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- By Ridhi Suri
- Thu, 27 Jun 2024 04:04 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Nag Ashwin’s directorial venture, Kalki 2898 AD, is finally out in cinemas, starring Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan, and Kamal Haasan in key roles. The film is set in a dystopian, post-catastrophic world with scarce resources, where a single city, Kasi, remains. In Hindu mythology, Kalki is the 10th and final incarnation of the god Vishnu, who appears to end the Kali Yuga, the darkest period in mankind’s history.
The film follows Prabhas as he tries to capture Deepika, who is pregnant with a child destined to end all evil in their time. Meanwhile, Amitabh Bachchan’s character vows to protect her and the unborn child. But, do you know, who is Kalki?
Who is Kalki?
Kalki is prophesied to be the tenth and final avatar of Vishnu, who will descend to Earth at the end of the Kali Yuga to eradicate all evil and establish the Satya Yuga. Described in the Puranas, Kalki is portrayed as the avatar who will restore order by eliminating adharma (unrighteousness) and rejuvenating existence. He is depicted riding a white horse and wielding a fiery sword. Variations in the Puranic texts provide different descriptions and details of Kalki. Additionally, Kalki is referenced in Buddhist scriptures such as the Kalachakra-Tantra of Tibetan Buddhism. The prophecy of Kalki's avatar is also mentioned in Sikh texts, underscoring his significance across various religious traditions.
The name 'Kalki' is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Kal,' which means 'time,' specifically referring to the Kali Yuga period. It is proposed that the original term might have been 'Karki,' possibly derived from the white color associated with the horse ridden by Kalki.
In the movie Kalki 2898 AD, Amitabh Bachchan's character informs Deepika Padukone that she is carrying a divine entity in her womb. The story unfolds in the city of Kashi, ruled by Yaskin (Kamal Haasan), where Deepika character, Sumathi, is pregnant with a child destined to confront the malevolent forces ruling their dystopian world. While Prabhas' character is tasked with capturing Sumathi, Amitabh Bachchan's Ashwatthama vows to protect her and her unborn child, believed to be the Kalki avatar.
According to mythology, Kalki is accompanied by Princess Padmavati, who embodies the celestial qualities of goddess Lakshmi. The casting for these pivotal roles in Nag Ashwin's Kalki Cinematic Universe has not yet been disclosed. Meanwhile, the first film in this universe hints at a sequel that will further explore Yaskin's character.
