filmmaker Nag Ashwin has broken his silence on the criticism surrounding the portrayal of Karna in ‘Kalki 2898 AD’. The director hit back after social media users questioned the film’s portrayal of the legendary warrior and its climax. Nag Ashwin referred to the Mahabharata and urged the viewers to wait till the sequel before judging the complete story.
Social Media Debate Began After ‘Lenin’
The online discussion gathered steam after the theatrical release of Akhil Akkineni’s ‘Lenin’. Among the many reactions to the film, a social media user praised Pramod Panju’s performance as Karna and claimed that the character should have been portrayed similarly in Kalki 2898 AD. The same publication also criticized Nag Ashwin’s portrayal of Karna and questioned the film’s climax. As the debate escalated, Nag Ashwin chose to respond directly.
The director quotes the Mahabharata
Responding to the criticism, Nag Ashwin shared an excerpt from Bibek Debroy’s English translation of the Mahabharata. He referred to a passage in the Drona Vadha Parva. Lord Krishna speaks of Karna while addressing Arjuna in this passage. The filmmaker defended his interpretation by writing, “These are the words of Sree Krishna to Arjuna in the Drona Vadha Parva. Please read the Mahabharata. I suggest Bibek Debroy’s version. Or Google how many times Krishna praised Karna to Arjuna. I have the utmost respect for our story. I know what I am doing. Wait for part 2.”
“Wait for the second part”
Apart from defending the film, Nag Ashwin’s reply also offered a small tease about the sequel. Although the director did not reveal any plot details, his latest line ‘Wait for Part 2’ has increased the hype for the sequel.
‘Kalki 2’ currently in production
Work on ‘Kalki 2’ is progressing in Hyderabad. The sequel continues the story presented in ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ and is expected to focus more on the journeys of Ashwatthama and Karna. The first film featured Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Kamal Haasan and Disha Patani in lead roles. Reports say that ‘Kalki 2’ is targeting a December 2027 theatrical release and expectations are high.