Imagine you’re an ambitious filmmaker watching the trailer for Christopher Nolan’s Inception—and it breaks you. That’s what happened to Kalki 2898 AD director Nag Ashwin. He revealed that Nolan’s layered storytelling and massive scale made him question his own creativity and ability. He fell into depression, unsure if he’d ever be able to tell a story with such impact. But rather than giving up, that emotional low became the seed for his boldest project. This isn’t just a story of self-doubt—it’s the origin of India’s most ambitious sci-fi film to date.
Why Nag Ashwin Wrote a Script Like Inception – Before Inception Was Even Released
Before Inception became a global phenomenon, Nag Ashwin had a similar concept brewing. He once wrote a story that echoed the same themes: dreams, time, and layered realities. When Inception released, he felt robbed—like his idea had already been made, and done better. This uncanny overlap didn’t just trigger insecurity—it forced him to rethink how to innovate within a genre already dominated by the West. That struggle to redefine originality now fuels Kalki 2898 AD, which aims to combine Indian mythology with futuristic sci-fi, in a way no one’s seen before.
“I Just Wanted to Edit Khaleja” – Nag Ashwin’s Humble Entry into Film Wasn’t What You’d Expect
Most filmmakers dream of directing. Nag Ashwin? He just wanted to be in the editing room. During the production of Mahesh Babu’s Khaleja, Ashwin expressed zero interest in directing—he was obsessed with how films came together in the editing bay. That passion laid the foundation for his unique storytelling style today. His editor’s eye has become his secret weapon, helping him build intricate narratives like Yevade Subramanyam and now, the sprawling world of Kalki 2898 AD. This is the journey of someone who started behind the scenes—and now leads one of India’s biggest films.
Why Watching Dear Comrade Changed His Entire Perspective on Filmmaking
Nag Ashwin was so intrigued by Dear Comrade that he didn’t want to direct a film like it—he wanted to edit it. That’s how much he values the power of structure in storytelling. After watching the film, he even reached out to the team with suggestions, fascinated by its emotional rhythm and flow. This moment marked a turning point where he realized how editing can make or break narrative impact. It shaped his direction on Kalki 2898 AD, where every frame and cut is meant to convey meaning in a story that blends mythology with sci-fi.