Renowned director Nag Ashwin recently offered a glimpse into his highly anticipated project, “Kalki 2898 AD,” during his appearance at the Synapse 2024 event in Gurgaon. Joined by actor-producer Rana Daggubati, Ashwin provided intriguing revelations about the film’s narrative, its connection to the Mahabharata, and his contemplations on utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) in filmmaking.
In a candid discussion, Ashwin disclosed that “Kalki 2898 AD,” featuring a stellar cast including Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan, and Kamal Haasan, embarks on a cinematic journey that commences with the epic Mahabharata and extends into the distant future of 2898 AD. Spanning over 6000 years, the film envisions various realms while retaining an Indian essence, steering clear of the futuristic aesthetics reminiscent of “Blade Runner.”
Explaining the conceptualization process, Ashwin highlighted the intricacies involved in envisioning and materializing the film’s elaborate settings, designs, and vehicles. Despite the rising prominence of AI tools like OpenAI’s Sora, Ashwin admitted to refraining from utilizing such technologies, citing his ongoing commitment to the film’s production schedule leading up to its scheduled release on May 9.
Expressing reservations about the potential of AI to replicate the innate magic imbued by human creativity, Ashwin pondered whether the struggle inherent in the traditional filmmaking process fosters unexpected innovations and moments of brilliance. He questioned whether relying solely on AI prompts would inadvertently diminish the richness of the creative endeavor, underscoring the value of the meticulous craftsmanship and dedication invested by human creators.
While acknowledging the convenience and efficiency AI offers in streamlining certain aspects of production, Ashwin remains intrigued by the prospect of serendipitous discoveries and artistic breakthroughs that emerge from the collaborative efforts of human creators. As he prepares to explore AI’s capabilities in future projects, Ashwin remains committed to preserving the essence of traditional filmmaking and the unique touch of human ingenuity.
As anticipation mounts for “Kalki 2898 AD,” audiences eagerly await the unveiling of Ashwin’s visionary narrative, bridging the ancient and the futuristic in an epic cinematic odyssey.
Sources By Agencies
