B&B: Bujji & Bhairava is a captivating animated series that has recently made its debut on Amazon Prime Video, available in Telugu, Hindi, and Spanish. Created by Nag Ashwin in collaboration with Green Gold Animation, this series serves as a prelude to the highly anticipated science fiction film Kalki 2898 AD, which is set to release on June 27. The animation introduces viewers to a dystopian world with a unique blend of humor and futuristic storytelling.
The highlight of the series is the animated portrayal of veteran actor Brahmanandam, whose interactions with the character Bhairava bring a delightful charm. The episodes are rich with pop culture references, spanning from recent hits like Jathi Ratnalu to iconic dialogues of Chiranjeevi, along with nods to classic melodies and Brahmanandam’s own famous comedic lines from past blockbusters.
Set in the year 2896 AD, the series unfolds in the dystopian city of Kasi. Bhairava, voiced by Prabhas, is depicted as a downtrodden neighborhood hero who aspires to achieve greatness. BU-JZI, or Bujji, voiced by Keerthy Suresh, is an AI pilot of a cargo ship aiming for a promotion to gain entry into a privileged area known as ‘The Complex’. Their individual struggles lead to an unexpected alliance filled with humor and adventure.
In addition to the engaging storyline, the animation vividly brings to life the dystopian setting, showcasing a giant scrapyard and the innovative process of building robotic machines from scratch. The disparity between the rich and poor is starkly portrayed, with currency being measured in units and real food becoming a rare luxury.
The series has two episodes, each over 14 minutes long, which lay the groundwork for the world of Kalki 2898 AD. These episodes depict a society where wealth disparity is glaring and natural food is almost extinct. The storyline hints at the larger narrative of the film, set two years later, adding depth to the characters and their environment.
The anticipation for Kalki 2898 AD reached new heights when nearly 20,000 fans gathered at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad to witness the unveiling of a custom-made car named Bujji, by production house Vyjayanthi Films. This event offered a glimpse of Bhairava’s ingenuity and the broader cast of characters, including one played by Pasupathy.
Unlike typical spin-off animations that follow successful films, B&B: Bujji & Bhairava offers a fresh take by serving as a precursor, setting the stage for the grand film. The series successfully combines light-hearted humor with serious themes, making it accessible and entertaining for a wide audience. With its compelling characters and intriguing world-building, B&B: Bujji & Bhairava is a promising introduction to the epic tale of Kalki 2898 AD.
