Verdict: “A futuristic vision clouded by narrative confusion and lost potential.”
Synopsis: A Bleak Glimpse into Tomorrow
Set in the year 2064, Kaliyugam paints a grim portrait of a world where humanity is on the brink of collapse. Basic resources like food and water are scarce, and power has been seized by a ruthless elite group called the “Residents.” As they impose control through fear and violence, a rebellion rises in the form of the “Liberators,” who envision a fair, egalitarian future. The setup hints at an epic struggle for survival and justice — but unfortunately, the storytelling never quite lives up to the premise.
Worldbuilding: Rich Concept, Rushed Execution
Director Pramodh Sundar clearly has an ambitious vision. The dystopian backdrop is creatively imagined, and the political undertones about power imbalance and societal decay feel relevant. However, the film gets bogged down early on. The initial worldbuilding, instead of drawing viewers in, feels overly stretched and poorly paced, making it difficult to stay invested.
Performances: Strong Cast, Scattered Narrative
Kishore, playing Sketch, enters the film with promise, bringing a stoic intensity to his role. Iniyin Subramani offers a sincere performance as well. But the film only starts to find its footing with the arrival of Shraddha Srinath’s character, Pari. Well-written and emotionally engaging, Pari becomes the film’s emotional anchor. Shraddha delivers a powerful performance, injecting much-needed energy and purpose into the story.
Screenplay & Direction: A Vision Without Control
Kaliyugam 2064 has all the ingredients for a compelling sci-fi thriller: an oppressive regime, a resistance movement, a desperate populace, and emotional stakes. However, the screenplay falters by trying to juggle too many ideas without grounding them in a coherent flow. Revelations made in the second half attempt to retroactively add meaning to earlier scenes, but the impact is diluted by a disjointed narrative.
The film wants to be both philosophical and action-driven, but struggles to balance these tones. It becomes a film driven by its vision more than its execution — admirable in ambition but lacking in delivery.
Visuals & Music: Atmospheric but Inconsistent
Visually, Kaliyugam does have moments that evoke the bleakness of a dystopian world — desolate landscapes, dim lighting, and minimalist design reflect the tone well. However, technical inconsistencies in editing and production design affect immersion. The music supports the film’s mood but doesn’t stand out as a memorable element.
Final Thoughts
Kaliyugam 2064 dares to dream big and touches on themes that resonate with present-day anxieties — inequality, survival, resistance. But the film falters due to an unfocused narrative, uneven pacing, and underwhelming execution. It’s a brave attempt at Tamil dystopian cinema, but it falls short of the impact it sets out to create.
