New Delhi: Critics have praised the cinematography of science fiction epic ‘Kalki 2898 A.D.’ directed by Nag Ashwin and starring Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan and Kamal Haasan. Actor Mukesh Khanna, who played Bhishma in BR Chopra’s ‘Mahabharata’ series, has spoken out against the film, saying it misrepresents parts of the Mahabharata.
Mukesh Khanna reviewed the film ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ on his YouTube channel. The film’s stunning visual standards are at par with Hollywood classics like ‘Avatar’, and the acting, especially that of Amitabh Bachchan, was appreciated, but the choice of story really irked Mukesh Khanna.
The actor criticised the makers, saying, “One thing that is bothering me is that they have tried to change the mythology in the film. In the beginning, you see Lord Krishna coming, and taking the mani from Ashwatthama’s forehead, saying he will be my saviour in the future, Lord Krishna never said that. It was not Krishna who took out Ashwatthama’s ‘mani’. I have been reading Mahabharata since my childhood; I can tell you that it was Draupadi who instructed that her ‘mani’ should be removed, after she killed all her five children.”
He added, “I am telling this story in so much detail because I don’t understand how Krishna as Kalki in the future can order Ashwatthama to protect him? How can a powerful person like Krishna ask a person like Ashwatthama to protect him? The liberties you have taken are unforgivable.”
Mukesh Khanna has sparked a debate over the use of mythological themes in contemporary cinema and has requested a commission to review such creative liberties.
He said, “I would like to tell the government to form a committee which can examine the films being made on Ramayana, Geeta and other mythological subjects and can control the script of the film if needed.”
More information about ‘Kalki 2898 A.D.’
The science fiction film ‘Kalki 2898 A.D.’ has mythological aspects. The role of Bhairava, the bounty hunter of Kashi, is played by Prabhas; the role of pregnant test victim SUM-80 is played by Deepika Padukone. The character Ashwatthama from Mahabharata is brought to life by Amitabh Bachchan. The film’s production company Vaijayanti Movies has earned more than Rs 700 crore worldwide in all languages.
Also read: Kalki 2898 A.D. Review: Blade Runner, The Matrix Wed Hindu Epic Mahabharata and the Result is Kalki