Kalki 2898 AD’s Bhairava and Roxie – Classic case of forced romantic subplots that serve no purpose

Kalki 2898 AD has been receiving immense love from the audience. However, the first half, especially the subplot revolving around Prabhas and Disha Patani’s characters, is receiving major criticism.

Disha Patani and Prabhas on the sets of Kalki 2898 AD.

Kalki 2898 AD, the Nag Ashwin directorial hit the big screens on June 27, 2024. The movie, which stars Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan, and Kamal Haasan in the lead roles, has been receiving immense love from the audience for its exceptional making and performances. However, the first half of the film, especially the romantic subplot of Bhairava and Roxie, the characters played by Prabhas and Disha Patani, has been receiving so much criticism. It is the classic case of forced romantic subplots that serve no purpose.

*Mild spoilers ahead*

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Kalki 2898 AD and the forced Bhairava-Roxie romance

The weakest link of Kalki 2898 AD, which is otherwise an engaging watch is the forced romantic subplot of protagonist Bhairava and Roxie, played by Bollywood actress Disha Patani. The sub-par writing and execution of the couple’s love story, which has absolutely no connection with the main plot of the film, made the otherwise engaging narrative hit a roadblock. The character Roxie’s only purpose in the film is to take Bhairava to the Complex for the first time.

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However, the duo is seen breaking into a glamorous song number, which comes out of nowhere. Sadly, the popular actress’s character simply disappears from the film after that, and the viewers instantly forget her just like Prabhas’ Bhairava. The first half of the film would have ended up almost as impactful as the second half if the forced romantic subplot of Bhairava and Roxie had been edited out. The half-baked attempt at romance simply takes away the viewers from the main plot momentarily, diluting the impact of the effective opening sequence and world-building.

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It is disappointing to witness how the Indian cinema’s mainstream filmmakers are still forced to include some fan service in otherwise content-driven films. It is mandatory to have some fan content in most of the mainstream films, in the form of a heroine who serves no purpose, and a glamorous song sequence. Disha Patani’s character in Kalki 2898 AD can also be considered as a cameo, that had no impact. The artificial dialogue delivery and expressions of the actress and the lack of chemistry between the pair make things worse.

Well, all these flaws have not prevented Kalki 2898 AD from emerging as a raging box office success. However, we wish the Indian filmmakers soon grow comfortable enough to do away with such unnecessary tropes in their ambitious projects.

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