Indian pride was on full display at Comic-Con’s Hall H in an ear-splitting and thunderous panel for Project K, the first-ever Indian movie to be showcased not only at the pop culture convention but also in the room that has launched so many Hollywood movies, including those from Marvel, Warner Bros./DC, and Legendary’s monster pics.
The panel featured a star-studded lineup of Indian superstars, including Prabhas, Kamal Haasan, Amitabh Bachchan (via Zoom), and veteran Bollywood producer C. Aswani Dutt. Each superstar’s entrance was greeted with chants and screams from the ecstatic audience. The atmosphere was reminiscent of Beatlemania hysteria, rarely seen in Hall H.
Rana Daggubati, another Indian actor and producer who acted as an unofficial moderator for the panel, emphasized the significance of Indian cinema being on the world stage. “We understood what global fandom means… but we were like, now we need to be in the middle of fandom, and Comic-Con it is!” he said.
The proceedings kicked off with a spectacle steeped in Indian culture. A line of drummers in Indian dress beat out an introduction as two lines of women holding candles made their way through the darkened hall and took to the stage for a ceremonial dance. The audience was mesmerized by the vibrant display of Indian traditions.
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Project K was then introduced as Kalki 2989-AD, a sci-fi epic that blends Indian mythology and Star Wars. The teaser trailer shown had all the hallmarks of popular Indian movies, including the Oscar-winning cultural breakthrough, RRR. It was over the top, heroic, and chest-thumpingly epic. The crowd couldn’t get enough and immediately began chanting for a replay.
“What makes Indian cinema so great is the energy our audience brings to our cinema,” said Kamal Haasan. “We make the stories, they make the stars.” The passion and excitement of Indian moviegoers contribute immensely to the success and impact of Indian cinema worldwide.
The movie has been in the works for a long time, with four years dedicated to prepping and another two years spent on filming. Ashwin, the director, expressed his enthusiasm for the blend of mythology and sci-fi, which makes Kalki 2989-AD a unique Indian film. “It’s still an Indian film at heart, with Indian mythology and our culture, but it also draws inspiration from being a fan of Star Wars. It’s a new kind of thing,” he explained.
The filmmakers of Project K were overwhelmed by the historic moment and what it means for Indian cinema. Swapna Dutt, the daughter of producer C. Aswani Dutt, expressed her pride and excitement, saying, “This is something we have not dreamt of. There was Telugu cinema, then it became southern cinema, then Indian cinema. But bringing Indian cinema to Comic-Con is just incredible.”
The representation of Indian cinema at Comic-Con’s Hall H is a significant milestone that highlights the growing global influence and recognition of Indian movies. It showcases the talent, creativity, and unique storytelling that Indian cinema has to offer. As Indian movies continue to captivate audiences worldwide, this moment at Comic-Con serves as a powerful testament to the cultural diversity and richness of Indian cinema.
The future looks bright for Indian cinema, and the release of Kalki 2989-AD in 2024 is eagerly anticipated. This groundbreaking film, with its blend of Indian mythology and sci-fi, has the potential to captivate audiences both in India and around the world. The success of Project K at Comic-Con’s Hall H marks a new era for Indian cinema, where it is no longer confined to regional or national boundaries but has a global audience eagerly awaiting its next big release.
