Date: April 15, 2025
Nag Ashwin Opens Up on Writing Kalki and His Love for Khaleja
From Assistant Director to Pan-India Filmmaker
Nag Ashwin, the visionary director behind Kalki 2898 AD featuring Prabhas, has rapidly become a prominent name in Indian cinema. From his early days working under Sekhar Kammula to his directorial debut with Yevade Subrahmanyam and national acclaim with Mahanati, Ashwin has carved a unique place for himself in the industry. his admiration for Khaleja, the challenges of writing complex narratives
Recently, during an interactive session with college students, Ashwin offered a rare glimpse into his thought process, the journey of Kalki, and his personal love for cinema.
Why Khaleja Holds a Special Place in His Heart
When asked about a film he wishes he had directed, Ashwin surprised many by naming Khaleja. “I always thought it would be cool if I had been the editor for Khaleja,” he said. “Maybe even Dear Comrade. Those are two films I connected with deeply.” He has previously spoken about his fondness for Khaleja, a film that didn’t succeed at the box office but gained cult status later.
The Deep Planning Behind Kalki 2898 AD
Speaking about Kalki, Ashwin emphasized how every scene was crafted with meticulous effort. “If you try to decode Kalki like a zig-zag puzzle, you’ll see that each frame involved months or even years of planning. The writing forms the core, and that’s what made the film successful.”
Khaleja: When Ideas Collide: A Filmmaker’s Common Dilemma
Ashwin also touched on a universal experience many filmmakers face — witnessing similar ideas appear in others’ works. “Back in 2008, I was working on a concept based on memories. Later, I saw Inception, and it felt familiar. That happens a lot.”
On Driving the Iconic Jathi Ratnalu Maruti 800
A recent video of Ashwin driving the Maruti 800 from Jathi Ratnalu went viral. When asked about it, he laughed and said, “I still have the car. It’s charged. Someone from another car just happened to record the moment.”
Nag Ashwin on AI in Modern Filmmaking
On the topic of AI, Ashwin shared thoughtful insights: “During Kalki, we used a few AI tools, but today the tech has advanced much more. People are even making AI-generated trailers. But regardless of the tool, you still need a human mind to steer the vision.”
Nag Ashwin’s humility and insightful reflections show why he’s one of the most respected voices in Indian cinema today. His dedication to storytelling and openness to emerging technologies promise even greater things ahead for Indian sci-fi cinema.