Rewatching Kalki 2898 AD hits very differently the second time. When I first saw it, I was amazed by the scale, the production design, the ambition, the attempt to blend Indian mythology with dystopian sci-fi. But on rewatch, once the visual spectacle faded, the cracks start to show.
The Mahabharata flashbacks are easily the strongest part of the film. The dystopian sci-fi setting, while visually impressive, feels heavily inspired by Hollywood movies. You can clearly see inspirations from Dune, Mad Max & Star Wars. Inspiration isn’t the problem cinema has always borrowed from cinema but here it sometimes crosses into imitation. Certain character arcs and world-building beats feel pre-packaged rather than organically developed.
Character writing is another weak spot. Some supporting characters add little to the narrative momentum or emotional depth. When a character doesn’t meaningfully shift the plot or challenge the protagonist, they start to feel ornamental, present for aesthetics rather than purpose.
What’s disappointing isn’t the ambition , that part deserves respect. Big-scale Indian sci-fi rooted in mythology is rare, and the vision is undeniably bold. But ambition without tight writing and strong emotional anchoring leaves the film feeling hollow on repeat viewing.
Kalki 2898 AD is a cinematic event. But beyond the scale and references, it struggles to leave a lasting emotional imprint other than the Mahabharata flashbacks.
Rewatching Kalki 2898 AD hits very differently the second time. When I first saw it, I was amazed by the scale, the production design, the ambition, the attempt to blend Indian mythology with dystopian sci-fi. But on rewatch, once the visual spectacle faded, the cracks start to show.
The Mahabharata flashbacks are easily the strongest part of the film. The dystopian sci-fi setting, while visually impressive, feels heavily inspired by Hollywood movies. You can clearly see inspirations from Dune, Mad Max & Star Wars. Inspiration isn’t the problem cinema has always borrowed from cinema but here it sometimes crosses into imitation. Certain character arcs and world-building beats feel pre-packaged rather than organically developed.
Character writing is another weak spot. Some supporting characters add little to the narrative momentum or emotional depth. When a character doesn’t meaningfully shift the plot or challenge the protagonist, they start to feel ornamental, present for aesthetics rather than purpose.
What’s disappointing isn’t the ambition , that part deserves respect. Big-scale Indian sci-fi rooted in mythology is rare, and the vision is undeniably bold. But ambition without tight writing and strong emotional anchoring leaves the film feeling hollow on repeat viewing.
Kalki 2898 AD is a cinematic event. But beyond the scale and references, it struggles to leave a lasting emotional imprint other than the Mahabharata flashbacks.
