Amitabh Bachchan ‘gifts’ ‘First Day-First Show'-ticket of blockbuster movie Kalki 2898 AD ( co-starring Deepika Padukone and Prabhas) to co-star Kamal Hassan-- who ‘wished’ it was his ticket for ‘Sholay’—Why ? by Chaitanya Padukone

At the grand promotional event of their upcoming hit upcoming mega-blockbuster film Kalki 2898 AD, the film’s producer, showman C Aswani Dutt of iconic South banner Vyjayanthi Movies ( since 1974) handed over the “first-day first show” ticket of the Nag Ashwin directorial bought by Pan-India superstar Amitabh Bachchan, in complying with a shagun-tradition followed by the Telugu film industry. The sentimental Bachchan-saab, in return, gifted the ticket to his “friend and younger brother”, co-star superstar Kamal Haasan. The mega-movie Kalki 2898 directed by Nag Ashwin releasing on June 27, 2024, also starring Deepika Padukone and Prabhas ( of ‘Bahubali’ fame) held its super-houseful grand pre-release press conference in Mumbai which was marked by lots of memorable news-worthy moments. It may be recalled that Kamal Hassan and Amitabh played on-screen brothers in the action-drama movie ‘Geraftaar ( 1985), which also had superstar Rajinikanth in a cameo role.

Like the spectacular epic dystopian science fiction blockbuster ( Rs 600 Crore plus) multi-lingual mega-budget movie Kalki 2898 AD,  the promotional event was also a memorable milestone event yesterday late evening. Which brought together some of the most prominent figures in Indian cinema, including legendary super-actor Kamal Haasan and the versatile Southside star Rana Daggubati. 

The conference was filled with memorable moments, including a heartwarming gesture from Amitabh Bachchan, a display of fond chivalry by Prabhas, and a playful comic moment between the two superstars while helping ‘pregnant and glam-glowing Deepika Padukone steppind down from the stage especially since she was wearing high-stiletto heels.  

Kamal expressed joy and honor on receiving the Kalki 2898 AD ticket from Amitabh himself and shared an anecdote from the time he worked on Amitabh’s Sholay (1975) as a film technician-assistant and had to wait for three weeks until he could finally watch the film. The outspoken Kamal-Sir said,  “I wish this first-day-first-show ticket had happened almost five decades ago, as I waited for three weeks to watch Sholay.  I never thought I’ll get the first day's first show ticket from Mr Amitabh Bachchan. I was a film technician-assistant then and now I’m an actor and nothing much has changed,” said Kamal Hassan

The Kalki 2898 AD conference started with South superstars Kamal Haasan and Rana Daggubati ( of ‘Bahubali fame) making a grand entrance, much to the delight of the gathered select fans and media fraternity. Their presence alone elevated the event's significance, underscoring the film's high expectations. Kamal Haasan, a revered icon in the Indian film industry, shared his enthusiasm for being part of such a groundbreaking project. He emphasized the film's unique blend of science fiction and Indian

A particularly touching moment during the Kalki 2898 AD media event was when Amitabh Bachchan, a towering figure in Indian cinema, helped a pregnant Deepika Padukone onto the stage. The audience responded with warm applause, appreciating Amitabh Bachchan's gentlemanly conduct and Deepika's  graceful response

Charismatic Prabhas too exhibited a gentleman's chivalrous gesture that won over the hearts of many. When Deepika seemed slightly uncomfortable on stage, Prabhas quickly offered her his chair, ensuring she was comfortable during the proceedings.

One of the highlights of the evening was the playful banter between Amitabh Bachchan and Prabhas as seen in videos  that surfaced online. While Deepika amusingly looked on, the two stars jokingly argued over who should assist her. Bachchan, with his characteristic wit, teased Prabhas about being quicker to offer help. Prabhas, not missing a beat, humorously retorted that he couldn’t miss an opportunity to assist the beautiful actress.

The director, Nag Ashwin, known for his critically acclaimed National Award winning work on Mahanati, discussed the inspiration behind Kalki 2898 AD. He shared insights into the film's production process, revealing that it involved extensive research and collaboration with international VFX teams to create the film's futuristic setting. Ashwin also expressed his gratitude to the cast and crew for their unwavering commitment and hard work.

Versatile maverick image-defying super actor Kamal Haasan plays the role of Supreme Yaskin in "Kalki 2898 AD", directed by Nag Ashwin. The film features Deepika Padukone as Sumathi and coincidentally she plays a pregnant mother ( like in real life) in this movie.

Kamal Hassan said, "I was (telling) backstage to Amit ji (Bachchan) about how I always wanted to play a bad man because the bad man gets to do all the good things. Where the heroes are singing romantic songs and waiting for the heroine, he (bad guy) can just go ahead and do what he wants.

"We had a lot to talk about (the look), and also not look like something else that I had done already or somebody else has done already. I  said 'I will do research', and I got to know that, 'Amit ji is doing it (the film)'. Then I thought, I'll come with armour, I was told, 'Prabhas

I didn't want to be pregnant in the film (referring to Deepika Padukone's character Sumathi), otherwise I would've tried that as well. With a good director, even that would've been possible," the 69-year-old witty actor said jokingly in good humour.  

Calling director Ashwin Nag as an ordinary man with an extraordinary idea, just like his mentor the late legendary filmmaker K Balachander ( ‘Ek Duuje Ke Liye’ fame )  Kamal Hassan said the director knew how to present his vision. "I'm used to these kind of ordinary looking people (referring to Ashwin) who do extraordinary things. My boss, my mentor (K Balachander) was one such man. He looked more like a government official. If he entered any house, you'll think there's possibly been an income-tax raid,”  modest Kamal-Sir  said in good humour

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