Filmmaker Nag Ashwin, known for helming the sci-fi epic Kalki 2898 AD, recently opened up about a personal creative disappointment that unexpectedly captured widespread attention online. During an interaction with students in an interview shared by Gulte on YouTube, Ashwin revealed that he had developed a concept in 2007 or 2008 which he believed was similar in theme to Christopher Nolan’s Inception, released in 2010.
Reflecting on the moment he first saw the trailer of Inception, Ashwin recalled that he became “depressed for a week” after realizing the resemblance between his own idea and Nolan’s film. According to him, his concept focused on memories, whereas Inception dealt with dreams. Nevertheless, the thematic overlap led him to abandon the project, believing the uniqueness of his vision had been overtaken.
Originality vs Authenticity in Filmmaking
Ashwin emphasized that such experiences are not uncommon in the creative field. Speaking candidly, he noted, “A lot of us write something, and a few months later, we see a trailer with the same idea or concept. You lose steam.” He added that he learned a valuable lesson from the experience—that the pursuit of originality is less important than authenticity. “There’s no point chasing [originality]. It’s important to be authentic rather than original,” he stated during the session.
He went on to explain that even repetitive stories can resonate deeply if they are told with sincerity. Using love stories as an example, Ashwin remarked that a familiar narrative can still have impact if handled with genuine emotion.
Online Reaction and Memes Emerge
However, the internet was quick to react with skepticism and humor. Many users questioned Ashwin’s claim that his idea bore similarities to Inception. A user on X (formerly Twitter) sarcastically remarked, “Just like Govinda was supposed to play in Avatar? Yeah ok.” Another pointed to the 2006 anime Paprika, widely regarded as an inspiration for Nolan’s film, suggesting that Ashwin may have unknowingly drawn from the same source.
Reddit users joined in with their own jabs, with one stating, “He has beaten Varun Dhawan saying Dilwale is better than Inception.” Another joked in Telugu, “Wow eeyana thoughts Inception range nunchi Kalki ki padipoyaya?” which loosely translates to, “Wow, his thoughts fell from the level of Inception to Kalki.”
Ashwin’s Career and Current Work
Despite the backlash, Ashwin remains a significant voice in Indian cinema. He made his directorial debut with Yevade Subramanyam in 2015 and found critical and commercial success with Mahanati in 2018, a biopic of legendary actress Savitri. His latest venture, Kalki 2898 AD, featuring an ensemble cast including Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, and Kamal Haasan, grossed over ₹1000 crore, securing its place among India’s highest-earning films.
Currently, Ashwin is focused on scripting the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD. During his talk, he also highlighted the extensive effort behind the film’s world-building. He explained that the writing process was intricate, with each scene involving “months and years of effort and planning.”
Although no new projects have been officially announced beyond the Kalki sequel, there is speculation that Ashwin may collaborate with actress Alia Bhatt in the future.
Reflecting on the moment he first saw the trailer of Inception, Ashwin recalled that he became “depressed for a week” after realizing the resemblance between his own idea and Nolan’s film. According to him, his concept focused on memories, whereas Inception dealt with dreams. Nevertheless, the thematic overlap led him to abandon the project, believing the uniqueness of his vision had been overtaken.
Originality vs Authenticity in Filmmaking
Ashwin emphasized that such experiences are not uncommon in the creative field. Speaking candidly, he noted, “A lot of us write something, and a few months later, we see a trailer with the same idea or concept. You lose steam.” He added that he learned a valuable lesson from the experience—that the pursuit of originality is less important than authenticity. “There’s no point chasing [originality]. It’s important to be authentic rather than original,” he stated during the session.
He went on to explain that even repetitive stories can resonate deeply if they are told with sincerity. Using love stories as an example, Ashwin remarked that a familiar narrative can still have impact if handled with genuine emotion.
Online Reaction and Memes Emerge
However, the internet was quick to react with skepticism and humor. Many users questioned Ashwin’s claim that his idea bore similarities to Inception. A user on X (formerly Twitter) sarcastically remarked, “Just like Govinda was supposed to play in Avatar? Yeah ok.” Another pointed to the 2006 anime Paprika, widely regarded as an inspiration for Nolan’s film, suggesting that Ashwin may have unknowingly drawn from the same source.
Reddit users joined in with their own jabs, with one stating, “He has beaten Varun Dhawan saying Dilwale is better than Inception.” Another joked in Telugu, “Wow eeyana thoughts Inception range nunchi Kalki ki padipoyaya?” which loosely translates to, “Wow, his thoughts fell from the level of Inception to Kalki.”
Ashwin’s Career and Current Work
Despite the backlash, Ashwin remains a significant voice in Indian cinema. He made his directorial debut with Yevade Subramanyam in 2015 and found critical and commercial success with Mahanati in 2018, a biopic of legendary actress Savitri. His latest venture, Kalki 2898 AD, featuring an ensemble cast including Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, and Kamal Haasan, grossed over ₹1000 crore, securing its place among India’s highest-earning films.
Currently, Ashwin is focused on scripting the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD. During his talk, he also highlighted the extensive effort behind the film’s world-building. He explained that the writing process was intricate, with each scene involving “months and years of effort and planning.”
Although no new projects have been officially announced beyond the Kalki sequel, there is speculation that Ashwin may collaborate with actress Alia Bhatt in the future.
You may also like
"Govt will take action against culprits," says BJP MP on Delhi's Mustafabad building collapse incident
Trump's tattoo theory to prove MS-13 gang ties: What experts say about President's renewed focus on ink
Netflix fans say overlooked show is 'what Game of Thrones should've been'
'Safe and secure' outdoor furniture storage box is perfect for those without sheds
Martin Lewis names top 6 fixed Cash ISAs where rates cannot be cut
