Mahesh Babu Not To Play Krishna in ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ Franchise, Says Director Nag Ashwin

In the aftermath of the highly anticipated release of ‘Kalki 2898 AD,’ director Nag Ashwin has addressed fan speculation regarding key casting decisions and hinted at what’s next for the sci-fi epic franchise.

Amidst rumors swirling about Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu or actor Nani playing the role of Krishna in the franchise inspired by the Mahabharata, Nag Ashwin clarified that the character of Krishna was deliberately kept formless and mysterious. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining Krishna as a silhouette without a specific identity, stating, “The idea was always to keep him dark-skinned and silhouetted, just like a mysterious figure. I think that’ll go against the point.”

The first film, set in the year 2898 AD and drawing from Hindu scriptures, boasted a star-studded ensemble including Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Kamal Haasan, and others. It earned ₹414.25 crore in India and over ₹700 crore worldwide, solidifying its box office success and setting high expectations for the sequel.

Regarding future plans, Nag Ashwin revealed that the script for the sequel has been finalized, with production and planning set to commence soon. He hinted at incorporating fan theories and conspiracies surrounding the film into the narrative, promising to expand on the established roles of actors like Vijay Deverakonda and Dulquer Salmaan, who made memorable cameos in the first installment.

As anticipation builds for ‘Kalki 2898 AD’s sequel, fans can expect another immersive journey blending futuristic visuals with mythological themes, setting the stage for an epic showdown between characters like Bhairava and Ashwatthama.