Kaliyugam 2064 (2025) Telugu Movie Review: An Ambitious Sci-Fi Thriller That Falls Short
Kaliyugam 2064, a Telugu sci-fi thriller released on May 9, 2025, marks an ambitious attempt to bring dystopian storytelling to Tollywood. Directed by debutant Pramodh Sundar and starring Shraddha Srinath, Kishore Kumar, and Iniyan Subramani, the film is set in a futuristic world stripped of food, water, and humanity. With a runtime of 1 hour and 51 minutes, it promises a gripping narrative but struggles to deliver due to a convoluted screenplay and uneven execution. This 800-word review for a blog audience explores the film’s highs and lows, drawing from critical reviews and audience reactions on social media, while addressing its place in Telugu cinema’s evolving landscape.
Plot: A Dystopian Vision with a Muddy Narrative
Set in 2064, Kaliyugam 2064 depicts an apocalyptic world where resources are scarce, and survival is a brutal struggle. The story revolves around two groups: the oppressive Residents, who control the remaining resources, and the Liberators, who fight for an egalitarian society. Shakti (Kishore Kumar) battles to infiltrate the Residents’ fortified zone, while Bhoomi (Shraddha Srinath) and Thomas (Iniyan Subramani) play pivotal roles in uncovering the truth behind a “Safe House.” The narrative aims to explore themes of survival, humanity, and societal collapse, delivering a message about retaining compassion in desperate times.
While the concept is intriguing, the execution falters. The first half introduces the dystopian world but feels sluggish, with drawn-out scenes that hinder momentum. Shraddha Srinath’s entry at the end of the first half injects energy, setting expectations for a thrilling second half. However, the screenplay becomes increasingly convoluted, with confusing plot twists and underdeveloped subplots. Critics note that the film “loses focus early on” and “bites off more than it can chew,” failing to capitalize on its promising premise. The climax attempts to tie loose ends with a humanitarian message, but it feels rushed and lacks emotional weight, leaving audiences disconnected.
Performances: Shraddha Srinath Shines, Others Struggle
Shraddha Srinath delivers the film’s standout performance as Bhoomi, bringing emotional depth and resilience to a role that demands both vulnerability and strength. Critics praise her ability to “hold the movie together,” with her screen presence elevating key scenes. Known for films like Jersey and Daaku Maharaaj, she adapts to the sci-fi genre with ease, making Bhoomi a memorable character despite limited screen time. Her performance is a highlight, earning accolades, where fans call her “the soul of the film”.
Kishore Kumar, as Shakti, delivers a solid but unremarkable performance. His intensity suits the survivalist role, but the script doesn’t provide enough depth to make his character stand out. Iniyan Subramani, playing Thomas, tries to keep up but is hampered by a poorly defined role. Supporting actors, including Aarya Lakshmi and Master Ronith, add little to the narrative due to underdeveloped characters. The ensemble’s potential is undermined by the script’s focus on spectacle over character development, a common critique in reviews.
Technical Aspects: Visuals Impress, Execution Disappoints
Pramodh Sundar’s vision as a debut director is commendable, tackling a genre rarely explored in Telugu cinema. His attempt to craft a futuristic thriller with social commentary draws comparisons to Kalki 2898AD. The cinematography by K. Ram Charan is a high point, with stunning visuals that capture the bleak, desolate world of 2064. From barren landscapes to high-tech fortresses, the frames are atmospheric and immersive. Dawn Vincent’s background score and sound design add tension, though the music fails to leave a lasting impact.
However, the screenplay and editing let the film down. Nimz’s editing feels choppy, with abrupt transitions that disrupt the flow. The action sequences, choreographed by G.N. Murugan, are intense but repetitive, lacking the finesse needed to sustain engagement. Production values, backed by RK International and Prime Cinemas, are impressive for a mid-budget film, but the narrative’s disorientation overshadows these efforts. Critics argue that a “simplified narration” could have elevated the film’s impact.
Reception and Box Office: Mixed Reviews, Niche Appeal
Kaliyugam 2064 has garnered mixed reviews, with critics appreciating its ambition but criticizing its execution. 123telugu.com and Filmy Focus note its “innovative concept” but highlight the “confusing screenplay” as a major flaw. Cinejosh rates it 2.5/5, calling it a “brutal future” that fails to deliver on its promise.
Box office performance remains modest, with decent openings in urban centers but limited mass appeal due to its unconventional genre. Competing releases like Single and Subham may challenge its theatrical run.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Shraddha Srinath’s powerful performance, carrying the film’s emotional core.
- Impressive cinematography and production design, creating a believable dystopian world.
- Ambitious concept tackling sci-fi and social commentary in Telugu cinema.
Weaknesses:
- Convoluted screenplay and slow pacing, undermining the narrative’s potential.
- Underdeveloped characters and repetitive action sequences.
- Lack of emotional resonance in the climax, diluting the intended message.
Final Verdict: A Bold Attempt That Misses the Mark
Kaliyugam 2064 is a bold step for Telugu cinema, venturing into dystopian sci-fi with a vision that deserves applause. Shraddha Srinath’s stellar performance and K. Ram Charan’s captivating visuals make it a visual treat, but the film stumbles with a messy screenplay and lackluster pacing. It’s a film that aims high but crashes under the weight of its ambitions, as noted by critics. Fans of experimental cinema or Shraddha Srinath may find it worth a watch for its unique premise, but mainstream audiences may struggle with its disoriented narrative. Catch it in theaters for the big-screen visuals, or wait for its OTT release for a more casual viewing.
Rating: 2.5/5
Recommendation: Best for sci-fi enthusiasts and Shraddha Srinath fans. Watch in theaters for the visuals, but temper expectations for a cohesive story.
Sources: 123telugu.com, Cinejosh.com, Times of India, BookMyShow, Filmy Focus, posts on X.
