Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
The film ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ has generated significant buzz with its recent release. The sci-fi fantasy features a star-studded cast, including Telugu actor Prabhas, Bollywood icons Amitabh Bachchan and Deepika Padukone, and Tamil cinema legend Kamal Haasan and is directed by Nag Ashwin.
Set in a dystopian future, ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ incorporates elements from Hindu scriptures. The film’s portrayal of major characters has led to speculation about whether it will depict the arrival of the prophesied Messiah, Kalki.
Kalki is a significant figure in Hindu eschatology, foretold to end the current era of Kali Yuga and usher in Satya Yuga, the age of righteousness. The exact timeline and nature of his arrival remain subjects of debate among scholars and practitioners.
The concept of Kalki appears in the ‘Mahabharata’, specifically in verses 3.188.85–3.189.6. He is also detailed in the Garuda Purana as the tenth avatar of Lord Vishnu, destined to end the era of chaos and restore virtue.
Kalki is described as a heroic figure who will arrive on a white stallion named Devadatta and wield a flaming sword. His role involves fighting against wrongdoers and establishing the era of Satya Yuga.
According to the Shrimad Bhagavatam, Kalki will be born to a learned Brahmin named Vishnuyasha and his wife Sumathi in the village of Shambala. He will receive military training from Lord Parasuraman and will also be a devout follower of Lord Shiva.
Lord Shiva is said to bestow Kalki with a white horse named Devadatta, a parrot named Shuka with knowledge of past and future events, and a jewel-encrusted sword for vanquishing wrongdoers.
Kalki’s mission includes fighting against mlecchas (wrongdoers) and establishing Satya Yuga, an era characterized by righteousness and moral integrity. He is expected to retire to Vaikuntha, the abode of Lord Vishnu, after fulfilling his mission.
The timing of Kalki’s arrival is debated. Many Hindus believe that Kali Yuga began 5,125 years ago after Lord Krishna’s death and is expected to last for 432,000 years. According to this belief, approximately 426,875 years remain before Kalki’s predicted arrival.