SDCC 2023: Kalki 2898 AD is India’s biggest-budget film

Previously known as Project K, the film surpasses RRR as the most expensive Indian film ever made

• Attendance from American studios is low at this year’s SDCC, with many pulling out of the event amid ongoing strikes for the Writers Guild of America and Screen Actors Guild. But there is a whole world of cinema beyond the United States, and Telugu and Hindi film Kalki 2898 AD became the first Indian film to premiere at the event’s Hall H, featuring a new trailer, title and panel.

Kalki 2898 AD is an epic sci-fi film with an all-star cast including Telugu Baahubali star Prabhas, Tamil superstar Kamal Hassan (recently seen in VikramName), Hindi star Deepika Padukone (recently seen in Pathan) and legendary Hindi actor Amitabh Bachchan. The film hails from director Nag Ashwin, best known for his award-winning biopic mahanati. Not much is known about the plot at this time, but the trailer features massive fight sequences, plenty of storylines, and a desert environment.

Originally named Project KTHE Kalki 2898 AD the title was revealed during the SDCC panel. It is the highest-budgeted film in the history of Indian cinema, with a budget of around $75 million. The previous highest-budget film in Indian cinema history was RRRthe smashing sensation of 2022 that won an Oscar and the even more prestigious title of Polygon’s No. 1 movie of the year.

Kalki 2898 AD has an expected release date of January 12 in India. There is no slated US release date yet, but the film will be distributed worldwide.