13 July,2026 02:44 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Nag Ashwin on Kalki sequel (Pics/Instagram)
Akhil Akkineni's Lenin is drawing a positive response from netizens. Several users have hailed the portrayal of Karna in the film. Amid this, Nag Ashwin has defended Kalki 2898 AD's portrayal of Karna amid criticism over the film's interpretation of the Mahabharata character. The filmmaker hinted that audiences should wait for Kalki 2 before drawing conclusions.
The post went on to criticise Kalki 2898 AD, accusing Ashwin of glorifying Karna and describing the film's climax as "blasphemy".
Responding to a social media user, Ashwin said viewers should avoid drawing conclusions about the story before watching the second instalment. Responding to the criticism, Nag Ashwin shared a page from Bibek Debroy's translation of the Mahabharata, showing a passage in which Lord Krishna praises Karna while speaking to Arjuna in the Drona Vadha Parva.
Defending his interpretation, he wrote, "These are Sree Krishna's own words to Arjuna in the Drona Vadha Parva. Please read the Mahabharata. I suggest the Bibek Debroy version. Or Google how many times Krishna praised Karna to Arjuna. I have the greatest respect for our history. I know what I'm doing. Wait for Part 2 (sic)."
Kalki 2898 AD Part 2 will see Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, and Kamal Haasan reprise their roles, with Supreme Yaskin expected to emerge as the antagonist. The film was in the news over casting after Deepika Padukone was reportedly ousted from the film. Sai Pallavi has been linked to the project, although her casting has not been officially announced. Reports have also suggested that Alia Bhatt could join the cast in a key role.
Addressing speculation around new additions, Ashwin clarified that the character of Sumathi will continue to play a crucial role in the sequel, although the team is yet to announce who will portray her.
During the post-release promotions of Sing Geetham, Nag Ashwin shared a major update on the second instalment. "We might start the regular shoot either in August or September. That's the update for now. Hopefully, we will work for a long stretch and complete most of the filming. Most of it has already been prepped, and the writing is done. So, it will be a much faster process."
