Over a year has passed since Nag Ashwin’s genre-bending epic Kalki 2898 AD stormed into cinemas and left audiences stunned. While the wait for its much-anticipated sequel continues, a fascinating behind-the-scenes detail has surfaced, and it’s all about that unexpected cameo by SS Rajamouli.
The master storyteller made a brief appearance as a bounty hunter in the film. Now, costume designer Archanaa Akhil Rao, who worked on the film, has revealed how that look came to life. Taking to Instagram, she wrote, “The costume was intentionally rugged and worn-in, crafted to reflect the grit and complexity of his character. The outer collar was made using medical waste.”
Yes, you read that right. Medical waste. Worn by Rajamouli. If that’s not peak dystopian fashion, what is?
But that’s not all. Archanaa also dropped two hidden easter eggs that fans will absolutely love. One is the character’s pendant, which calls back to Prabhas’s iconic look in Chatrapati. The other is a small tattoo under Rajamouli’s eye – a tiny housefly, a cheeky nod to his cult hit Eega. Archanaa said both were Nag Ashwin’s ideas, crafted as a subtle tribute.
So the next time you rewatch Kalki 2898 AD, pause that bounty hunter scene and look closely. There’s a whole story packed into that one frame.
As for Rajamouli’s return in the sequel? Nothing is confirmed yet, and chances seem slim. But with someone like Nag Ashwin in charge, anything could happen. The sequel is still some time away from going on floors. Until then, keep an eye on this space.