Prabhas’s sci-fi extravaganza, “Kalki 2898 AD,” directed by Nag Ashwin, continues its relentless march towards the coveted 1 billion rupee mark at the global box office. Despite facing competition from the recently released “Indian 2,” trade analysts remain confident that “Kalki 2898 AD” will achieve this milestone by the end of its theatrical run. However, the film’s true dominance lies in its record-breaking performance in the North American market.
“Kalki 2898 AD” opened to positive reviews, fueled by immense pre-release hype. Record-breaking pre-sales figures abroad translated into a phenomenal first 10 days at the box office. The film’s momentum hasn’t slowed down, with the makers officially announcing that it has surpassed a gross of $17 million and counting. This translates to a current gross of $17,031,645, with decent collections expected for the upcoming weekend as well.
“Kalki 2898 AD” has etched its name in history by becoming the first South Indian film (excluding “Baahubali 2”) to achieve such a remarkable feat in North America. “Baahubali 2” is a special case due to the significant collections garnered by its Hindi version. This “Non-Baahubali 2” record has sent Prabhas’s fans into a frenzy, eagerly anticipating the sequel.
The film leaves the audience wanting more, as it hints at a grander sequel. Part 2 will see Prabhas reprise his role as Bhairava, while Amitabh Bachchan returns as the enigmatic Ashwatthama. Kamal Haasan’s villainous Supreme Yashkin is expected to play a pivotal role once again, with Deepika Padukone likely reprising her role as Sumathi. Director Nag Ashwin has revealed that the second part will delve deeper into the unexplored 60% of the story, promising an even more action-packed and dramatic experience.
With a reported budget exceeding 600 crores, courtesy of producer Ashwini Dutt, “Kalki 2898 AD” represents a significant financial investment. However, the film’s robust performance, particularly in the North American market, suggests that it is well on its way to becoming a resounding commercial success. As the film continues its theatrical run, all eyes are on whether it can achieve the coveted 1 billion rupee mark and solidify its position as a landmark achievement in Indian cinema.
