Nag Ashwin’s sci‑fi epic clinched Best Popular Film and Best Production Design at the 72nd National Awards, cementing its status as a pan‑Indian blockbuster.
Kalki 2898 AD walked away from the 72nd National Film Awards with a pair of top honours, adding a fresh layer of prestige to a project that already dominates the box‑office talk. The Nag Ashwin‑directed spectacle secured the Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment trophy, while its visual architecture earned the Best Production Design accolade.
The ceremony, presided over by President Droupadi Murmu, saw the film’s core team – director Nag Ashwin, producer Swapna Dutt and co‑producer Ashwini Dutt – step onto the stage to accept the medals. Production designer Nitin Zihani Choudhary, whose work built the futuristic mythic world that the film inhabits, was singled out for his craft.
Vyjayanthi Movies, the banner behind the venture, issued a statement that mixed pride with a forward‑looking promise. "Winning these awards validates the bold vision we set out with," the house said, echoing a sentiment that the film’s blend of Indian mythology and high‑tech speculation resonated beyond pure entertainment. The production house hinted that the sequel, slated for a 2028 release, is already in motion, buoyed by the fresh recognition.
The cast, a constellation of Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan and Deepika Padukone, has been a talking point since the film’s debut. Their collective star‑power helped the movie pull in audiences across linguistic borders, turning a regional venture into a pan‑Indian event. Critics have noted that the film’s ability to marry grand spectacle with a story that feels accessible is a rare feat in contemporary Indian cinema.
Telugu cinema, already a strong contender at this year’s awards, walked away with nine trophies. Alongside Kalki 2898 AD, titles such as Pushpa: The Rule Part 2 and 35 Chinna Katha Kaadu also earned nods, underscoring the industry’s growing clout on the national stage.
For fans, the double win is more than a trophy cabinet addition. It signals that the Kalki universe is likely to expand further. With the sequel in the pipeline, expectations are set for an even larger canvas, more intricate set pieces and perhaps a deeper dive into the mythic lore that underpins the first film.
As the buzz settles, the next milestone will be the sequel’s release date announcement, which could reshape the release calendar for late 2028. Until then, the awards have given the franchise a solid credential boost, and the industry will be watching closely to see how the momentum translates into the next chapter.
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