#Kalki Avataram

[arty-holly]

Thoughts on Kalki 2898 AD

For any new watchers, it might help to get some context. Kalki 2898 AD is about the emergence of Kalki, the last and 10th Avatar or Avataram of Lord Vishnu. There are 4 yugams according to Hinduism. Satyayugam, Tretayugam, Dwaparayugam and Kali Yugam. When evil shadows the world, Vishnu is born into Earth as a human to rid all evil. Krishna is one such very popular avataram of Vishnu. Kalki, the last Avatar has not yet appeared in Kaliyugam( the most evil of all times) and this movie is an imagination of that probable time.

Spoiler Alert!

Cons-

The dialogue, I understand that they now live in a place of amalgamated cultures but why does some of it sound so bad?? I watched the Malayalam dubbed version in theatre and it is actually not that bad but still this use of english slang that sounds so awkward and which can be easily replaced with regional slang is so annoying. For example why does the rebel fighter keep calling bhairava "bro" 😭. Especially when it can be replaced with "chetta" or " anna".

The names, Characters that should have traditional names like Shobana's character has Mariam, I mean Huh?? Who thought this was a good idea? Prabhas's character has a name that does not suit him even slightly( sorry guys but Bhairava is reserved for Ram charan's Magadheera, and he actually lives up to the name) It does not fit him thematically either bcz Bhairava is a form of Lord Shiva and that is not connected to Prabhas's character in any way whatsoever . As they revealed him as Karna at the end, they could have given him a name connected to being a son of the Sun god or smth like that. And the women's names. Sigh. Guys didn’t we all agree about using names like Kyra in Indian cinema. Then why does this KEEP HAPPENING. I mean Kyra, Mariam, Raya, Roxy(her character is another issue entirely)???What. Why. We have a bajillion good indian names both traditional and modern and u choose this, really. And if they're so adamant on using western names, use good western names like Rose or smth. Also who wants to bet that they thought they were the only ones who watched Raya and the Last Dragon and thought it'll be a good name for a indian girl.

THE TREATMENT OF FEMALE CHAARCTERS, I have been yapping about this for years to my sis so I might as well yap here too. Does the movie have good female characters? Yes. Does it treat them well? Hell no. Kyra, dead. Mariam, dead. Leela, left to die, probably dead or used as a sex slave. Roxy, there to add some spice and romance into Bhairava's boring life and consecutively forgotten and never seen again. Good thing Raya is a literal child or the writers will probably kill her off too. And it's the way their deaths have no meaning too. The man who Kyra sacrificed herself to kill is alive actually! Mariam after barely escaping death in the aircraft just gets stabbed by the villian. Sumati's case is gonna be a bit more controversial bcz while i like that she is free from the lab and might get a life of her own, it still doesn't stick quite right with me on her being told by Aswathama that her dharmam is to give birth to kalki ( more accurate and appropriate wording would've been duty or 'kartavyam') I forgot about Mrunal Thakur's character's death at the beginning bcz it had no impact at all. I don’t understand how the man who directed Mahanati could do this to the women of his movie.

Casting choices, You can sue me to hell and back but Prabhas was..not a good choice for Bhairava or as he is revealed to be, Karna. Let's be honest, every single movie after Bahubali was a huge huge miss for him and i'm almost convinced now that the reason Bahubali was such a hit was bcz of Rajamouli and the immense talent he was surrounded by like Anushka Shetty, Sathyaraj and Ramya Krishnan. For all the marketing they did for him as presenting him as the central character, he is not the main character(as he should be bcz I doubt he'll do a good job of it). His acting stands out like a sore thumb amongst Amitabh, Shobhana and Deepika. And i'm kind of disappointed that he's Karna bcz Karnan is such a complex and good character. Unpopular opinion but DQ should've been Karnan. He just fits. And Vijay Devarokonda does not fit Arjun either. His lines feel flat and emotionless. Maybe instead of casting popular Telugu names they should've casted people who actually fit and can act.

Bcz I sing, I feel slightly qualified to comment on the music in the movie. Prabhas's romance song needs to get burnt to ashes immediately bcz what. what even was that. Ew. But the theme of Kalki immediately bought back my hope for music in the movie bcz that was excellent. But I still feel like it could have been better by adding female singers in a lower pitch. The contrast would've been phenomenal. Bahubali's music director Keeravani already used these techniques in the Mahismati song guys, it's a guaranteed hit. Or maybe it's just my disappointment that there weren’t more female voices.

Krishna's voice should've been sweeter. He is pookie ok? and he deserves a sweet voice. I'm pretty sure he's described to have a voice that melts your heart. His current voice would've suited Balaram more.

Pros:-

The VFX was actually not that bad. Compared to the usual, it was miles better.

Amitabh as Aswatthama, Kamal Hassan and Shobhana delivered. They were absolutely excellent.

The little details were great. Humans get smaller through the progression of the yugams so Aswatthama being 8 feet bcz he was from the Dwapara Yugam fit perfectly. The mythical city Shambala. The little sculpture of Kalki, Bhairava holding and protecting the statue of vishnu from falling( foreshadowing?), Ashwattama meditates near Kashi's shivalingam, Gandhivam, the 5 objects around Supreme(Kamal Hassan) being the 5 evils.

Bujji, sarcastic and fun AI is always always a plus. Healthiest relationship that Bhairava has with anyone in the movie. And voiced by Keerthy Suresh? Double plus.

So many malayalam actors, it makes my malayali heart sing. Anna ben from Kubalangi nights, Shobhana and DQ 😭😭, and Malavika Nair as Uttara too. We were fed so well, just wish they did’nt kill all of them.

The inclusion of cringe english lines might've been dissapointing but the inclusion of races all over the world absolutely made up for it. Shambala's citizens being of all races, black, white, east asian, middle east and all of them being equally happy at Kalki's return made me cry. Hinduism and God is for every single person on earth regardless of their ethnicity. " Vasudaiva Kudumbakam" meaning the entire world is one family was embodied so WELL in that scene, I am floored.

No matter how many times Deepika walks into fire, she does it perfectly every time. Also that parallel between the birth of Krishna and Kalki!! Vasudeva walks through water while Sumati walks through fire. Literal chills

One can't mention chills without mentioning Krishna. It was the absolute BEST part of the movie no doubt. And not revealing his face was the best decision they made in the movie, the audience unknowingly understands that he is pure divinity. And he's Dark skinned too!! Granted he's said to be as dark as the rain clouds but meh, i'll take what I can get. I doubt that an actor with a skin colour like that is accessible. But not revealing his face and letting only the horse and his silhouette show was such a good choice, I can’t get over it.

The monks with guns 🙂

The Shambala weapons in the shape of Murugan's spear??😭 Excuse me while I cry.

The Mahabharata scenes

Supreme(Kamal Hassan) taking one drop of Kalki's essence and reviving from a Skeleton to a normal human body and that LAST POSE OMG

So even though the movie had it's flaws the good parts alone were all worth it and the theatre experience is phenomenal. The simple fact that all of this is going down and lil Kalki has'nt even been born yet is hilarious to me. It could definitely have been better but the parts that mattered, they did well.

And the iconic scene, Sree Krishna himself (forgive the trashy quality)

[voidsteffy]

Kalki 2898 AD thoughts (spoiler-filled and long af)

Ok so.... I watched it in Telugu, and 3D. 3D wasn't that special methinks cz only the huge jaguar jumping scene in the start got me. Nothing much 3D-wise.

Now, watching it in Telugu........... Um... Even the dubbing sounds like wonky Telugu and I didn't like that.

Time for points I liked and didn't like--

Liked:

1. The idea of that world: how Kaasi is the first city and now the last city of this Yuga. Priyanka Dutt really headed a dedicated team. I loved the tarot scene because it reminded me of Godavari and made me want a Shekhar Kammula cameo too👀😭

2. I liked how the Vyjayanti logo took us into the world. And the whole premise it started off on. Love the Pareekshit and Ashwathhama Athah...! Kunjarah premise references

3. Loved how the Shiva Linga Ashwathama is meditating near is most likely The Kaasi Viswanath Lingam

4. The CGI with Mr. Amitabh Bachhan

5. Bujji. Unpop opinion maybe, but I liked Bujji more than Bhairava. Was I the only one who wanted Bujji to be the genderbent preserved consciousness of Bujjigaadu (Bujjigaadu: Made in Chennai reference 🤭)

6. How the flames give way to the bearer of Kalki avataram while just a Yuga before, the sea gave way to Vasudeva - the carrier of Krishna avataram. Nice nice. Probably the thing I liked most about this movie.

7. The cameos (will talk about this later)

8. The scale of the vision.... HATS OFF. I want into that man's head istg. All 3 movies: Yevade Subramanyam, Mahanati and now Kalki 2898 AD are three distinct visions and superb visions. I'd love to even see all the concept art for this movie!!!!

9. Call me silly but APRIL ONE VIDUDALA REUNION!!!! (iykyk)

Didn't like (hyper spoilers ahead):

1. Bhairava's character needs more depth. A LOT OF PEOPLE WILL PROLLY TEASE ME/ DISAGREE WITH ME ON THIS POINT. But he does. He's shown as a selfish mercenary whose aim is to settle in the Complex. (I have dreams like you no really a little less touchy feely. But they mainly happen where it's warm and sunny. On an island that I own tanned and rested and alone surrounded by enormous piles of money). He's got debts all over Kaasi and he uses all his money for things like building Bujji and automobiles and thrusters and stuff. But what makes him tick (other than scratching Bujji who he abandons half the time)? What is he scared of? I feel like it would have worked better if Bhairava didn't go to the Complex at all and was banned from it. It gives his hope to see the Complex a touch of whimsy and desperation.

2. Disha Patani's character. The story just forgets about her after the party song which is the most pointless song of the movie btw. I feel like even Nag Ashwin didn't want it there on first thought.

3. SRI KRISHNA DID NOT REMOVE ASHWATHHAMA'S MANI!!!! It was Arjuna who did it as far as I know. After causing the death of Abhimanyu and fellow warriors and family members by unfairly means, Ashwathama almost faced the wrath of Bheema after being dragged to the Pandavas' tents However, Krishna couldn't let the Pandavas commit a sin to revenge a sin. He said, though Ashwathama caused the death of unarmed unaware Kshatriyas, he himself is a Brahmin by birth and thus killing him would be an unforgivable sin. Therefore, completely cutting his hair and taking his mani would be comparable to death. So it was Arjuna who took out the mani on Sir Krishna's advice. (As far as I read and heard from pravachans since my childhood) I disliked how the story started with this inaccuracy and it took me out of the flow. Or maybe Nag Ashwin wanted to change this part of the story to include the curse and pave the story's base? Dk

4. The fights never stop (not in the good way): Bhairava's first fight was SO. LONG. Actually, Bhairava's every fight was so long. Most unnecessarily so. His fights with Ashwathama go on for so long I actually started wondering why the all powerful giant hadn't killed our hero. I'm mean, I know, but I get annoyed by such drags.

5. Late emotional connect: Mrunal Thakur's character dying didn't even pinch. Because I had no emotional connect to even feel the horror of what had happened. But yes, I did cry when Rajendra Prasad's character died soon after bcz that meant the death of the one character who spoke the best Telugu in the movie.

6. As I mentioned, I watched the Telugu version and was disappointed by the lack of diction, even in the dubbing!😭

7. The main point: Almost every scene reminded me of a different movie. A lot of people keep saying it's Dune + Star Wars but here, all I've got to mention -> Loki morphing into many Lokis, Sakaar's neck electrocution thingy (EXACT SAME), Troy: Legacy and Aagardian vehicles with the flying vehicles of that 5000 units bounty hunter. Coco wrt to the city's inner infrastructure (resembles the city in the afterlife, except make it sepia tone). Star Wars with the jedi light saber that Bhairava's dad teaches him to use. Bujji = JARVIS without the English politeness. Prince of Persia: sands of time and John Carter wrt the setting and vibes of the outdoor fight sequences. Mariamma's light rope handles??? From Iron man 2 as well as Wonder Woman. When Sumati imagines everyone dead at her feet it gives Tony from Age of Ultron. The Complex looks a lot like the Singing kingdom from The Marvels. There was an episode of Nebula in Marvel's What If? Animated series -> the concept of the complex or dystopia and the bar seems a lot like it.

8. Ashwathama and Karna weren't friends per the Mahabharatam. "Ashwa uncle" keeps calling Karna "sodara" (pure telugu word for brother) and not "mitrama" (pure telugu word for friend/ally) and it sort of irks me. Also, I think Sri Krishna's voice could have been sweeter (the pitch, Krishna could melt mountains with his voice. Here Krishna's voice sounded something like what we could match to Balarama)

Ok done with that.

Now, cameos..... I mean it's a Nag Ashwin movie and I went in expecting cameos after my experience with Mahanati tbh.

Ones I liked: Malvika Nair as Uttara (that was how I had imagined Shakuntala to look like in Shaakuntalam btw), DQ as Captain/Pilot, Brahmi garu as the fed up landlord, Avasarala Srinivas as gambler (missed him in Mahanati), RGV as the food vendor, Rajendra Prasad bcz the man speaks the best Telugu in this movie (as I mentioned before)

Ones I found Meh: Mrunal Thakur as the pregnant lady (only bcz there was no emotional connect, didn't know anything abt her character except that she's pregnant), Faria Abdullah as the showpiece-angel-dancer??, Disha Patani

Ones I wanted to question: Vijay Devarakonda as Arjuna (like........... I feel like Rana would have been the perfect Arjuna despite that opinion originating from his KVJG days. But maybe Tarak? Maybe you could have CGI-ed NTR sr and reminded us of Nartanasala!!) I have nothing against Vijay Devarakonda, but he just didn't fittttt

Overall: a beautiful effort and a mindblowing idea but the lagging screenplay, some music choices and slight misinformation reduces its impact. Liked it and would recommend bcz this is all people would be talking about and you wouldn't want to stay uninformed on a global phenomenon.

[universeofdharma108]

Like ai giri ~~ same rhythm)

(Composed by me)

Om Gan Ganapataye nama🙏.

|1| Jaya Jaya Vishno, Jaya Jaya Vishno,

Vaikuntha vasana, Vaikuntha pate.

Chakra-gadha deva, Ishwar Deveshwara, Shree kamlapate, Namostute.

Shree Amruthodhbhava, Sahith(a) Sureshwara, Rajarajeshwar Yaduvamsa suta.

Jaya jaya he Jalasiyana Vishnum.

Narayana moorte, Shri Lakshmipate.

|2|Vishwahapalaka, Dharmika Rakshaka, Rakshasa Hantaka, Vasudevaa.

Sundara- Madhava, Raghava,

Keshava, Vishweshwara, Vasudevaa

Kamalalochana, Dukha vimochana

Sri Kamala kantam, Shri Lakshmipate.

Jaya jaya he Jalasiyana Vishnum.

Narayana moorte, Shri Lakshmipate.

|3| Matsya, Kurmam avataram namami.

Namo Varaha, Dhartipate.

Nara Narayan, Ugra Narsimham, Prahlad-Isht devam, slokapriya.

Vishnu Vamana, Parshu Parshurama

Rama, Shyama, Buddh-Kalki moorte.

Jaya jaya he Jalasiyana Vishnum.

Narayana moorte, Shri Lakshmipate.

|4| Sundaradarshana, soumya archala, Venkatachala deva, Gopikanath.

Gopala devam Guruvayurappan, Shree shantakaram, trilokanath.

Chaturbhuja rupam, Satya Swaroopam,

Bhaktapriya Swami, Tulasipate

Jaya jaya he Jalasiyana Vishnum.

Narayana moorte, Shri Lakshmipate.

|5| Chaturveda hasta, Hayagriva deva,

Jagannatha deva, Jagatguru.

Jagdisha Swami, antaryami, Neelamegha Shyama, Swayambhu.

Jagatapalaka, Deva Asritha Hari Vasudevaa,

Jaya jaya he Jalasiyana Vishnum.

Narayana moorte, Shri Lakshmipate.

|....| Hari Hari Manohari, Vasudevaa,

Rama Rama Manorama, Vasudevaa.

Shree Lakshmi Sahith, Vasudevaa.

Giridhara Hari Prabhu Vasudevaa.

Rama Kodanda dhari, Vasudevaa.

Hrishikesha Parthasarthi, Vasudevaa.

Narayana Shringaar priya, Vasudevaa.

Praseeda Vishnu Chakradhari, Vasudevaa.

Itihi Shree Vishnu stutim, Sampurnam

[gotirupati]

Malayappa Swamy Kalki Avataram