Amitabh as Ashwatthama in 'Kalki 2898 AD' Fulfills Bhishma Regret

On 27 June 2024, a part of the mythological story 'Mahabharata' is going to be shown in theatres with the name of the film "Kalki 2898 AD". Among the many amazing scenes included in the mythology that are going to be served to the audience after filtering it through the scientific lens of modernity, one scene is of Amitabh Bachchan's character. In the film, he is playing the character of Ashwatthama, a character who remained immortal on earth after the end of Mahabharata.

Big B as Ashwatthama in 'Kalki 2898 AD': A Modern Mahabharata

'Kalki 2898 AD' is a film directed by Ashwin Nag, in which the story contextually presents the situation of Mahabharata of ancient times in today's scenario. Amitabh Bachchan plays the character of Dronacharya's valiant son Ashwatthama in this film. It is said that Ashwatthama is still alive, and was given the boon of immortality by Lord Krishna. The boon for Ashwatthama became a curse and since then he has been wandering in the wombs, just waiting for the Kalki (Kalyug) avatar to come, then he will get salvation. This story has been described in many ways in mythological stories. How this story has been told in the film 'Kalki 2898 AD' will be known only after watching the film. The glimpses of Big B's Ashwatthama form in the film's teaser and Big B's tweet on 'x' increase curiosity. Bachchan's Ashwatthama form is a special part of the film's story.

The story of Ashwatthama is that Guru Drona's son was blessed to remain immortal. In the war, the father and son were in a position to destroy the entire Pandava army, then due to Shri Krishna's cunning move, Bhima started shouting on the battlefield that he had killed Ashwatthama. Guru Drona did not believe it, he said that he would believe only when Dharmaraj Yudhishthir says so. Yudhishthir always spoke the truth, he was made to say - "Ashwatthama maro naro va kunjaro" (Ashwatthama died, human or elephant). Krishna blew the conch halfway through the sentence so that the elephant died and it could not be heard. And taking advantage of this, Drona who had fallen unconscious was killed. His son Ashwatthama is still burning. He will be liberated when the 24th incarnation of Vishnu (23 incarnations have already taken place) Kalki will arrive.

The teaser released during IPL 2024 shows a man, who is Amitabh Bachchan, in a dilapidated cave. His body is covered in a muddy cloth. Amidst the background sound, a child is asking him questions - 'Are you immortal? Are you God? Who are you?' Amitabh Bachchan replies - 'Since ancient times I have been waiting for the arrival of the avatar. I am Ashwatthama, son of Guru Drona.'

It is worth mentioning that when the famous producer-director BR Chopra was making the TV serial 'Mahabharata', he wanted Amitabh Bachchan to play the role of Bhishma Pitamah. At that time, due to health reasons and considering TV as a small screen, Amitabh could not play this role. Dr. Rahi Masoom Raza was associated with the writing of the serial, on his advice, Mukesh Khanna, an actor who resembled Amitabh, was finalized for this role. Mukesh Khanna made the role of Bhishma memorable. His acting style was exactly like Amitabh Bachchan's. Bachchan did not play Bhishma at that time, which role became very popular. He has been regretting this. Now, by playing Ashwatthama, his wish to be associated with 'Mahabharata' has been fulfilled. After the teaser release, he wrote on his 'X' account "This is an amazing experience for me!"

Kalki 2898AD stars Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Disha Patani, Amitabh Bachchan etc. Kamal Haasan is also in a special role in the film. Directed by Nag Ashwin, this film is produced by C. Ashwini Dutt. This film, which will be made in many languages and released, is said to be the most expensive film ever made. The truth of the story of this film, which has been prepared by squeezing mythology and modernity, will be seen in theaters on June 27.

-Sharad Rai

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