Kaliyugam (2025)” is a gripping post-apocalyptic psychological thriller starring Shraddha Srinath and Kishore, offering an emotional narrative wrapped in a desolate, dystopian world. Read the full review, plot, performances, and BMR rating.
Language: Tamil / Telugu | Genre: Psychological Thriller, Sci-Fi | Runtime: 111 minutes
🎬 Introduction
Director Pramodh Sundar makes a bold entry into Indian cinema with Kaliyugam, a post-apocalyptic psychological thriller that stands out for its grounded storytelling, intense performances, and realistic portrayal of a world crumbling under the weight of human choices. Made simultaneously in Tamil and Telugu (as Kaliyugam 2064), the film ventures into a genre rarely explored in Indian cinema — dystopian science fiction — while also deeply engaging with philosophical and humanistic themes.
🌍 Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
Set in the distant future of 2064, Kaliyugam unfolds in a world ravaged by ecological collapse, water scarcity, and social anarchy. The remnants of humanity are forced to survive in isolated settlements, where morality is as scarce as resources. In this desolate reality, we follow the lives of Meera (Shraddha Srinath), a once-prominent climate scientist, and Drona (Kishore), a former soldier haunted by the ghosts of his past.
As the duo crosses paths under grim circumstances, they navigate a maze of psychological trauma, philosophical dilemmas, and survival instincts. Their journey through an unforgiving landscape becomes not just a battle for survival, but also a quest for purpose in a crumbling world.
🎭 Performances
Shraddha Srinath delivers one of her finest performances as Meera. Her portrayal of a guilt-ridden yet hopeful scientist gives the film its emotional core. Her eyes speak volumes, especially during the film’s many silent, contemplative moments.
Kishore as Drona is magnetic and raw. His stoic presence, layered with emotional depth, perfectly complements Shraddha’s intensity. Whether it’s quiet introspection or explosive confrontation, Kishore commands the screen with authority.
The supporting cast does a commendable job, especially in portraying the desperation and moral ambiguity of survivors in this harsh new world. No character feels cartoonish or exaggerated — a credit to the nuanced writing.
🎥 Technical Brilliance
Cinematography by K. Ramcharan is striking. The film leans into a desaturated, dusty visual palette that captures the post-apocalyptic mood effectively. Long, slow-moving shots of barren landscapes, derelict buildings, and rusted technologies add to the sense of desolation and decay.
Editing by Nimz keeps the pace tight. At just 111 minutes, the film never lags and balances action, dialogue, and quiet introspection deftly.
Dawn Vincent’s music is haunting and atmospheric. The score never overwhelms but always enhances the mood. Sparse yet effective, the sound design ensures the psychological tension is always a constant undertone.
✍️ Direction & Writing
Pramodh Sundar’s debut is nothing short of ambitious. He doesn’t rely on heavy VFX or over-the-top action. Instead, he focuses on creating a lived-in world, where the threat is not just external but deeply internal. Themes of environmental neglect, ethical choices, and psychological decay are weaved skillfully into the narrative.
The dialogues (by Karthik Gunasekaran, Athreya, and Karkavi in Tamil, and Sivaram Kondasani in Telugu) are sharp, often philosophical, yet never pretentious. The writing shines in the subtle moments — a silent stare, a wordless flashback, a desperate moral compromise.
⚖️ Strengths
- Unique Genre: A rare post-apocalyptic Indian film done right
- Strong Performances: Particularly Shraddha Srinath and Kishore
- Tight Screenplay: No unnecessary subplots or filler
- Social Commentary: Tackles environmental collapse and moral decay without preaching
- Minimalist Yet Impactful Worldbuilding
🧩 Weaknesses
- Slow Burn: Might not appeal to mass audiences looking for typical commercial thrills
- Lack of Action: Those expecting Mad Max-style sequences may be disappointed
- Ambiguous Ending: The final act is open to interpretation, which may not work for everyone
📢 Final Verdict
Kaliyugam is not your average thriller. It is cerebral, grim, and rooted in harsh realities that echo the consequences of our present choices. For a debut film, Pramodh Sundar’s vision is confident and refreshingly mature. With powerhouse performances and an immersive world, Kaliyugam raises the bar for genre storytelling in Indian cinema.
If you’re a fan of Children of Men, The Road, or Interstellar’s grounded human themes — this is your Indian equivalent.
⭐ BMR (Best Movie Review) Rating: 8.3/10
A hauntingly relevant psychological thriller that dares to ask, “What if the future we fear is already here?”