Nag Ashwin’s upcoming film ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ has been accused of plagiarism by a concept artist. The film, starring Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Kamal Haasan, and Disha Patani, is set to hit theaters on June 27.
After viewing the new trailer, audiences compared Kalki’s post-apocalyptic world to Hollywood movies like ‘Dune’ and ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’.
Sung Choi, a concept illustrator and designer who has collaborated with Marvel Studios, Disney, and Warner Bros, accused Vyjayanthi Movies, the makers of ‘Kalki 2898 AD’, of plagiarising his artwork. The disputed frame appears at the beginning of the film’s trailer.
Choi posted a collage on Instagram, juxtaposing his illustration with a still from the film’s trailer, and wrote, “Unauthorized use of the artwork is a bad practice. I sometimes even question doing art in this lawless environment (sic).” His original illustration was first showcased on his ArtStation website a decade ago.
As soon as his post went viral, fans commented below the post and asked the concept illustrator to sue the makers. One of the fans wrote, “Please sue them, I have read on Google that they sued vfx company for leaking the look of Prabhas (actor) if they can sue, you also do it,” while another wrote, “I hope you pursue legal action if possible. This is awful.” A third user chimed in and wrote, “This is totally shame on them, the most sad thing is this is the intro shot of the production house.”
As the release date approaches, the new poster has set the stage for what is sure to be an epic and gripping tale. ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ is poised to be a landmark film in Indian cinema, with Deepika Padukone’s troubled character promising to be one of its most compelling elements.
‘Kalki 2898 AD’ will release in theatres on June 27.
