Amitabh Bachchan’s portrayal of Ashwatthama in the upcoming sci-fi epic “Kalki 2898 AD” has generated significant buzz. Directed by Nag Ashwin, the film features a star-studded cast including Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, and Kamal Haasan. Set to release on May 9, this pan-Indian film promises to be a visual spectacle, blending elements of Hindu mythology with futuristic sci-fi.
In the recently released teaser, Amitabh Bachchan is introduced as Ashwatthama, a character from the Mahabharata known for his immortality. The teaser shows Bachchan’s character praying to a Shiva linga and conversing with a child, revealing his identity as the eternal warrior. “I have been waiting for the avatar,” he says, likely referring to Prabhas’s character, who is depicted as Bhairava, a modern-day embodiment of Lord Vishnu.
The film’s narrative is inspired by Hindu mythology and is set in a post-apocalyptic world in 2898 AD. The character of Ashwatthama, as portrayed by Bachchan, is a warrior who has survived through various ages and is now preparing for his final battle. This role is particularly intriguing given Ashwatthama’s complex background in the Mahabharata.
Ashwatthama, the son of Guru Dronacharya and Kripi, is a fascinating figure in Indian mythology. Born with a divine gem on his forehead, he was almost invincible and immortal. This gem, known as ‘Syron-rathna,’ granted him power over all living beings lower than humans and protected him from hunger, thirst, fatigue, old age, diseases, and weapons. His birth was marked by a neigh instead of a cry, earning him the name Ashwatthama, meaning ‘one with the sound of a horse.’
Trained alongside the Pandavas and Kauravas by his father, Ashwatthama became a formidable warrior. He was particularly skilled in weaponry, mastering the Narayanastra and the Brahmastra. His loyalty lay with Duryodhana, the eldest Kaurava prince, with whom he shared a strong bond.
However, Ashwatthama’s story takes a dark turn during the Mahabharata. On the 18th day of the battle, he mistakenly killed the five sons of Draupadi instead of the Pandavas while trying to fulfill Duryodhana’s last wish. He also attempted to kill the unborn child of Abhimanyu in Uttara’s womb by aiming a Brahmastra towards her. As a result, Lord Krishna cursed him to live in perpetual poverty and suffering, with a forehead wound that never heals, until the end of Kaliyug. It is believed that Ashwatthama still wanders around Narmada Ghat.
The film “Kalki 2898 AD” aims to bring this complex character to life in a futuristic setting. The internet has been abuzz with excitement ever since the teaser was released. A particular still featuring a de-aged Amitabh Bachchan has caught the attention of fans. In this scene, Bachchan sports his signature brooding look, complete with a moustache and long, black hair. A radiating, yellow stone adorns his forehead, likely symbolizing his immortal powers.
Fans have taken to social media to express their excitement. One user wrote, “The biggest star Indian Film industry has witnessed for 5 decades & continuing… what an epic moment to celebrate his Youth as ASHWTTHAMA in 2024!!” Another posted, “Young Amitabh Bachchan as Ashwatthama (surprise emoji).” A third user shared, “GREAT WORK by the team of #Kalki2898AD on both technology and detailing.”
The 21-second teaser was unveiled during an Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Amitabh Bachchan also took to social media to share his character poster, writing, “It’s been an experience for me like no other .. The mind to think such a product, the execution the exposure to modern technology and above all the company of colleagues with stratospheric Super star presence.”
Directed by Nag Ashwin, known for his works like “Yevade Subramanyam” and “Mahanati,” “Kalki 2898 AD” is set to be a mythology-inspired sci-fi extravaganza. The film made waves after its groundbreaking debut at San Diego Comic-Con last year, earning massive global acclaim.
With a cast that includes Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Kamal Haasan, and Disha Patani, “Kalki 2898 AD” is one of the most anticipated films of the year. The film is set to release in multiple languages, including Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, and English, ensuring a wide reach across India and beyond.
As the release date approaches, the excitement surrounding Amitabh Bachchan’s portrayal of Ashwatthama continues to build. This unique blend of mythology and sci-fi promises to offer a cinematic experience like no other, making “Kalki 2898 AD” a must-watch for fans of both genres.
