Is Kalki 2898 AD a Copy of Dune?
At San Diego Comic-Con, it was revealed that Prabhas’ Project K will be titled Kalki 2898 AD, however, some internet users have accused it of copying Dune.
The film made history by becoming the first Indian film to have a panel in the famous Hall H.
Its entry was a grand one, with drummers lining the hall while a queue of women holding candles entered and danced.
Lead stars Prabhas and Kamal Hassan took to the stage while the crowd cheered.
A teaser was also unveiled, revealing the title to be Kalki 2898 AD.
The teaser featured a futuristic world, with tension between two groups eventually culminating in a battle.
Deepika Padukone is seen looking nervous as she stands in line with a group of other women.
As Prabhas is introduced as the people’s saviour, dramatic music echoes throughout the clip.
It also shared a glimpse of the potential antagonist, whose face is partially covered with bandages.
The teaser ended with the title reveal and a 2024 release.
While fans at San Diego Comic-Con applauded the teaser, social media users could not help but spot the similarities between the film and Denis Villeneuve’s Dune.
Dune, which starred Timothée Chalamet, featured a futuristic setting and the noble House Atreides being thrust into a war for the deadly and inhospitable desert planet Arrakis.
Paul Atreides is seen as the person to bring peace to Arrakis.
Netizens pointed out that the music of both films sounded similar, with one person commenting:
“Won’t say cheaper copy, but that does give the Dune vibe from whatever we saw in 90 sec. Mainly because of music.”
Another said: “If you don’t want to be called a cheap copy then maybe make an effort to create at least one visual that is original.
“At least Dune made an effort to go on location. Prabhas it seems like doesn’t like getting out of an air-conditioned studio.”
One person asked: “Is Project K a copy version of the Dune movie?”
Another wrote:
“The music of Project K is similar to Dune music and also trailer of Dune and Project K are similar for me, what about you?”
One person spotted the similarities but maintained optimism for Kalki 2898 AD, commenting:
“Gave Dune vibes, but still looks promising coz this setting is new in Indian films.”
Kalki 2898 AD is said to transport audiences to a world never seen before in Indian cinema and offer them an “unparalleled and immersive cinematic experience”.
Director Nag Ashwin said the film is a product of his love for Mahabharata and Star Wars.
He said: “I had this idea and the story just came along.
“I love science fiction and mythology, and I grew up with both Mahabharata and Star Wars.
“Making a film that combines both these worlds felt ideal, and thus, Kalki 2898 AD was born.”
Watch the Kalki 2898 AD Teaser
