The much awaited sequel to Kalki 2898 AD is moving into its next major production phase, with director Nag Ashwin confirming that regular shooting will begin in October 2026. The filmmaker has also indicated that the team is aiming to complete the shooting process by the middle of 2027.
Ashwin shared the update in a recent conversation with India Today. According to the director, the production will move into a regular shooting schedule from October, with the team hoping to finish filming by mid 2027. He did not announce a final theatrical release date for the sequel in the latest update.
The announcement comes shortly after the first film received two honours at the 72nd National Film Awards. Kalki 2898 AD was recognised with awards for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment and Best Special Effects according to India Today, while Times of India reported the film among the National Award winners with recognition for Best Production Design. The latest reports therefore place the sequel update immediately after an important milestone for the franchise.
Kalki 2898 AD was released in 2024 and was directed by Nag Ashwin. The film combined science fiction, mythology and a futuristic setting to create a large scale cinematic universe. Prabhas led the cast, while Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Deepika Padukone and Dulquer Salmaan appeared in important roles. The first film established the central conflict that the sequel is expected to continue.
The sequel has already had some filming completed. In an earlier update reported in September, Nag Ashwin said that approximately 10 days of shooting had been completed. At that stage, the production was waiting for Prabhas to become available before moving into a longer shooting schedule. The latest October announcement indicates that the production is now preparing to enter that regular phase.
Ashwin has previously described the sequel as a major continuation of the world created in the first film. The original ended with several unresolved developments involving the characters and the larger conflict surrounding the futuristic world. The sequel is expected to build on those storylines, although the filmmakers have not disclosed the complete plot.
The first film featured Prabhas in the roles of Bhairava and Karna, while Amitabh Bachchan played Ashwatthama. Kamal Haasan appeared as Supreme Leader Yaskin, and Deepika Padukone played SUM-80. Dulquer Salmaan and Disha Patani were also part of the first film.
One important development concerning the sequel is the absence of Deepika Padukone. The makers announced in September 2025 that she would not be part of Kalki 2898 AD Part 2. The production team said at the time that both sides had decided to part ways after considering the requirements of the project. Reports have subsequently discussed possible additions to the cast, but several casting details have not been officially confirmed by the filmmakers.
The shooting schedule is particularly important for a film of this scale because the production involves extensive visual effects, large action sequences and detailed world building. Completing principal photography is only one stage of the process, as a project of this nature can require considerable time for visual effects, editing, sound design, background score and other post production work.
Earlier reports had indicated that the makers were working toward a December 2027 theatrical release, although the latest statement from Nag Ashwin focuses on the shooting schedule rather than confirming a release date. The director's latest comments therefore establish October 2026 as the planned start of regular shooting and mid 2027 as the expected completion point for filming, while the final release schedule remains subject to an official announcement.
Ashwin has also spoken about the response to the first film and the continuing interest in its sequel. He said that audience interest, including people asking about Part 2 long after the first film's release, has been an important form of validation for the project. He also described the National Award recognition as a positive boost for the team as it continues work on the franchise.
The director has previously explained that he approached Kalki 2898 AD as a mainstream entertainer rather than a project aimed only at a niche audience. According to Ashwin, the intention was to make the story accessible to different sections of the audience and allow the film to reach viewers across India and other parts of the world.
With regular shooting scheduled to begin in October, the production of Kalki 2898 AD Part 2 is entering an important phase. The team is targeting a mid 2027 completion for filming, after which the project will move through the remaining stages of production and post production. The makers are yet to provide a complete release schedule and further details about the sequel's story and cast.
For now, Nag Ashwin's confirmation provides a clearer timeline for one of the most closely followed upcoming Indian science fiction projects. Fans can expect the production to move into a more sustained shooting phase from October 2026, with the director aiming to finish the shoot by the middle of 2027.