I wont chatter on in detail about how much I liked this. Your enthusiasm for sharing the impact on you of a movie from a totally different culture is infectious. I am in the USA, which is increasingly suspicious of and antagonistic toward other cultures. Knowing that there is so much that is different, and challenging, and is the igniter of curiosity about what is foreign to our own is wonderful. Thanks, Terry.
When you started introducing the film, I first thought you were going to introduce Bahubali. If you have not seen it, treat yourself. Amazing, beautiful, lush, mythological, epic!
2 C is a good winter day. I miss that up here in summer. The Hindu mythology is a great untapped resource and we need Indian cinema to be much more seen. In the 90s, I was introduced to the mythology through a source book called Pantheons of the Multiverse. Skanda is one of my favorite of the gods.
Channel 4 in the u.k. Showed a multi part dramatization of the Mahabharata ages ago. Don't know if it's available anywhere. Looking forward to seeing this.
That was real epic TV. It looked wonderful. Channel 4 used to be fantastic at showing radically different shows from all over. The German masterpiece 'Heimat' was another that blew me away. On a slightly different tack, Channel 4 introduced me to the weird and wonderful world of Sumo Wrestling, which I found utterly fascinating, as did my late father. Alas, those days of 'Throw something weird at the viewers and see if it sticks', by Channel 4 are long gone.
I liked your shout-out to Sullivan's Travels. One significant part about the scene you mentioned is that the movies are being shown in a Black church, and the congregation has generously invited the convicts to join them. It was a notably respectful treatment of African-Americans and Sturges got a letter of appreciation from the Secretary of NAACP.
I saw this in a theater in Orlando Florida! It was showing at several theaters in the area but only one theater was showing it in 3D, and it was 10am. I've never seen a movie that early... but I refuse to watch a 3D movie in 2D. If you saw this in 2D you pretty much didn't really see it. Anyway, The movie was absolutely amazing. Great Sci-Fi. So Epic! Probably my favorite Indian movie ever.
One one the BEST movies of my lifetime is "RRR" (Rise / Roar / Revolt) which is currently up on Netflix here in the US. Another huge budget Indian (Tollywood) $75Mil for this one. 3-hrs long, I've watched it w\fam & friends 4-times now. Hella-HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Make it up to the 'train scene' 👍 I'll def look for Kalki for sure!
@@terrytalksmovies Yes, the SciFi aspect has me REALLY WANTING to see it, especially being an Indian film. All I could find so far was just a movie trailer when searching on my Roku
I’ll have to catch “Kalki 2898 AD”. It looks like it opened in Southern California on June 27, 2024 and it’s currently showing at only one theater in Los Angeles which is the Cinemark near LAX. It has a runtime of 2 hours 45 minutes and rated highly by IMDB and Rotten Tomatoes. The main actor I recognize from the two great Baahubali movies. I’ll probably wait for it on streaming.
@@terrytalksmovies The greater Melbourne area has a population of around 5 million and Los Angeles County about 10 million. When I checked an hour ago it was just for the rest of today’s show times. I checked for tomorrow (Saturday) and about 10 theaters showed up. Southern California has a huge diaspora population from India and many other countries. A veritable United Nations.
cant wait to get a blu-ray copy of Kalki 2898! I've got so few Indian fantasy genre films in my collection i'm scratching my head to wonder what i have even seen. Maybe one, and it was partly made in South Australia??!
If it's a great movie, then time is somewhat irrelevant. The five hour version of Abel Gance's silent classic 'Napoleon' just flies by. I've seen it twice, enjoyed every second of it, and didn't notice the time at all. It's an odd 'telescoping' of time. But only if the movie is very, very good, and immersive.
Well done, Terry! You’re an ace reviewer just for this. I’ll look out for it but won’t hold my breath. Probably will need a blu ray to see it. Keep warm!
Oh sweet! Kalki stars Prabhas!!! I'll have to see it soon. I was introduced to Indian action movies with RRR when it came out and have since become addicted to them. KGF 1 and 2, Beast, Ravanasura, Leo, Salaar, Pathaan, War, Vikram Vedha, Madhagaja... and so on... all those movies are so much fun. It's so refreshing from the old repetitive hollywood schlock.
Ever since seeing RRR two years ago (one of my top 10 favourite films), I have been watching a wide variety of Hindi films - and loving most of them. My perception of 'Bollywood' haa been greatly altered as a result, and I look forward to seeing this one. I particularly like when Indian culture is explored, for all the reasons you state. Their mythology is very well suited to epic blockbusters, especially now that we have the technology to envision it, as is their unique style of cinema. I even enjoy the oddly placed musical numbers. Thank you for the review, I'll be looking for this one to open locally.
Totally worth tracking down. The subtitles are accurate, too. The movie really hits. Though technically, Telugu cinema is called Tollywood and financially, it outpaces Bollywood by a lot of money.
It's interesting that superheroes are today's mythology. Beings of immense power, weapons of inconceivable might, and stories of heroism/battles of good and evil, all derive from ancient mythologies and retold for contemporary audiences. But in the international markets, their myths are woven into their society and entertainment, so the connection to the myths and stories aren't that far separated from their modern brethren. I look forward to finding this film here in California if I can or catch it online, because it sounds absolutely mindblowing. Thanks, Terry.
Thanks for the review! I'm in Chicagoland, Illinois, USA, here, and a particular cinema near me regularly shows Indian Diaspora movies (there's nearly always at least one with the tagline "Telugu with English subtitles" playing). Happily, Kalki is one of them, as I type this! So now I have a Thing to do tomorrow. And a Review to post for my Friends on Facebook, afterward, most likely. 😁
I was responsible for arranging two screenings of the 1992 Indo-Japanese “Ramayana” Anime in the U.K. last year, if you have never seen that. There’s a lot of stupendous action sequences in that which have never been topped in a live-action film version IMO & it was very influential on Indian film makers where fantasy action cinema is concerned in terms of action cinema film language.
Thanks, Sounds interesting And I can’t believe that it playing at a theater near me. What’s really peculiar is I live in a very rural part of north eastern Tennessee in the USA
The Mahabharata has been quoted by people like Erich von Däniken as possible proof for their "ancient astronaut" theories. And I'm like "Oh yeah, totally. Or maybe Military SciFi wasn't invented in the first half of the 20th century." Just a speculation of course. Anyway, didn't know about the movie, will watch it at the first opportunity.
@@dietmarkrah5319 oppenhiemer of course 'I have become death, the destroyer of worlds' from the central theosophy of the Mahabharata, the Bhagavad-Gita.
@@terrytalksmovies - Ah, but did you run right out and see KRRISH afterwards? We bought a copy of KOI...MIL GAYA Because it was a DVD reissue and pretty cheap, but when we found out, there was a sequel and rented it, we had no idea that the cross between ET and SIMPLE JACK that we"d seen would turn into a full-on superhero film!
Sounds like my sort of thing entirely, Terry. I read about those ancient WMD's in a book many years ago, and there are descriptions of ground and water being tainted by them, and things that, to modern minds, sound exactly like blast effects, intense heat, and worryingly, fall out. Where did those ideas come from? But yes, it sounds great, and I do like your idea of rendering biblical epics as superhero movies. I have no place for religion in my life, and I have found, over the years, that it has made me more open minded, and far less likely to judge. Although I do sometimes wonder about people who still give their lives over to be run by imaginary friends... 🤔🤔🤔😆😆😆 Thank you, Terry.
I may have to check this out. I've often bounced off Indian films, at least the big, 3 hour, over-the-top/action (often musical) blockbuster type films. Part of it is the frequent whiplash inducing changes in tone. Not something unique to Indian cinema, but seemingly common in it. It's sort of like how I usually don't vibe with Hong Kong comedy from the 70s through the 90s, where they'll jump from a fart joke to a graphic war crime and my brain can't handle it. Of course, these days I bounce off of most films that clock in at more than 2 hours. There's a fairly large Indian Diaspora population where I live just outside of Washington D.C., so I was not surprised to see that Kalki 2898AD is playing at a couple theaters. Sadly the theaters that came up when I searched are further out in the 'burbs than I am & I don't think I can catch a bus. So, fingers crossed for streaming.
I actually had heard of this movie and definitely want to see it. Unfortunately the nearest it is showing is 200+ miles away. Looks like it would be great on a big screen, but at this point I only hope i can see it streaming in a few months.
Wow well Terry I had to stop you until I see this movie I'll be back. In the past I've watched quite a few movies from India Korea China I love them all they got some really epic movies in India and the hero breaks out into a song.
What a marvellous report!!! Seeing you for the first time, (so subbed and liked). I'm in India and yes, the film is doing well. I liked the fact that you researched the background, and recommended that other people do so too. Thank you ❤
Always wonderful stumbling onto something you never expected and finding yourself on an epic adventure. Thanks for the review. Best of luck with your channel.
Sounds pretty damn awesome. I hope it reaches a wider audience over time. Talking of movies that riff off of Indian mythology made me think of _Sita Sings the Blues,_ (2008). Quite a different kettle of Tandoori Fish than Kalki, but personally I love it. Have you seen it?
Wow, that's great! Thanks for sharing Terry! I realized when someone misquoted Lenin, that Lenin, as the author of what he said is really the person who is most entitled to correct the transcript of what he said, because like God, who might be offended by what we claim He said that we described as a curse in the old testament, real people can and do get very angry when we misinterpret what they say!
@@terrytalksmovies The island has quite a few Indians, Pakistanis and Chinese but films that have better distribution don't get to us. Not enough cinemas and focusing on HWood blockbusters is the problem. We do have an international cinema that might get it, but it could take awhile. Kalki's release info says the rest of the world got it June 27th but Spain gets it in Sept, internet only probably via bloody Amazon. Ouch.
From Variety, July 4, 2024 on Part 2 & by the same director Nag Ashwin the Amazon miniseries “B&B: Bujji and Bhairava”… While “Kalki 2898 AD” ends with the promise of a larger cinematic universe, Ashwin clarified that the immediate focus is on Part 2. “We shot about 25 or 30 days, but there’s a lot of action still left. It’s almost like a whole new production that’s going to start,” he reveals. Regarding the sequel’s plot, Ashwin teases, “Every loose end or thread that we left hanging has to be wrapped up. Obviously, the most important thing will be the face-off between these three, which will be between Yaskin who can now wield the Gandiva, which is thought to be the most powerful weapon, versus Karna and Ashwatthama, who are the most fearsome warriors.” Two more episodes of Prime Video’s animated “B&B: Bujji and Bhairava,” set two years before the events of “Kalki 2898 AD,” are being completed, concluding the four-episode miniseries.
Cold is definitely relative. Where I live it gets down to -20 or -30 in the winter. Don't ask F or C because it doesn't matter. That's the range where the two scales overlap. As a kid we moved to Florida for a while and we'd be wearing sweatshirts when locals were wearing big, heavy coats. Years later, when I moved back, the first winter seemed brutal and it took me a couple years to readjust. It really does come down to what you're used to and equipped for. Gotta say, I'm hyped for this movie now and that doesn't happen to me often anymore.
@@terrytalksmovies Summers were easier because there was almost no adaption needed. It got just as hot and humid here as it did in Florida in the summer. Visiting your end of the world is still on my bucket list. I'd like to experience at least one Christmas Season during weather akin to our 4th of July. Same traditional roots but it must have a really different vibe. I can always come back to the annual intergenerational snowball war.
Looks like it was just released on Jun 27 this year. I've seen a fair number foreign language European and Japanese Sci-Fi but never Indian. In fact I just watched the crazy Russian sci-fi comedy "Kin-dza-dza!" yesterday. Are there any other Indian Sci-Fi films that you have seen?
Indian cinema is fantastic. Regardless of genre, Indian films seem to have everything in any film. Comedy, drama, song numbers, everything... including the kitchen sink. Since it appears Kalki's major protagonist is Indian superstar Prabhas, let me recommend Baahubali a 2-part fantasy epic. Looking forward to Kalki... although I think I'll hold off until part 2 is released. I'm of the school of thought that the three most hated words in cinema are, "to be continued" at the end of a film.
I watched 'Space Command: Redemption' 2 days ago. It is 2 hours long, and for an indie movie, I have to give them credit. The SFX is pretty good, and the plot is intriguing. The direction and continuity issues bring it down, though. Worth a watch. It was only released recently and you can find it on RU-vid.
So glad you covered this. I agree with you entirely. I got into India culture a while back, and the Mahabharata is a particular favourite of mine. Science fiction written millennia ago, excellent stuff. I don't know if you are aware but Indian channel Star plus produced a regular series of the Mahabharata in 2015. I loved it, not for the SFX but for the story and characters, also the actors. It was made very much as entertainment. The earlier Depak Chopra version, also superb, was more of a spiritual type of series, although entertaining as well. I too found myself reading more about the culture, characters, creations and stories as a result of seeing these programmes. I haven't seen this movie yet but I saw a report on it some time ago and planned then to watch it ASAP. Good review, first time I have seen your channel. I will forward it to other esoteric/eclectic movie buffs I know 👍
I have seen the Tamil versiion in Denmark on June 30, and yes it is quite fantastic, but it is rehashing a lot of Hollywood movies from Metropolis to The Fifth Element.
@@terrytalksmovies He said that the first part of the movie is typical Indian movie, but the second half gets very good. Hollywoodlike. It's not the most expensive movie in India, but belongs to the most expensive ones. He wrote: Sci fi meets mythology. The last 45 minutes are the best! It's going to be on Netflix next month.
@@terrytalksmovies I think I got a better animated movie than disposable me. It's called final fantasy the spirits within, the animation is or seems highly detailed. it is computer generated. Kinda like the beowulf recent movie.
Thanks, Terry. Your research and ability to contextualize the mythology behind this film is BRILLIANT. Just have to ask... where are you in Australia?I'm ready to head to the big city to see this film if I knew if I'm going to Syd or Melb.
Grew up with Bollywood movies playing on the weekends. While the ladies were gorgeous, costumes amzing, the musicals weren't my jam. But I did think if they made martial arts or sci-fi movies, ....that would perfect. Well dreams come true with Monkey Man and it sounds like Kalki. Way to go India!
Ordered this film through Amazon....however the sellers haven't given a dispatch date and Amazon the bastards will cancel the order in a day or so....I wonder what is going on.
You can correct me if anything has changed but as of a couple of years ago for highest earning entertainment properties it goes; Video games, Bollywood, Hollywood Again you might know the latest but as of a couple of years ago, no one had figured out how to present earnings for movies on streaming services but it’s thought streaming is not yet as profitable as old fashioned Hollywood cinema. But until the turn of the century when Halo2 first beat ‘em all, Bollywood was bigger than Hollywood for decades. I guess due to raw population volume. They tend to my mind towards more fun and being more over the top and it’s often fun to absorb their different sensibilities.
WoT, Robert Jordan, obviously took a lot of notes from ancient Hindu cultures. I was best friends with an Indian guy when I used to work at Williams-Sonoma Inc. He later married my sister and we found out what a narcissistic slime he was. I think the main reason we became friends was because my aunt and uncle had been Nazarene missionaries in India, plus they'd traveled the world, and he found that very interesting. As an aside note, the Indian deity, Kali, was a feminine one, but also an adaptable one who was as likely to take a masculine incarnation as a feminine one.
I met Robert Jordan at a convention in Perth. Racist, sexist good old boy arsehole. He left the con early because everyone told him exactly what he was. Yeah, Hindu gods are refreshingly gender-flipping. It's a wild theology that has so many aspects to it.
I did not know that about Jordan, but I'm not surprised, since he stole so much of his material from another race, then remade that material with a shit-ton of white people in it...
There are a number of non-English speaking films that are of a very high quality and have something very different to show to what currently we get out of Hollywood. Some are dubbed into English but I prefer the original language and sub titles. Netflix has a number of series that span countries and cultures and the performance is in the language of the country they are in. Into the Night is a Belgian apocalyptic science fiction that links up to the Turkish series Yakamoz-S45. After two years fans are still hoping for a fourth season to complete the story. Korean series have the good grace to span one season and conclude. Fans might want more but what we do get is quality story telling without dragging on to dull bad scripts to fill in a second season.
Too far away from a suitable cinema this week to catch this before it goes but it's been it for a fair bit on general release in Belfast for a movie not made in the West.
Unfortunately, the novel "Lord of Light" by Roger Zelazny, which has similar roots in the Mahabharata, will never be adapted in the West because it would be seen as cultural appropriation. Argo might be closest we'll ever get.
@@terrytalksmovies I'll have to try to catch Kalki 2898 AD on Blu-ray or streaming as I can't get to a cinema. It's kind of odd that they used "AD". I thought "CE" (common era) was more politically correct nowadays. Going by the Hindu, Vikram Samvat and Saka calendars, the current year is 5127, 2081 or 1946. According to Wikipedia: "Kalki is the prophesied tenth and final incarnation of the god Vishnu the Preserver (aka Narayana or Hari) - one of the Trimurti, the triple deity of supreme divinity that also includes Brahma and Shiva. He is the supreme being who creates, protects, and transforms the Universe. Kalki will appear so that he can end the Kali Yuga, one of the four periods in the endless cycle of existence (Krita) in Vaishnava cosmology. The end of the Kali Yuga will usher in the new epoch of Satya Yuga in the cycle of existence, until the Mahapralaya (great dissolution of the Universe)."
I did wonder if this movie is based on "Unmanifest - 428,798 AD Story of Kalki" by Venky Canthadai. However, it seems this is a coincidence as the Wikipedia article for the movie claims that it's based on an original idea by Nag Ashwin.
Good find, I did catch those 2 Indonesian films. Thanks for bringing them to my attention. Film is definitely universal, my wife and I just watched Ichikawa's The Makioka Sisters which she enjoyed in spite of us not being aware of Japanese arranged marriages and the like. Sounds like a film I'd enjoy if I can find it. The complex plot description reminds me of this: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-jkDgq0LfIIc.html
Cinemas to right of him, Cinemas to left of him, Cinemas in front of him, Volleyed and thundered; Stormed at with child and yell, Boldly Terry strode and well, Into the jaws of Shambhala, Into the mouth of Kasi, Rode Terry Talks Movies.
The Mahabharata and Ramayana are Aryan epic Poems. You mentioned that the King James Bible doesn’t have anything on it so for context, the King James was just a translation of the Hebrew text. The Anglo Saxon are descendants from the same family tree as the ancient Aryan people. The Mahabharata was written in Sanskrit which is the mother tongue of the Aryan people. Both Hebrew and English stem from Sanskrit as do all European languages and near eastern languages etc etc etc. Most people in the modern western world think Hindu is a non white religion. I’m using the term “white” in the modern context of course. Ancient Caucasians didn’t call themselves white I don’t think. Anyway, if you are a “white” Australian that means the people who wrote The Mahabharata are your ancient ancestors or at least you are part of the same family tree. Buddha was a red headed Aryan Hindu Priest who went from India into china and started Buddhism. Buddha is portrayed as a fat Asian man now. That happened centuries after Buddhism was established in China by the Aryan Hindu Priest.
I guess I'm a bit racist in that when I heard this was an Indian movie, the first thing that flashed into my mind were out of place dace numbers. Actually, the only Indian movie I've ever watched was Enthiran, and I really didn't like it.
@@terrytalksmovies You are very welcome. This is the first video of yours I have seen. Very good. Actually, by all true, I also mean the Hindu Mahabharata. I believe all great science fiction is actually human history.
3 1/2 minutes of insulting children, 1 minute of Leftists yacking And a minute on romance flix later the name; said to a Father of 8. Not coming back, no matter how good the review or desire to see Hindu scripture as a sci-fi movie.
I have a movie festival lined up but it’s Japanese mythology Togo’s for three treasures from the 60s and brush of the gods by a former Toho special effects guru. Just waiting for the lost voyage of Sinbad staring Toshiro mafoni i’m sure I spelled that wrong lol
