Mumbai: On the occasion of Prabhas’ 47th birthday on October 23, the makers of ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ unveiled a special video teasing the actor’s return as bounty hunter Bhairava in the much-anticipated sequel.
Sharing the video, the film’s team wrote, “To the superhero of Indian Cinema…Happy Birthday to the Darling of every generation, Rebel Star #Prabhas. We are excited to embark on another epic cinematic journey with you…#Kalki2898AD.”
The 32-second clip captures the crew preparing a blue-screen set for Bhairava’s return.
As Prabhas steps onto the specially assembled set, the words ‘Bhairava is back’ appear on screen.
Sporting the armour associated with his character, the actor gets into his vehicle, Bujji, before director Nag Ashwin calls ‘action’.
The video keeps Prabhas’ look largely under wraps, initially showing him in silhouette atop an elevated structure.
The words ‘Happy Birthday Bhairava’ appear on screen before the clip offers a closer glimpse of the actor. Sporting long hair and a beard, Prabhas reprises his role as the bounty hunter.
The birthday reveal quickly drew reactions from fans on social media.
“Adi em screen presence ra babu (What is that screen presence),” commented one fan alongside a screenshot of Prabhas’ silhouette.
“Aura chuduuuu asalaaaaa (Look at his aura),” wrote another, while an excited fan added, “Waiting eagerly for the rampage.”
To the superhero of Indian Cinema…
Happy Birthday to the Darling of every generation, Rebel Star #Prabhas.We are excited to embark on another epic cinematic journey with you… #Kalki2898AD ⚡
— Kalki 2898 AD (@Kalki2898AD) October 23, 2026
Meanwhile, Amitabh Bachchan and Kamal Haasan, who play Ashwatthama and Supreme Yaskin, respectively, have also resumed shooting for the sequel.
Deepika Padukone, who portrayed SUM-80, also known as Sumathi, a pregnant test subject in the first instalment, is no longer part of the project.
Following her exit, names such as Sai Pallavi and Alia Bhatt surfaced in speculation about possible replacements or new roles.
However, director Nag Ashwin told Variety India in September that no new characters were being added, without disclosing who would take over Deepika’s role.
Set in a dystopian future, ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ depicts a world where Supreme Yaskin controls resources while the rest of humanity struggles to survive.
Shambhala, a utopian refuge, stands against his rule, placing its hopes in the birth of a saviour who could change the world.
Ashwatthama vows to protect SUM-80, believing her unborn child to be the future avatar of Lord Kalki.
The first instalment ends with a major revelation that Bhairava is the reincarnation of Karna.
The sequel is expected to continue the story from where the original film left off.