‘Kalki 2898 AD’ completes one year!

It’s been a whole year since Kalki 2898 AD changed the landscape of Indian cinema. With its larger-than-life storytelling, genre-bending concept, and spectacular star cast, the film redefined what sci-fi can look like in India. But beyond the jaw-dropping visuals and box office glory lies a treasure trove of fascinating trivia that even the most ardent fans might not know.
On the first anniversary of this path-breaking film, we bring you some lesser-known facts that make Kalki 2898 AD even more legendary:

*The Most Expensive Indian Film Ever Made*
With a staggering reported budget of over ₹600 crore, Kalki 2898 AD stands as the most expensive Indian film ever produced. From building futuristic sets to crafting high-end VFX and practical props, every rupee was stretched to bring Nag Ashwin’s vision to life.

*Deepika Padukone Shot the Climax While Pregnant*
#DeepikaPadukone filmed the emotional climax of Kalki 2898 AD during her pregnancy, adding a personal layer to her role as a pregnant woman in the film. Her husband, Ranveer Singh, was present on set during the shoot, making it a memorable moment both on and off screen.

*A Unique Shooting Schedule*
Unlike traditional schedules, Kalki wasn’t shot over long stretches. Instead, the cast and crew worked for about 7–8 days a month. This gave the production design and VFX teams ample time between schedules to meticulously prep complex gadgets, vehicles, and futuristic props seen in the film.

 

*Amitabh Bachchan & Kamal Haasan Reunite After 39 Years*
The film marked a historic cinematic reunion — bringing together two icons of Indian cinema, #AmitabhBachchan and #KamalHaasan, nearly four decades after they last shared screen space in Geraftaar (1985).

*First Indian Film to Use DIY Arri Alexa 65 Camera*
Kalki 2898 AD became the first Indian movie to be shot using a DIY version of the Arri Alexa 65 — one of the most advanced digital cinema cameras in the world. This added depth and clarity to its grand visuals, giving it that immersive, cinematic feel.

*Bhagavad Gita in the Soundtrack*
The film’s original Telugu soundtrack — especially the ‘Theme of Kalki’ — begins with the Sanskrit verses from Chapter 4, Verses 7 and 8 of the Bhagavad Gita. The philosophical underpinnings of these lines perfectly align with the film’s mythological roots and futuristic theme.

By Keerti Kadam