In his maiden speech in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, actor and politician Kamal Haasan quoted a dialogue from his film Kalki 2898 AD, which immediately went viral. The veteran actor, who is also the president of Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), addressed the house during the Budget session's discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the President's address.

Haasan's speech touched upon various issues, including concerns about democracy, the role of cinema in society, and the importance of youth in shaping the nation's future. He also criticized the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, warning that it could disenfranchise a large number of voters in Tamil Nadu. He stated that the Election Commission was enabling the creation of "living dead" voters.

During his address, Haasan invoked a powerful line from Kalki 2898 AD: "Jagannatha Ratha Chakralu Vastunnayi Vastunnayi". This Telugu line translates to "The chariot wheels of Lord Jagannath are coming". He used this dialogue to emphasize the importance of democratic energy and to urge those in power to either help move the country forward or step aside. According to some sources, this dialogue was originally from a poem called Mahaprasthanam by legendary poet Srisri, and Haasan had recited it in a movie 44 years ago, called Akali Rajyam.

Kalki 2898 AD, a Telugu-language epic mythological science-fiction film directed by Nag Ashwin, was released on June 27, 2024. The film features an ensemble cast, including Amitabh Bachchan, Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, and Disha Patani. In the movie, Haasan plays the role of Supreme Yaskin and delivers the dialogue during the climax. The film is set in a dystopian future in 2898 AD and is inspired by Hindu scriptures.

Haasan's speech resonated across party lines, with many appreciating his unique perspective and his call for a progressive democracy rooted in cinema. He reflected on his journey from the film industry to Parliament, acknowledging the influence of social reformers and leaders like Periyar, C.N. Annadurai, and Mahatma Gandhi on his political ideology. He stressed the importance of putting people above power and reminded lawmakers that no government is immortal.

The video clip of Kamal Haasan's Rajya Sabha speech, particularly the moment he delivered the Kalki 2898 AD dialogue, quickly went viral on social media platforms, drawing reactions from fans, political observers, and film enthusiasts alike. The dialogue's powerful message and its connection to his recent film appearance made it a memorable moment in his parliamentary debut.