Nag Ashwin Explains Karna’s Portrayal in Kalki 2898 AD, Asks Fans to Wait for Part 2

The climax of Kalki 2898 AD, starring Prabhas, divided a section of the audience. Some critics accused director Nag Ashwin of glorifying Karna, an ally of the Kauravas in the Mahabharata, by portraying Prabhas’ character, Bhairava, with Karna’s essence in a heroic light. The film also reignited the long-running “Karna vs Arjuna” debate. Many viewers felt it diminished Arjuna’s stature, while others labelled the scene blasphemous for elevating a figure associated with the side of adharma.

these are Sree Krishnas own words to arjuna in the drona vadha parva… pls read the Mahabharata…I suggest the bibek debroy version… Or google how many times krishna praised karna to arjuna. I have the greatest respect for our history. I know what I’m doing. Wait for part 2. pic.twitter.com/iU2CSq1uNM

— Nag Ashwin (@nagashwin7) July 12, 2026

Nag Ashwin responds

Responding to a critic on X, Nag Ashwin shared an excerpt from Bibek Debroy’s acclaimed translation of the Mahabharata (Drona Vadha Parva). In the passage, Krishna tells Arjuna: “Had Karna possessed the spear in his hand, no man in the world would have been able to stand before him… Had he possessed the armour and the earrings, the powerful Karna would have been able to defeat everyone in the three worlds, even the immortals.” According to the excerpt, Krishna acknowledges Karna’s immense strength and suggests that fortune played a role in Arjuna’s eventual victory.

Nag Ashwin’s interpretation reimagines figures such as Ashwatthama and Karna in a futuristic setting, giving them redemption arcs as protectors in the Kali Yuga. “These are Sree Krishna’s own words to Arjuna. Google how many times Krishna praised Karna to Arjuna. I have the greatest respect for our history. I know what I am doing. Wait for Part 2,” the filmmaker wrote on X.

Kalki 2 production gathers pace

Production on Kalki 2 is progressing steadily, with two shooting schedules already completed. Regular filming is expected to ramp up in August or September 2026, following extensive pre-production. Prabhas and Amitabh Bachchan are expected to return, while Alia Bhatt’s reported involvement remains unconfirmed. Expectations are high for the sequel to further expand its mythological themes and bring resolution to the story.

Also Read: Kalki Director Nag Ashwin Takes a Dig at Deepika Padukone?