Otaku Outlook Team
“Kalki 2898 AD” is an epic tale set in a dystopian future, intertwining ancient mythology with a post-apocalyptic world. The story begins with the legendary battle of Kurukshetra, where Ashwatthama, a warrior from the Kauravas, is cursed with immortality by Krishna. Stripped of his divine powers, Ashwatthama is destined to protect Krishna’s reincarnation, a duty that spans millennia.
Fast forward 6000 years, the Earth is now a desolate wasteland, plagued by drought for 800 years. In this grim reality, hope resides in The Complex, a paradise city called Kasi, where the elite thrive with unlimited resources while the masses suffer in abject poverty. Commander Manas, alongside Counsellor Bani, oversees The Complex and Project K, a secretive initiative aiming to harness divine power through the reincarnation of Krishna, under the command of the tyrannical Supreme Leader Yaskin.
Opposing Yaskin’s regime are The Rebels, led by Mariam, who have created a hidden society called Shambhala. Their mission is to protect the reincarnation of Krishna, who they believe will bring salvation to their world. As the narrative unfolds, characters like the bounty hunter Bhairava, the determined young girl Raya, and the pivotal figure Sumati (SUM-80) become central to the unfolding drama. The story explores themes of power, sacrifice, and the eternal battle between good and evil, culminating in a climactic struggle that will determine the fate of humanity.
Plot Summary of Kalki 2898 AD
The Great War of Kurukshetra
The epic battle of Kurukshetra, fought between the Kauravas and the Pandavas, sees Ashwatthama, a formidable warrior on the Kauravas’ side, attempting to kill Krishna, who sides with the Pandavas. As punishment for his actions, Ashwatthama is cursed with immortality by Krishna himself. This curse binds him to an eternal existence, and he is tasked with the duty of protecting Krishna’s reincarnation whenever it appears. During the battle, Krishna strips Ashwatthama of his Shivmani, a powerful stone embedded in his forehead, which contains his divine powers. Without this stone, Ashwatthama’s abilities are significantly diminished, and he is forced to live a life marked by suffering and penance.
6000 Years Later
Fast forward 6000 years, the world has transformed into a desolate, post-apocalyptic wasteland. The once-thriving civilizations are now nothing but ruins. In this barren world, rain has not fallen for nearly 800 years, plunging the remaining population into severe drought and scarcity. The dire conditions have driven humanity to the brink of desperation, with people willing to sacrifice their loved ones for a chance to gain entry into The Complex, a rumored utopia in the city of Kasi. This paradise stands in stark contrast to the surrounding devastation, offering a beacon of hope to those left in the world.
The Complex
The Complex is a self-sustaining sanctuary located in Kasi, the last city with a significant human population. It is managed by Commander Manas, who ensures that its inhabitants, primarily the wealthy and influential, have unlimited access to food, water, and other luxuries. Outside The Complex, the common people suffer in extreme poverty, struggling to survive. Manas, along with Counsellor Bani, oversees Project K, an initiative directed by the Supreme Leader Yaskin. This project aims to identify and nurture the reincarnation of Krishna to harness divine power for their benefit. Manas frequently announces bounties, giving the common people a slim hope of gaining entry into The Complex by completing dangerous tasks.
Project K
Project K involves advanced scientific endeavors to locate and cultivate the second coming of Krishna. Scientists working on the project inseminate fertile women artificially, hoping to carry the divine reincarnation. Once the fetus reaches a developmental milestone of 150 days, the scientists attempt to extract a special serum from it. This serum, believed to contain extraordinary powers, is intended for Yaskin, who desires to consume it to achieve immortality and god-like status. However, the project faces repeated failures as none of the women can carry the fetus to the required stage. The key to identifying Krishna’s reincarnation lies with The Rebels, a group opposing Yaskin’s tyrannical regime.
The Rebels and Shambhala
The Rebels, led by a woman named Mariam, have established a hidden society called Shambhala. This primitive yet functioning community offers refuge to those oppressed by Yaskin’s rule. Shambhala is a sanctuary for the poor and downtrodden who are willing to resist Yaskin. It remains concealed to protect its inhabitants from the dictator’s reach. Understanding the urgency of their mission, Mariam sends Romi to Kasi to locate and protect the woman bearing Krishna’s reincarnation. In Kasi, Romi rescues a young girl named Raya and a pregnant woman, Divya, from being captured by Manas’ forces. During the rescue, a device crucial to their mission is damaged. This device, containing Ashwatthama’s Shivmani, is picked up by Raya, setting off a chain of events that intertwine their fates.
Bhairava
Bhairava, a skilled bounty hunter, captures one of the Rebels who accompanied Romi. Driven by the desire to live in The Complex, Bhairava believes that accumulating enough bounty points will secure his entry. His determination leads him to capture and hunt down many targets. His friend, Roxie, gives him a glimpse of life inside The Complex, further fueling his ambition. Concurrently, Counsellor Bani discovers Gandiva, the legendary bow used by Arjuna during the Kurukshetra war. The discovery of Gandiva intensifies the search for Krishna’s reincarnation, as Bani fears its proximity.
Ashwatthama’s Powers Return
Raya, fleeing from Manas’ forces, stumbles upon Ashwatthama’s hiding place. With the Shivmani in her possession, Ashwatthama regains his lost powers. He realizes that the woman carrying Krishna’s reincarnation, Sumati (also known as SUM-80), is in grave danger. Ashwatthama’s mission to protect her becomes his sole purpose, as he understands the significance of her unborn child in the context of their war-torn world.
SUM-80 (Sumati)
Sumati, designated as SUM-80, has lived her life within the confines of Manas’ lab. She is one of many women impregnated as part of Project K. Horrified by the fate of other women whose fetuses are extracted and killed, Sumati becomes desperate to save her unborn child. She seeks the help of Lily, a Rebel spy embedded in the lab. Lily’s sacrifice allows Sumati to escape, and she is taken to Shambhala by Lily’s comrades, Veeran, Ajju, and Kyra. The serum extraction from Sumati’s womb yields only a single drop, underscoring the potency and rarity of the divine essence.
Conflict in Shambhala
Manas, determined to retrieve Sumati, places a substantial bounty on her, attracting numerous hunters to Shambhala. Amid the ensuing chaos, Kyra is killed, and Ajju is injured. Ashwatthama and Raya arrive just in time to save Sumati. Bhairava also reaches Shambhala, aiding Ashwatthama in eliminating other bounty hunters to reduce competition. Eventually, Ashwatthama and Bhairava face off, with Ashwatthama emerging victorious. The arrival of Sumati in Shambhala brings a miraculous rain, ending the centuries-long drought and convincing Mariam and the Rebels of Sumati’s significance as their savior.
Bhairava and Ashwatthama’s Final Battle
Bhairava, driven by his ambition, tricks a Rebel and gains entry to Shambhala. He attempts to defeat Ashwatthama but fails. Meanwhile, Manas and his army, having followed Bhairava, invade Shambhala. A fierce battle ensues, during which Manas kills Mariam and captures Sumati. Bhairava, in contact with Ashwatthama’s cane, experiences a transformation, awakening as Karna, another legendary warrior from the Kurukshetra war. In this state, he kills Manas but reverts to his original self soon after.
The Ending
Bhairava, still intent on gaining entry to The Complex, takes Sumati to Kasi. Despite Ashwatthama’s efforts to save her, he fails. Counsellor Bani, meanwhile, presents Yaskin with the single drop of serum extracted from Sumati’s fetus. Consuming the serum, Yaskin begins to age backwards, revealing the immense power contained within it. With his newfound youth and strength, Yaskin wields Gandiva, the divine bow that was once beyond human reach. Declaring his intention to find Sumati himself, Yaskin sets out, marking a new chapter in the ongoing struggle for power and survival in this dystopian world.
