Nag Ashwin Talks About What It Was Like To Direct Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan For Kalki 2898 AD

Director Nag Ashwin’s eagerly awaited film, Kalki 2898 AD, is set to premiere on June 27. This mythological sci-fi epic features a star-studded ensemble cast, including Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, and Disha Patani. In a conversation with Film Companion, Nag Ashwin shared fascinating insights into the film’s production and his experience directing such iconic actors.

Nag Ashwin on directing Amitabh Bachchan and Kamal Haasan

When asked how he directs legends like Amitabh Bachchan and Kamal Haasan, Nag Ashwin confessed that it often felt "silly" to instruct them. "It had been two years since I last directed, and my first shot was with Mr. Bachchan. He has some really good action sequences in the film. But whether it’s him or Kamal sir, they all want to be directed. The bigger they are, the more receptive they are. Even with Prabhas or Deepika, I know their stardom and what fans expect of them, but I’m oblivious to that while working," he explained. He also neither confirmed nor denied rumours about cameo appearances by Vijay Deverakonda and Dulquer Salman.

Nag Ashwin opens up about his creative challenges

Set far into the future, Kalki 2898 AD presented unique creative challenges for Nag Ashwin. “I essentially made this film for the 10-12-year-old me who would love to watch this. Every action scene I’ve put in the film is fun for that kid. But there were things I couldn’t crack initially, like food, vehicles, and interpersonal relationships. We would think of ways to make the world horrible but it would be on the front page. When we started out, we thought of people wearing masks and using oxygen bars, that’s a reality now,” he remarked.

The film depicts a dystopian future where people in Kashi struggle to survive as resources are monopolised by an entity known as the Complex. Prabhas portrays Bhairava, and Amitabh Bachchan plays Ashwatthama, with the populace awaiting the incarnation of Kalki.