Kalki 2898 AD Accused of Artwork Plagiarism by Renowned Digital Artists

Nag Ashwin’s highly anticipated film, Kalki 2898 AD, has recently come under fire for alleged plagiarism. Renowned digital artist Sung Choi has accused the filmmakers of stealing his artwork, providing evidence to support his claims. This controversy has ignited heated discussions online, with many drawing parallels between the film’s visual elements and those seen in major Hollywood productions.

Allegations by Korean Artist Sung Choi

South Korean digital artist Sung Choi, known for his work with industry giants like Marvel Studios, Disney, Warner Bros, and Netflix Animation, has publicly accused the makers of Kalki 2898 AD of copying his artwork. Choi claims that a particular frame in the film’s trailer bears a striking resemblance to an illustration he published on ArtStation a decade ago. This frame, which appears in the opening scene of the trailer, depicts a dystopian city set in a post-apocalyptic world in the year 2898 AD.

Choi’s allegations include a side-by-side comparison of his original artwork and the frame from the Kalki 2898 AD trailer. The similarities between the two are undeniable, leading many to support Choi’s claims of plagiarism. His post has garnered significant attention online, with numerous netizens calling for the artist to take legal action against the filmmakers.

Support from the Art Community

Choi is not the only artist to accuse Kalki 2898 AD of plagiarism. Concept illustrator Oliver Beck has also come forward with similar allegations. Beck, who has worked on the animated series Star Trek: Prodigy, accused the film’s makers of stealing his matte painting for a scene in their trailer. In a tweet, Beck expressed his disappointment, writing, “Sad to see that some of the work I did for Star Trek: Prodigy got stolen by Vyjayanthi movies in their trailer.” He included a link to the trailer and a comparison image showcasing the striking resemblance between his work and the frame used in the film.

Comparisons to Hollywood

The controversy surrounding Kalki 2898 AD extends beyond these accusations of plagiarism. Many viewers have noted the visual similarities between the film’s dystopian world and those depicted in Hollywood blockbusters like Dune and Mad Max: Fury Road. These comparisons have fueled the debate over the originality of the film’s artwork and design.

Critics argue that while it is common for films to draw inspiration from various sources, the line between inspiration and plagiarism must be respected. The allegations by Choi and Beck highlight the importance of recognising and respecting the intellectual property of artists, especially in an industry where visual storytelling plays such a crucial role.

Reactions and Possible Legal Actions

The allegations have sparked widespread debate on social media, with many users expressing their support for the artists and condemning the filmmakers’ actions. Some have suggested that Choi and Beck pursue legal action to address the alleged infringement of their intellectual property rights.

Legal experts note that if the artists choose to take their claims to court, they would need to provide substantial evidence to prove that the filmmakers had access to their work and that the similarities are not coincidental. Given the public nature of the allegations and the visual evidence presented, a legal battle could have significant implications for both parties involved.

The plagiarism allegations against the makers of Kalki 2898 AD have cast a shadow over the film’s release, drawing attention to the critical issue of intellectual property rights in the creative industry. As the debate continues, the support for artists like Sung Choi and Oliver Beck underscores the importance of protecting original work in a world where digital media is easily accessible and shared.