What is the story about?
Nag Ashwin has responded to a social media user who questioned his portrayal of Karna in Kalki 2898 AD after comparing it with the character's depiction
in Akhil Akkineni's Lenin. The filmmaker, who rarely engages in online debates broke his silence on the issue. Citing passages from the epic to defend his creative choices, Nag Ashwin asked fans to read the Mahabharata before passing judgment on his film. Apart from that, he also teased fans, by dropping a new update on Kalki 2898 AD part 2 which is currently in the works.
Nag Ashwin Silences Netizen After He Compared Kalki 2898 AD To Lenin
The controversy began after the release of Lenin, when a social media user praised Pramod Panju's performance and claimed that "this is how Karna should be portrayed on the big screen." The post soon turned into criticism of Kalki 2898 AD, accusing Nag Ashwin of glorifying Karna and describing the film's climax as 'blasphemy.'
Responding to the criticism, Nag Ashwin shared a page from Bibek Debroy's translation of the Mahabharata, showing a passage in which Lord Krishna praises Karna while speaking to Arjuna in the Drona Vadha Parva. Defending his decision, the filmmaker wrote, "These are Sree Krishna's own words to Arjuna in the Drona Vadha Parva. Please read the Mahabharata. I suggest the Bibek Debroy version. Or Google how many times Krishna praised Karna to Arjuna. I have the greatest respect for our history. I know what I'm doing. Wait for Part 2." Nag Ashwin's closing statement, "Wait for Part 2," which has created excitement around Kalki 2898 AD sequel.
About Kalki 2898 AD Part 2
The makers have confirmed that Deepika Padukone will not return for the sequel after parting ways with the project. Sai Pallavi has been linked to the film, although no official announcement has been made regarding her casting. It is also said that Alia Bhatt will play a key role. Addressing the speculation about the addition of new cast members Nag Ashwin confirmed that Sumathi will remain a key part of the sequel's story. However, he clarified that the makers are yet to announce who will portray the character in Kalki 2. "We need to announce who plays the Sumathi character in Kalki 2. As of now, everything is speculation only. The character will be there for sure, which we can't remove as it's a very important character," the filmmaker said.
Kalki 2898 AD Part 2, will see Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan and Kamal Haasan reprise their roles, with Supreme Yaskin expected to emerge as the antagonist as the story continues from the first film's cliffhanger. Reports also suggest that the sequel will feature larger action sequences involving Prabhas.
