‘Kalki 2898 AD’ Sets Japan Release, Sequel Timeline

Nag Ashwin’s Indian sci-fi blockbuster “Kalki 2898 AD” is charting a course for international waters, with Russia and Japan next on its releasing itinerary.

The film is set to release in Japan in early 2025 through Twin, the distribution company headed by industry veteran Kabata Keizo. Twin previously released S.S. Rajamouli’s “RRR” in Japan, where it became the highest grossing Indian film of all time.

The film is also set for a Russian release, with a dubbed version expected to hit theaters in the coming months. For China, which has previously been a fertile ground for selected Indian commercial titles, the producers are still exploring their options.

With a worldwide gross of $140 million, “Kalki 2898 AD” is the highest grossing Indian film of 2024. Set in a dystopian future, “Kalki 2898 AD” follows Bhairava (Prabhas), a powerful warrior with mysterious origins. As he navigates a world ravaged by war and environmental destruction, Bhairava becomes entangled in an ancient prophecy. Amitabh Bachchan plays Ashwatthama, an immortal being from the era of Indian mythological epic “Mahabharata,” while Deepika Padukone portrays Sumathi, a character who is pregnant with the unborn Kalki, an avatar of Vishnu. Kamal Haasan takes on the role of the antagonist Supreme Yaskin. The film blends elements of Indian mythology with futuristic technology, culminating in epic battles that span both physical and spiritual realms.

The film is produced by C. Aswani Dutt, Swapna Dutt and Priyanka Dutt for 50-year-old Indian banner Vyjayanthi Movies. It is showing at the Busan International Film Festival with Priyanka Dutt and Swapna Dutt in attendance.

Plans for a sequel, which include an epic face-off between the characters played by Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan and Kamal Haasan, are underway. “We’re definitely smarter than the last one. We know the world better. We’ll know the production better. We’ve already…