Amitabh Bachchan Embodies Ashwatthama in Kalki 2898 AD: Unveiling the Mahabharata Legend and the Mystical Forehead Gem
The internet is abuzz with questions about Ashwatthama and his legend following the release of the latest teaser for Kalki 2898 AD, featuring Amitabh Bachchan.
Amitabh Bachchan has taken the internet by storm this morning with the unveiling of his digitally de-aged appearance in Kalki 2898 AD. In the film, he portrays the immortal Ashwatthama, a pivotal character from Ved Vyas’ Hindu epic, the Mahabharata. Although the film’s narrative is loosely based on the epic and adopts a sci-fi fantasy angle, Amitabh’s role certainly retains several ties to the original legend. (Also read: Kalki 2898 AD: Amitabh Bachchan’s De-aged Look as Ashwatthama Captivates the Internet)
The character teaser, released on Sunday, presents a youthful Amitabh as Ashwatthama, appearing battered and bruised, with a radiant gemstone adorning his forehead. A child inquires, “Are you a god? Why can’t you die? Who are you?” To which he responds, “Since the Dwapar Yug, I have awaited the tenth avatar. I am Dronacharya’s son, Ashwatthama.”
Exploring the Legend of Ashwatthama
For those acquainted with the Mahabharata, Ashwatthama’s tale may be familiar, yet many might appreciate a refresher.
Ashwatthama, the son of Dronacharya—who was the esteemed mentor to both the Pandavas and Kauravas—was blessed with divine attributes and fought for the Kauravas in the Kurukshetra War. Celebrated for his valor and martial prowess, his narrative takes a tragic twist post-war. Overwhelmed by sorrow and fury following Dronacharya’s demise, Ashwatthama violated the principles of warfare, resulting in the slaying of the Pandavas’ five sons as they slept. In a quest for vengeance, he sought to obliterate the Pandava bloodline by directing the formidable Brahmastra at Abhimanyu’s unborn offspring, who was ultimately saved by Krishna. Krishna’s curse of immortality was Ashwatthama’s penance for his dishonorable actions, dooming him to roam the earth as an eternal testament to his transgressions and solitude.
The Significance of Ashwatthama’s Gem
Legend has it that Ashwatthama was born with a gem (mani) on his forehead, which endowed him with immense power and invincibility, shielding him from hunger, thirst, and weariness. This gem was not only the source of his mystical abilities but also a key aspect of his warrior identity. Following the war, as retribution for his act of slaying the Pandavas’ children, his gem was extracted, leaving behind an enduring wound. This act rendered him susceptible and condemned him to a life of suffering and undying torment.
Directed by Nag Ashwin, renowned for his works like Yevade Subramanyam and Mahanati, the film is anticipated to be a futuristic, mythology-inspired sci-fi spectacle.
Joining Amitabh Bachchan in the Kalki 2898 AD universe are celebrated actors Kamal Haasan, Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, and Disha Patani.