Amitabh Bachchan is ruling the internet this morning after his digitally de-aged look from Kalki 2898 AD was revealed. The actor plays the role of the immortal Ashwatthama in the film, an important character from Ved Vyasa’s Hindu epic Mahabharata. While the film’s story is largely inspired by the epic and takes a sci-fi fantasy approach, Amitabh’s character has more than a few connections to the legend.
Amitabh Bachchan play the role of Ashwatthama
The character teaser released on Sunday shows a young Amitabh Bachchan as Ashwatthama, bruised and scarred, with a shining gem on his forehead. A child asks him, “Are you God, can’t you die?” are you god? Who are you? (Are you God? Why can’t you die? Who are you?)” He replies, ”I am Ashvatthama, son of Dronacharya, waiting for the ten incarnations since Dwapara Yuga (I am the 10th incarnation. Waiting) I am Dronacharya, son of Ashwatthama from Dwapara Yuga).
What is the story of Ashwatthama?
While those who have read the Mahabharata will be familiar with the story of Ashwatthama, many will need a refresher. Ashwatthama is the son of Dronacharya, the revered guru of Pandavas and Kauravas. Ashwatthama, endowed with divine qualities, fought on behalf of the Kauravas during the Kurukshetra war. Renowned for his bravery and fighting skills, his story takes a dark turn by the end of the war.
After Dronacharya’s death, driven by grief and anger, Ashvatthama broke the rules of war, killing the five sons of the Pandavas while they slept. To seek further revenge, he attempted to destroy the Pandava dynasty by firing a powerful weapon, the Brahmastra, at Abhimanyu’s unborn child who was saved by Krishna. For his dishonorable conduct, Krishna cursed Ashwatthama with immortality, condemning him to wander on earth, and constantly reminding him of his misdeeds and isolation.
What about the gem from Ashwatthama’s head?
It is believed that Ashwatthama was born with a gem on his forehead. It is said that this gemstone makes him powerful and invincible, giving him protection from hunger, thirst and fatigue. It was also the source of his magical powers and played an important role in his identity as a warrior. Ultimately, after the war, as punishment for killing the Pandavas’ sons, his gem was taken out, leaving a wound. This made him vulnerable and cursed him with suffering and immortality.
This sci-fi film is directed by Nag Ashwin, who is known for directorial works like Yevade Subramaniam and Mahanati. The film is being touted to be a sci-fi extravaganza inspired by futuristic mythology.
Kamal Haasan, Prabhas, Deepika Padukone and Disha Patani are also part of the world of Kalki 2898 AD.