali Yuga.
Amitabh Bachchan plays Ashwatthama, an immortal from the epic "Mahabharata", while Kamal Haasan portrays the antagonist, Supreme Yaskin.
Deepika Padukone, playing a character named Sumathi, shared her experience of exploring new dimensions in acting, joking about her method acting approach despite her pregnancy.
Prabhas, playing the protagonist Bhairava, expressed excitement about working on such a grand production.
The event showcased exclusive film footage and featured performances like drummers and a capella rendition of the theme song.
Fun Moments with Amitabh Bachchan and Prabhas
At the press launch event, Amitabh Bachchan playfully teased Prabhas, mentioning how he had tried to touch Prabhas' feet.
The video of this moment quickly became popular online.
When the event's host, Rana Daggubati, asked Prabhas about his experience working with legends like Amitabh Bachchan and Kamal Haasan, Prabhas began by thanking the producers.
Before he could finish, Amitabh Bachchan interrupted with humor, mentioning their playful interaction of trying to touch each other's feet.
He added that Prabhas never allowed him to do so, jokingly asking Prabhas to be honest about it.
Amid laughter from the audience, Rana defended Prabhas, describing him as introverted and sweet despite his powerful image in movies.
Amitabh Bachchan, in a light-hearted mood, questioned the audience about the harm in touching Prabhas' feet.
Prabhas continued, expressing gratitude to the producers for the opportunity to work with such legendary actors, which he described as bigger than a dream.
He recalled a childhood memory of his uncle imitating Amitabh Bachchan's hairstyle, illustrating the superstar's influence across India, from South to North, and in different languages like Telugu and Tamil.
Amitabh Bachchan's Heartwarming Gift to Kamal Haasan
Amitabh Bachchan made a special gesture by buying the first ticket for the film and giving it to Kamal Haasan, calling him his colleague and dear friend.
Kamal Haasan shared his happiness and sense of honor at receiving a ticket directly from Amitabh Bachchan.
He recalled about the time he worked as a film technician on Amitabh's film "Sholay" (1975) and had to wait three weeks to finally watch the movie.
Kamal expressed that he wished this opportunity had come four or five decades earlier when he had waited eagerly to see "Sholay."
He hoped that many fans would experience the same excitement for "Kalki 2898 AD" and noted how special it was to get the first ticket from Amitabh Bachchan himself.
Reflecting on his journey from being a film technician to an actor, he humorously remarked that despite his career change, not much had altered in terms of his passion for films.
Amitabh Bachchan Honors Producer Ashwani Dutt
The event was a memorable night for the stars, with Amitabh Bachchan showing respect by touching the feet of producer Ashwani Dutt, whom he praised as a humble and sincere person.
This marked a rare public appearance for Amitabh Bachchan, who typically avoids such events.
Amitabh Bachchan mentioned in his blog later that while he usually avoids promotional activities, he made an exception for the sake of the humble production team, especially the daughters of the Head.
He expressed that being part of the director's visionary project was unexpectedly delightful.
Additionally, he noted that he bought the first ticket from the producer, Ashwini Dutt, who he described as magnanimous, gentle, and humble.
Kamal Haasan Embraces Villain Role in 'Kalki 2898 AD'
Kamal Haasan also spoke about his role in "Kalki 2898 AD," where he plays a "sage with bad thoughts" and expressed his desire to portray a completely villainous character.
In the press conference, he revealed he's always wanted to play a bad guy in films because they get to do all the interesting things.
He mentioned how he shared this desire with Amitabh Bachchan backstage.
Kamal spent a lot of time with the director, Nag Ashwin, to develop his character's look, which is quite unique in the film.
He described the thought process behind his look in the film, emphasizing the need for a unique appearance that would stand out.
Initially, Kamal had ambitious ideas for his character's look, aiming for something that would make people take notice.
He even joked that he would have considered being a pregnant character if that hadn't already been covered by Deepika Padukone’s character.
Kamal detailed the effort put into his character’s look, mentioning the extensive time it took and the trips to LA where they faced several challenges before finalizing an acceptable appearance.
He highlighted that it was a collaborative process and expressed his hope that the audience would react positively to the character’s look, just as he and the team did when they saw it for the first time.
He praised Nag Ashwin for his innovative ideas and described him as someone who knows how to present unusual concepts in a compelling way.
Kamal Haasan also reflected on his mentor's influence, Tamil director K. Balachander, who taught him not to underestimate people who seem ordinary because they often have hidden depths.
He expressed excitement about his role in Kalki 2898 AD, where he plays a character with darker shades for the first time in his career.
Apart from Kalki 2898 AD, Kamal Haasan is eagerly awaiting the release of 'Indian 2' with director Shankar, aiming to recreate the success of their earlier collaboration, 'Indian'.
Prabhas: The Ultimate Foodie Co-Star
When it was announced that Prabhas and Deepika Padukone would be starring together for the first time in "Kalki 2898 AD", fans were excited to see this new pairing.
They impressed us in the trailer that came out recently, but what we saw at the film's pre-release event was even more delightful.
Rana Daggubati, the host, jokingly mentioned that Deepika, portraying a pregnant character in the sci-fi movie, seemed to still be in character.
Deepika responded humorously, mentioning that since the movie had been ongoing for three years, she thought, "Why not carry the bump just a few months more?"
Reflecting on her filming experience, Deepika shared that it had been a great learning journey.
She described it as entering a completely new world and going through different phases to understand the film.
Deepika expressed that the experience had been incredible, both personally and professionally.
In a viral video from the event, soon-to-be mom Deepika jokingly blamed her growing baby bump on Prabhas, teasing that she owes it all to the delicious food he keeps feeding her.
Apparently, Prabhas is known for treating his co-stars to delicious meals on set.
And it's not just Deepika who has been pampered by Prabhas.
Here's a look at 5 other actors who got to enjoy his culinary skills:
Kareena Kapoor Khan: During the shoot of "Adipurush", Kareena and Saif Ali Khan received a scrumptious biryani from Prabhas, which she raved about on social media.
Kriti Sanon: Also from "Adipurush", Kriti shared that Prabhas often brought homemade Hyderabadi dishes to the set, delighting everyone.
Amitabh Bachchan: Big B enjoyed home-cooked meals, including special cookies, thanks to Prabhas during the shooting of "Kalki 2898 AD".
Shraddha Kapoor: While filming "Saaho" with Prabhas, Shraddha brought Mumbai delicacies while Prabhas treated her to Hyderabadi cuisine.
Shruti Haasan: After wrapping up their schedule for "Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire", Prabhas surprised Shruti with a delicious dessert treat.
It’s clear that Prabhas believes in sharing his love through food, making his sets a tasty place to work.
With such warm gestures, it’s no wonder the team behind "Kalki 2898 AD" gave their best.
Kalki 2898 AD: Certification, Runtime, and New Cast Addition
According to media reports, the film Kalki 2898 AD has received a U/A Certificate from the Censor Board.
However, it's one of the longest Hindi movies with a runtime of 3 hours and 56 seconds.
Bollywood Hungama reported that the Censor Board's Examining Committee has asked for a disclaimer at the start of the film.
This disclaimer should include a voice-over stating that the movie's content is fictional.
It must also be clarified that the filmmakers have taken creative liberties and have no intention to offend any religion.
Recently, Malayalam actress Shobana joined the star-studded cast of Kalki 2898 AD.
The makers revealed a new poster featuring Shobana in an outfit with a shawl, necklace, nose ring, and a distinctive charred black line on her chin.
Kalki 2898 AD Promotions
The makers recently unveiled the 'Bhairava anthem' from the film.
In this energetic track, Prabhas, the lead actor of Kalki 2898 AD, dances alongside popular Punjabi actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh.
Both stars are dressed in traditional Punjabi attire, with Prabhas wearing a turban.
During an Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), the makers shared a teaser featuring Amitabh Bachchan's look from the sci-fi dystopian film.
The brief 21-second clip showed Big B in earthy tones, seated in a cave and engaged in prayer to a Shiva linga, with his body wrapped in bandages.
Kalki Limited Edition Doodle E-Cycle
EMotorad, a top electric cycle maker, has teamed up with "Kalki: 2898 AD".
Together, they've launched the "Kalki Limited Edition Doodle," a special e-cycle inspired by the film's futuristic theme and adventurous spirit.
"Kalki: 2898 AD" is generating buzz for its stunning visuals and star-studded cast ahead of its release.
EMotorad's limited edition e-cycle aims to capitalize on this excitement by offering fans a tangible connection to the world of "Kalki."
The Kalki Limited Edition Doodle is based on EMotorad's popular Doodle V3 model, known for its versatility and foldable design.
It features exclusive graphics and colors inspired by the movie, making it a must-have collectible for fans.
The Kalki Limited Edition Doodle is priced at Rs 55,999, with a special pre-order price of Rs 2,898, a nod to the film's title.
Key Features of the Kalki Limited Edition Doodle:
- Inspired design from "Kalki: 2898 AD"
- Foldable frame for easy transport
- Fat tyres for stability
- Range of over 60 km and a top speed of 25 kmph
- Five riding modes for versatile performance
With its unique design and limited availability, the Kalki Limited Edition Doodle is set to be a sought-after item for both e-cycle enthusiasts and fans of the movie.
Anticipation Builds for Kalki 2898 AD Release
'Kalki 2898 AD', scheduled for release on June 27, 2024, promises to be a multi-lingual extravaganza, with Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi versions hitting theaters simultaneously.
Fans eager to watch the movie Kalki 2898 AD can book their tickets in advance online through platforms like Paytm and BookMyShow.
Advance bookings are expected to open soon, allowing movie buffs to secure their seats for this highly anticipated release.
Key Learnings:
Seeing Amitabh Bachchan and Prabhas joking around together reminds us that work can be enjoyable when there's mutual respect and camaraderie. It underscores the importance of fostering positive relationships in any workplace setting, as it can enhance teamwork and overall morale.
Amitabh Bachchan's gesture of giving the first film ticket to Kamal Haasan highlights the significance of appreciation and acknowledgment. It teaches us that recognizing the contributions of others, no matter how small, fosters a supportive environment and strengthens professional bonds.
When Amitabh Bachchan showed respect to producer Ashwani Dutt by bowing, it exemplified humility and gratitude. This gesture demonstrates that humility in leadership can inspire loyalty and dedication among team members, fostering a positive work culture.
Kamal Haasan’s enthusiasm about embracing a villainous role reminds us of the importance of challenging oneself. It illustrates that stepping out of one's comfort zone can lead to personal growth and the discovery of new talents or capabilities.
Prabhas' affinity for bonding with co-stars over food shows the value of building connections beyond work tasks. It highlights the significance of creating a supportive and friendly atmosphere in any professional setting, where collaboration and camaraderie thrive.
The film’s certification process and runtime, along with the addition of new cast members, underscore the importance of adapting to industry standards and embracing diversity. It teaches us that staying informed about regulations and trends is crucial for maintaining relevance and credibility in any industry.
The innovative promotions for "Kalki 2898 AD" demonstrate the power of engaging with audiences creatively. It shows us that effective marketing strategies can generate excitement and anticipation, contributing to the success of a product or project launch.
The collaboration between EMotorad and "Kalki: 2898 AD" for a special e-cycle highlights the benefits of strategic partnerships. It teaches us that collaborating with like-minded businesses or individuals can expand market reach and create unique offerings that resonate with consumers.
The buzz surrounding the release of "Kalki 2898 AD" emphasizes the importance of building anticipation and engaging with fans early on. It teaches us that proactive engagement and creating a buzz around a product or event can contribute significantly to its success and reception.
Sources:
1) Kamal Haasan BREAKS Silence on Playing Villain in Kalki 2898 AD: 'I Was Mourning To Big B...' published on 20 June 2024 at News18.com
2) Kamal Haasan On His Role In Kalki 2898 AD: "I'm Almost Like A Sage" published on 20 June 2024 at NDTV.com
3) I Was a Bit Curious Initially, Says Kamal Haasan published on 19 June 2024 at DeccanChronicle.com
4) Amitabh Bachchan Gifts First Ticket Of Kalki 2898 AD To Co-Star Kamal Haasan: "Never Imagined I Would Be Here..." published on 19 June 2024 at NDTV.com
5) A Round-Up Of How Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan, Prabhas And Kamal Haasan Lit Up Kalki 2898 AD Event published on 20 June 2024 at NDTV.com
6) Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Deepika Padukone Reveal Details of Sci-Fi Epic ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ at Mumbai Launch published on 20 June 2024 at Variety.com
7) Deepika Padukone jokingly blames Prabhas’ love for food for her big belly, but she’s not the only one spoilt by him published on 20 June 2024 at Hindustantimes.com
8) Big B touches 'Kalki' producer's feet at event, calls him 'most simple human' published on 20 June 2024 at IndiaToday.in
9) Prabhas-Deepika’s ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ gets U/A certificate. Check film’s runtime published on 20 June 2024 at IndiaToday.in
10) Amitabh Bachchan Teases Prabhas At Kalki 2898 - AD Event: "We Touch Each Other's Feet" published on 20 June 2024 at NDTV.com
11) Deepika Padukone on playing a pregnant character in Kalki 2898 AD published on 20 June 2024 at Filmfare.com
12) Kalki 2898 AD: Prabhas-starrer passed with a U/A certificate by Censor Board; runtime revealed published on 20 June 2024 at IndiaTVNews.com
13) EMotorad unveils limited edition e-cycle inspired by Prabhas' movie 'Kalki 2898 AD' published on 20 June 2024 at BusinessToday.in
14) Kamal Hasaan recalls when he had to wait 3 weeks to watch Amitabh Bachchan’s Sholay as he gets FDFS ticket for Kalki 2898 AD: ‘I wish this happened…’ published on 20 June 2024 at Indianexpress.com
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