The highly anticipated sci-fi film Kalki 2898 AD, starring Prabhas, has finally hit the screens, and Twitter is abuzz with reviews from fans and critics alike. While the movie has garnered praise for its stunning visuals and impressive stunts, some viewers have expressed disappointment with the flat screenplay and the limited screen time for the star actor Prabhas.
Mixed Reactions to the First Half
Venky Reviews, a popular movie critic on Twitter, described the first half of "Kalki 2898 AD" as "passable." In his tweet, he stated, "#Kalki2898AD Passable 1st Half! The visuals and setup is something that has not been seen from Indian cinema which is captivating along with an interesting storyline. However, the screenplay is done in a mostly flat way so far. Prabhas has a fun character but limited screen time so far. Seems like 1st half is just a setup."
This sentiment was echoed by other viewers who felt that while the film's production quality was top-notch, the narrative failed to engage consistently. The initial half seemed to lay the groundwork for the story, leaving viewers hoping for a more dynamic second half.
Praises for the Visuals and Stunts
Despite some criticisms, Kalki 2898 ADhas received accolades for its visual brilliance and the execution of stunts. Sreenivasa Kumar, another prominent figure on Twitter, praised the film's interval sequence, tweeting, "Done with first half #Kalki2898AD is a journey into another world with Terrific interval bang Macho Rebel star #Prabhas screen presence literally sets the screens on fire." The use of visual effects and the grand scale of the film's setting have been highlighted as major positives, showcasing a level of sophistication rarely seen in Indian cinema.
JK, another reviewer, called the film a "Revolution wrapped in Celluloid." His tweet read, "Take note, world: #Kalki2898AD is here to stay and slay! A visual and narrative MASTERPIECE, it blends stunning visuals with a gripping storyline that is bound to resonate globally. The craftsmanship of @nagashwin7 is impeccable, setting new benchmarks at every turn."
Prabhas' Limited Screen Time
One of the recurring points in the reviews was the limited screen time given to Prabhas, which left some fans wanting more. While his character Bhairava is said to make a grand entry, it occurs only after the first 20 minutes of the film, and his presence is somewhat sporadic. This was pointed out by several viewers, including Venky Reviews, who noted that Prabhas' character, while fun, did not dominate the screen as expected.
Kishan, another fan, tweeted, "The undefeated Bhairava entry from KALKI 2898 AD. A must-watch film #kalki2898ad #KALKI #Prabhasfans #blockbuster," highlighting the impact of Prabhas' character when he is on screen.
Unique Elements and High Expectations
The film also features a sequence inspired by the Mahabharata, which has been particularly well-received. Siva Harsha tweeted, "Almost 30mins of Mahabharatam sequence, each & every frame will be divine & Magical #Kalki2898AD #Prabhas." This blending of mythological elements with futuristic storytelling has been praised for its creativity and execution.
Despite the criticisms regarding the screenplay, the overall reception of "Kalki 2898 AD" has been positive, with many viewers appreciating the film's ambition and technical achievements. The direction by Nag Ashwin has been commended for its vision, even if the narrative pacing has been questioned.
Pickford Army, another Twitter user, summarized the experience by saying, "Epude #Kalki movie premier chusa... Just wow anthe Never before visuals prabhas,amitabh and kamal hasan garu rocked the show. Few surprises in climax and dont miss post credit scene. Nag ashwin nuvvu thopu ayya. Rating: 4.5/5 #Kalki28989AD."