Prabhas and Deepika Padukone's film "Kalki 2898 AD" reportedly has a budget of Rs. 600 crores: "The entire movie is crafted for international audiences."

Indian superstar Prabhas is aiming for global recognition with his upcoming film, "Kalki 2898 AD," a sci-fi reinterpretation of Hindu mythology. In an interview with Deadline, Prabhas discussed this ambitious project, his goal to connect with international audiences, and the responsibility he feels towards his fans. Acknowledging his struggle to gain international fame, Prabhas expressed hope that "Kalki 2898 AD" would mark a turning point. With a budget exceeding Rs. 600 crores ($72 million), it is set to be one of the most expensive Indian films ever made.

Produced by Vyjayanthi Movies, the film features a star-studded cast, including Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone (India's highest-paid actress in 2023), and Tamil icon Kamal Haasan, alongside Prabhas. Directed by Nag Ashwin, "Kalki 2898 AD" blends science fiction with the Hindu myth of Kalki, the prophesied tenth avatar of Vishnu destined to appear at the end of the Kali Yuga, the current age of darkness. The film’s international ambitions were clear from the outset; it made history by being the first Indian project to debut its teaser at San Diego Comic-Con 2023, under the working title "Project K."

"The entire film is designed for international audiences," Prabhas stated. "That's why it has the highest budget and some of the finest actors in the country."

Prabhas's excitement about working with such an esteemed cast is evident. "I never imagined I would have the chance to collaborate with actors like Amitabh Sir and Kamal Sir, especially in the same film," he confessed. "When I heard about the project, I called the producer and asked, 'Is this for real? This is a dream come true!'"

Traditionally, Bollywood has dominated India's international film presence, but "Kalki 2898 AD" breaks this pattern. Primarily shot in Telugu, it will be released simultaneously in five languages, reflecting the rise of "Pan-Indian" films. These productions feature stars from various regional industries such as Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam, alongside their Bollywood counterparts, highlighting a new trend in Indian cinema.