Kalki 2898 AD, directed by Nag Ashwin, has captivated audiences by blending elements of the Mahabharat with a sci-fi narrative. Featuring stars like Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan, and Kamal Haasan, the film delivers an intriguing storyline and sets up a sequel with its cliffhanger ending and post-credit scenes. Let's explore the ending and what it means for the future of the series.

Warning: Spoilers Ahead

Kalki 2898 AD Ending:

The film concludes with significant revelations. It is revealed that Prabhas’ character, Bhairava, is a reincarnation of Karna from the Mahabharat, who fought alongside Amitabh Bachchan’s Ashwatthama in the historic battle of Kurukshetra. Bhairava harnesses immense power upon connecting with his ancient weapon but loses it and returns to the present timeline of the film.

The movie ends with Ashwatthama chained on the battlefield, suggesting a cyclical nature of war and history. Meanwhile, Bhairava escapes with the pregnant Sumathi, aka Sum-80 (played by Deepika Padukone), in a scene reminiscent of Ravana abducting Sita.

Kalki 2898 AD Credits Scene:

Following the lead cast's introduction in the closing credits, a scene teases the sequel. This scene features Kamal Haasan’s character, Supreme Yaskin, a self-proclaimed deity of the Complex in Kashi, ingesting a drop of serum extracted from Sum-80 by the Project K lab.

Counsellor Bani (Anil George) narrates the events involving Sum-80 as Yaskin absorbs the serum. The serum's powerful effects not only rejuvenate Yaskin and enhance his physique but also enable him to wield Arjuna’s bow, Gandiva.

This ending suggests two possibilities:

1. Yaskin’s power has increased significantly, and his desire for Sum-80’s unborn child's serum has intensified. If he acquires the baby and the serum, he could become the most powerful being on Earth.
2. Yaskin wielding the Gandiva bow, a celestial weapon from the Mahabharat, hints at his potential reincarnation as a divine being. Given his residence in Kashi and his self-identification with Lord Shiva, this might foreshadow a celestial connection.

Another theory posits that Yaskin may have conducted yagnas (rituals) to attain powers akin to Lord Shiva, similar to how Ravana gained strength through rituals and weapon mastery, possibly aided by technology.

We will have to wait and see how Nag Ashwin further develops Yaskin’s character in the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD.