Cinema VinesDirector Nag Ashwin has described the National Film Awards haul for Kalki 2898 AD as a special moment, noting that it marks his second national honour after the 2022 recognition for Mahanati. The 2024 film won Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment and Best Production Design, a win Ashwin said had not been on his mind during production but he always believed the design would be celebrated.
In an interview, Ashwin explained that while he was focused on making the film, he felt that its production design deserved praise. He added that the team had been “doing some extremely impossible things” and was delighted that the effort was acknowledged. He also highlighted how the cast, featuring Amitabh Bachchan, Prabhas, Deepika Padukone and Kamal Haasan, pushed him to sharpen the storytelling and ensure scenes lived up to the actors’ stature.
When asked about the most challenging sequences, Ashwin pointed to the climax where Amitabh’s Ashwatthama battles Prabhas’s Bhairava, the three‑wheeled AI car, and the Mahabharata portions. He described these as “really complicated” because the action had to follow proper story beats and required continuous improvement.
Reflecting on the award, Ashwin said the team shared the joy even though they were in different locations. He expressed gratitude for the recognition and noted that the film’s success has encouraged other filmmakers to explore the genre, even if it means reassessing ideas he had developed years earlier.
Looking ahead, Ashwin said the focus for the sequel, Kalki 2898 AD – Part 2, will remain on the story rather than expectations. He wants the new film to be honest to the narrative and to stand the test of time, a goal he believes starts with the reason a filmmaker chooses to tell a particular story.
