In a developing controversy, renowned South Korean concept artist Sung Choi has accused the creators of Alki 2898 AD of plagiarizing his artwork. Known for his collaborations with Marvel Studios, Disney, and Warner Bros. Choi’s allegations have sparked significant discussion online. The June 27 release date for Nag Ashwin’s film Kalki 2898 AD, which stars Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Kamal Haasan, and Disha Patani.
Sung Choi took to social media to share a side-by-side comparison of his original illustration, published ten years ago on ArtStation, and a still from the Kalki 2898 AD trailer. “Unauthorized use of the artwork is a bad practice. This makes me question doing art in this lawless environment,” Choi stated, tagging both Kalki 2898 AD and Vyjayanthi Films.
What sparked these allegations? Following the trailer release of Kalki 2898 AD, viewers quickly noted similarities between the film’s dystopian visuals and Choi’s previous work. The opening scene of the trailer, which depicts a post-apocalyptic cityscape, closely resembles Choi’s design.
Online support for Choi has been strong, with many urging him to seek legal action. Comments on social media ranged from shock to disappointment. One user wrote, “I hope you pursue legal action if possible. This is awful.” Another pointed out, “The whole trailer gives off vibes of Epoch, Mad Max, Dune, and other films. A lot of designs from the trailer are ripped off from the Halo series and Death Stranding too.”
Has this happened before? Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time a Prabhas film has faced plagiarism accusations. In 2023, the animation studio Vaanarsena claimed that the poster for Adipurush, starring Prabhas and Saif Ali Khan, was copied from their original Lord Shiva artwork. Similarly, in 2019, Lisa Ray accused the makers of Saaho of plagiarizing artwork from Bengaluru-based artist Shilo Shiv Suleman for a film poster.
The plagiarism accusations have put Vyjayanthi Films in a difficult spot, raising questions about the creative process behind Kalki 2898 AD. The production house has yet to make a public statement regarding these allegations.
What impact could this controversy have on the film? The controversy has certainly cast a shadow over the upcoming release. It may influence the film’s reception and box office performance, especially among viewers who prioritize originality in film.
Why is this important? Plagiarism accusations in the film industry highlight the critical need to respect intellectual property rights. For artists like Sung Choi, such incidents can be deeply disheartening and may deter them from sharing their work openly.
In conclusion, the plagiarism allegations against Kalki 2898 A by Sung Choi have stirred significant controversy. As the film’s release date approaches, it remains to be seen how the filmmakers will address these serious claims and whether this issue will lead to legal consequences. This incident underscores the essential need for ethical practices in the creative industry and the protection of artists’ rights.
