Recent events have sent ripples through the entertainment industry. The upcoming Indian sci-fi epic “Kalki 2898 AD” has come under fire for alleged plagiarism. Sung Choi, a renowned Hollywood concept artist. His portfolio includes work for giants like Marvel Studios, Disney, and Warner Bros. He has accused the film’s makers of unauthorised use of his artwork. Hollywood concept artist accuses Kalki makers for stealing his work.
Hollywood concept artist accuses Kalki:
The controversy, which erupted like a storm shortly after the trailer release of “Kalki 2898 AD” on June 10, 2024, has cast a shadow over the film’s highly anticipated premiere on June 27. The film, directed by Nag Ashwin and featuring an ensemble cast including Prabhas. Along with Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Kamal Haasan, and Disha Patani. This was set to be a major event in the industry.
Choi took to social media to express his dismay, posting a collage juxtaposing his original illustration with a still from the film’s trailer. His artwork, which was first showcased on his ArtStation website a decade ago. It appears to have been replicated in the opening frame of the “Kalki 2898 AD” trailer. Choi’s post, laden with disappointment, read, “Unauthorized use of the artwork is a bad practice. I sometimes even question doing art in this lawless environment.”
The post went viral, garnering support from netizens who urged Choi to take legal action. Comments ranged from empathetic support to outright indignation, with one user stating, “Please sue them, I have read on Google that they sued a VFX company for leaking the look of Prabhas; if they can sue, you also do it,”
As the release date of “Kalki 2898 AD” approaches, the industry and audiences alike await the resolution of this dispute. The outcome of this controversy could set a precedent for how artwork is treated in the film industry and may influence future collaborations between artists and filmmakers.
The case also serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between inspiration and infringement. In an age where content is readily accessible and shareable, the lines can often blur, making it imperative for creators to navigate the creative landscape with respect and due diligence towards the original creators.