The pursuit of cinematic originality can be a relentless struggle, particularly when crafting narratives for established stars. This challenge is underscored by the recent buzz surrounding two upcoming Indian films, Prabhas’ “Kalki 2898 AD” and Suriya’s “Kanguva,” which appear to share thematic elements.
Both films delve into the realm of time travel, a concept gaining traction in Indian cinema. “Kalki 2898 AD” reportedly chronicles the journey of Bhairava, who travels through time from 3012 BC to a futuristic 2898 AD. Suriya’s “Kanguva” takes a contrasting approach, beginning in the brutal and wild world of 1678. A warrior from this era is then thrust into the modern-day landscape of 2024, where he embarks on a mission with the aid of a research student.
Interestingly, both Prabhas and Suriya are expected to showcase their acting prowess through diverse character portrayals, potentially embodying figures from different eras within their respective films. While the historical backdrops differ, whispers suggest a potential similarity in the core themes explored by each movie.
This trend of time travel narratives is not entirely new. The success of “Bimbisara,” featuring Vassishtha’s time-traveling exploits, has demonstrably paved the way for further exploration of this concept.
As for release dates, “Kalki 2898 AD” is poised to hit the silver screen first, aiming for a May 9th release despite potential conflicts with election dates. Director Nag Ashwin is reportedly working diligently to meet this deadline. In contrast, the release date for “Kanguva,” directed by Siva and boasting a substantial budget, remains undisclosed.
Only time will tell how these two films unfold and how distinct their narratives ultimately prove to be. Nevertheless, the thematic parallels between “Kalki 2898 AD” and “Kanguva” serve as a reminder of the ongoing quest for novelty within the context of established cinematic tropes.
