‘Bhairava is back’: Nag Ashwin drops special ‘Kalki 2898 AD 2’ video on Prabhas’ birthday

Prabhas received a special birthday surprise from the team of ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ as the actor turned 47 on October 23. Director Nag Ashwin marked the occasion by giving fans a glimpse of Prabhas back in action as Bhairava, the fearless bounty hunter from the 2024 science-fiction blockbuster.

The film’s official social media handles shared a 32-second video featuring the actor on set, hinting at his return for the much-awaited sequel. “Bhairava is back,” announces the clip, setting the stage for another chapter in the futuristic saga.

The birthday video opens with crew members preparing a blue-screen set. Prabhas then walks into the frame in Bhairava’s familiar armour, complete with his long hair and beard. He climbs into Bujji, the futuristic vehicle that became one of the first film’s standout attractions, as Nag Ashwin calls out “action”.

The clip ends with a closer look at the actor in character and a birthday greeting for Bhairava.

The team accompanied the video with a message celebrating Prabhas as the “Darling of every generation” and the “Rebel Star”.

The reveal offers fans an early look at the character’s return, although the makers have not disclosed further details about the sequel’s story.

Who is returning for ‘Kalki 2898 AD 2’?

Amitabh Bachchan, who played the immortal warrior Ashwatthama, and Kamal Haasan, who appeared as the powerful Supreme Yaskin, have also been reported to be back on the sets of the sequel.

Deepika Padukone, however, will not reprise her role as SUM-80, also known as Sumathi. Her character was a pregnant test subject whose unborn child was believed to be central to the prophecy surrounding Kalki.

Following her exit from the project, speculation arose about possible replacements and additions to the cast, with names such as Sai Pallavi and Alia Bhatt circulating in reports. The makers have yet to reveal the complete cast and further details about the next instalment.

What happened in ‘Kalki 2898 AD’?

Directed by Nag Ashwin, ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ unfolds in a bleak future where Supreme Yaskin rules over the Complex, a place of privilege built on the suffering and deprivation of the wider population. Meanwhile, Shambhala serves as a refuge for those resisting the oppressive order.

The story follows Ashwatthama as he tries to protect Sumathi, whose unborn child he believes will be the prophesied avatar of Lord Vishnu, Kalki. 

The first film concludes with a major revelation about Bhairava’s identity: he is connected to Karna, the legendary warrior from the Mahabharata.