Director Nag Ashwin Q & A With Media Kalki 2898 AD
Director Nag Ashwin: “Thanks to all the audience for making ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ such a great success. This is a Success of the entire film Industry”
‘Kalki 2898 AD’ is a sci-fi epic directed by visionary filmmaker Nag Ashwin. Celebrating the success of the film, Director Nag Ashwin shared many insights about ’Kalki 2898 AD’ in a media interaction in Shankarapally.
He also said, “A door has been opened for many production houses, actors, writers, and upcoming directors. Kalki is like a reference point for those who write such science fiction stories. Many people have been congratulating the movie since its release”.
Q&A session:
How did the idea of adapting Kalki from the incidents in Mahabharat come about?
Mayabazar is what we remember from Telugu cinema. Mayabazar is an adaptation of Mahabharata. Those particular incidents are not found anywhere in the Mahabharata. That is creative fiction. The inspiration came from there.
What is the target of the Shambhala people?
Complex has removed a balance in the world, Shambhala’s target is to bring a balance in the world again.
When did you come up with the idea of doing it in two parts? When will part 2 arrive?
First, I wanted to make this story into just one movie. After completing the shooting of some schedules, it felt like a challenge to tell such a big story in one part. Then, we decided to make it in two parts. We shot part 2 for 20 days. There is so much more to do, so much action, so much backstory, and so many new worlds to see. All of them should be created now.
Doesn’t it feel risky to take on such a heavy subject for the third film, and direct the biggest stars like Amitabh, Kamal, and Prabhas?
Our producers took a risk. If I have to spend this much, they will spend more than that. And, Big actors like Amitabh, Kamal, Prabhas, Deepika were hired with the intention of doing justice to the story and characters.
In part 1 there were opinions that Prabhas’s screen time was less. How will it be in part 2?
Kalki has massive subject matter, world-building, and lots of characters. All these should be shown. Now the world-building is done. The audience was introduced to that world. The roles, powers, and motives of the characters are known. Prabhas will have more screen presence in part 2.
Prabhas was revealed as Karna in the climax. Does Part 2 show him in a negative or positive way?
Karna’s character is positive. Wherever you see in India, everyone loves Karna’s character. Justice should be done to the character of his story. When Kalki is seen for the second time, many things related to Karna become new. It feels like a different film when you watch it a second time. This is a movie worth watching for a second time.
Do you get the impression that Kalki is designed to appeal more to children?
There is an intention that children will learn about the Mahabharata and our original heroes. We have wonderful stories. That is why the film was made light-hearted rather than too dark.
What was the most challenging part of the journey in this film?
To keep a movie for four and a half years, you have to have judgment, it is difficult to have the same judgment when a scene written in 2019 is being edited in 2024. It requires a different skill set. In the case of this film, it was difficult.
Is there any idea of making the complete Mahabharata as a film series in the future?
As of Now, there is no such idea.
The movie has a lot of cameos, right? The reason for all the cameos?
I love the cameos. When we suddenly see a star, the excitement builds.
In this, almost everyone who worked in Vyjayanthi movies in recent period has appeared. Except Nani and Naveen Polishetty?
It couldn’t happen in this part. But, I will definitely put them wherever I get a chance in part 2 (laughs).
You’ve narrated Sri Sri’s poetry with Kamal Haasan’s character.
Those lines looked apt for the situation and Yaskin’s philosophy seemed to be the same. Nothing much to say about Kamal Haasan. If I say half, he will take it to more than a hundred percent.
About Vyjayanthi movies?
Not only in the 50-year journey of Vyjayanthi movies, but Kalki is one of the most expensive films in the history of Telugu cinema. I feel very grateful that this film has become a great success and our investment has come full circle.
What kind of bond was formed with Prabhas in this journey?
Prabhas was very excited when I told this story. He believed in the project and anchored from the beginning saying we are making a massive movie.
How hard did you work to design the sets? Your favourite place in this world?
Our production team worked very hard. My favourite place is Shambhala Steps. I used to sit there. The sunrise and the sunset looked very good from there.
Won’t you make films with someone else other than Ashwini Dutt?
It’s not happening, as I’m taking four to five years to complete a film (laughs).
How did you convince Rajamouli and RGV?
This is purely a tribute to Rajamouli and RGV. They are the Directors who changed the industry. Actually, RGV asked “Why me?”. I said “Sir, you should be in Kali Yuga (laughs).
Bujji has been designed well, right? Have you taken the patent rights?
Automobile engineering was done simultaneously to design Bujji. We have taken the patent rights. A temporary license was also given.
Which hero is coming as Kalki? What is your favourite character in this?
He is still in the womb, isn’t he? There is still time for that and My favourite is Karna.
