Mumbai, September 25, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Filmmaker Nag Ashwin believes Indian mythology offers vast possibilities for futuristic science-fiction storytelling, with his 2024 film Kalki 2898 AD marking only the beginning of what can be explored.
The director said the commercial success of Kalki 2898 AD has also provided the film industry with greater financial confidence to support ambitious projects that draw from mythological ideas and worlds while exploring futuristic genres.
Asked whether Indian mythology has only been partially explored as a foundation for science fiction, Ashwin said there was considerable scope for filmmakers to delve deeper into the subject.
“Yes, I think Kalki 2898 AD is only the beginning. There is a lot of potential within our mythology and the worlds and ideas that come from it,” he said.
According to Ashwin, the film’s success demonstrated that a large-scale project built around such concepts could find both creative and commercial acceptance.
“The film has also given financial confidence that something like this can be pulled off successfully. And I think that is the first step towards actors and producers feeling confident enough to greenlight projects that explore these ideas and genres further,” he said.
Indian mythology contains concepts involving time, immortality, destruction, rebirth and advanced worlds, themes that can lend themselves to futuristic interpretations in science fiction.
Kalki 2898 AD, a Telugu-language epic mythological science-fiction film, features Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Shobana and Disha Patani in key roles. Inspired by Hindu scriptures, it is the first instalment in the planned Kalki Cinematic Universe.
Set in a dystopian future in 2898 AD, the film is centred on Kashi and follows a group attempting to protect SUM-80’s unborn child, who is believed to be Kalki, the final incarnation of Vishnu.
The film won Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment and Best Special Effects at the 72nd National Film Awards.
Ashwin began his career as an assistant director to filmmaker Sekhar Kammula before making his directorial debut with the 2015 coming-of-age film Yevade Subramanyam. He earned wider acclaim with his 2018 film Mahanati, a biographical drama based on actress Savitri.
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