Nag Ashwin on ‘Kalki part 2’, working on criticism and how did he cast Amitabh, Deepika and others

In an exclusive interview with India Forums, director Nag Ashwin opens up about his groundbreaking film "Kalki 2898 AD," which has been making waves in the industry. Starring an ensemble cast of Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, and Kamal Haasan, this sci-fi dystopian film with Mahabharata references has captivated audiences and critics alike. Despite its box office success, "Kalki 2898 AD" has faced its share of criticism. In this in-depth conversation, Ashwin addresses these critiques, sheds light on his ambitious vision for a potential sequel, and shares insights into the casting process. He also discusses the unique blend of futuristic elements and ancient mythology that defines the film.

So, how much are you overwhelmed with all these responses? And how does it feel right now?

He said, "It feels very good, very satisfying for us. Because it's something we have been working on for the past three or four years. Finally, to have the whole world see it and to have all of India see it and love it so much, especially Bachchan sir's performance. It's been so long since we saw Bachchan sir like this and in his full form, so it's very, very satisfying."

When asked,  It was Ayaan who tried to bring those VFX and these technical things into filmmaking with Amartya. We were all looking forward to it because it was something new. But then when 'Kalki' came, we saw that it was done on a very grand scale. With this, feedback starts coming in and fans start making theories about the future. Have you read some of these theories? Did you find them exciting and think you might use them?

He answered, I haven't read much of it. But I think it's very exciting that people are making theories about the film. It's great that there can be so much online engagement, with people talking about the Mahabharata and the characters in the film and making up their own stories.

To this, Also, we are talking about the whole 'Kalki' universe. The characters themselves are great, but even the smaller elements have significant roles. For example, Bujji, the car, felt like a whole new character with its interactions. Did you make a conscious effort to give it these characteristics?

Nag gushed, "Yes, we always wanted Bujji to be an AI bot. Building the car was a hard task, but now you see almost every kid who watches the film loves Bujji and is bringing their parents to watch it too. That's very nice and will be great.

Upon being asked, Regarding the casting, when the characters were being revealed one by one, we were all surprised. How was the process of assembling them? Did you have these actors in mind from the start, or was it a gradual decision as the script developed?

He said, "First, we worked on the script. Then, one by one, we approached the actors: first Bachchan sir, then Prabhas, then Deepika, and then Kamal sir."

upon this, Were these actors your first choices, or did you consider someone else before they came on board?

He remarked, "Actually, these were almost our first choices, and luckily, they all understood and trusted us. Even the cameos were mostly thought out, but some were decided on the spot during the production process, like having Dulquer do a cameo."

For a film like this, the vision has to be extraordinary and requires a comprehensive process. What was the Eureka moment for you when you thought, "This is something I will create"?

"I think it was the connection of Ashwin and his curse, and how the redemption for his curse could only be to protect a womb, which he had previously attacked. It felt like an organic arc for his character. The idea of someone who did something so wrong having to do something so right is always interesting to me, especially with characters in the Mahabharata, where no one is purely good or bad—it's the situations they are in."

When asked, "Did you share this idea with anyone else, and did anyone ridicule you, thinking it wasn't possible?

He said, "Not really. I didn't share it with too many people, only those in my immediate working space, and they were all excited about it. Once the actors started getting on board, we were all confident."

When asked, "You have already started scripting the next part. Are you looking forward to taking feedback from the first part and incorporating it, or do you have a set script that you will proceed with?

Ashwin remarked, "Yes, there is a set script, but it will need to be developed and expanded more, sequence by sequence. There is still a lot of work to do. Amidst all the reactions and responses, we might find some dead ends."

When asked, "Have you received any suggestions or advice that you think you might work on?"

To this he said, "Most of the criticism was about not needing typical commercial elements because the audience is already invested. They are sold on the world we've created and will come to watch it regardless. So, I think I'll take that as encouragement for the next film. Also they said that the first half felt dragged, so ya that will be taken care of."