Who Is Ashwatthama? Know All About The Character Amitabh Bachchan Is Set To Play In Kalki 2898 AD

Nag Ashwin directorial sci-fi flick ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ is loosely inspired from the Indian epic Mahabharata and the film will feature Amitabh Bachchan as the immortal Ashwatthama.

Amitabh Bachchan will feature as the immortal Ashwatthama in Prabhas starrer ‘Kalki 2898 AD’.

Kalki 2898 AD movie: The much-awaited mythological sci-fi flick ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ will feature Amitabh Bachchan as the immortal Ashwatthama. After the makers dropped a poster and teaser to unveil his character in the film, social media has been abuzz with praises. The upcoming film also starring Prabhas and Deepika Padukone will feature the seasoned actor as a central figure from Ved Vyas' Hindu epic Mahabharata. The Nag Ashwin directorial is loosely inspired from the epic but also has a sci-fi fantasy theme.

Before the release of the movie, let’s take a look at the Mahabharat legend that serves as an inspiration for Amitabh Bachchan’s character in the film.

What is the story of Ashwatthama in Mahabharata?

In the Indian epic Mahabharata, Ashwatthama, one of the central figures in Hindu mythology, is presented as an intriguing character. The formidable warrior was the son of the revered royal guru Dronacharya. He was named Ashwatthaman because his mother wished for a son who would be as strong as a horse. Although Ashwatthama is known for his combat skills and divine weapons, his story is also stained with some controversial acts.

During the Kurukshetra war, the skilled warrior Ashwatthama fought on the side of the Kauravas. However, his name was tarnished after one of the most infamous events, when he massacred Pandava warriors as well as their sons while they were sleeping. Ashwatthama carried out the brutal attack as he was filled with rage and grief over the death of his father, Dronacharya. Due to his violent act and betrayal, Ashwatthama suffered severe repercussions and his legacy is still marred by it.

Following the massacre, Lord Krishna cursed him with lifelong suffering, burdened with incurable diseases, as he would wander on earth for a thousand years. Ashwatthama is still regarded as complex character and a figure shrouded in controversy in the timeless epic of the Mahabharata.

#Ashwatthama born with a mani (preciousstone) on his forehead, which is meant to protect him from demons and spirits.Ashwatthama was cursed by Krishna to live for 3,000 years with a festering wound on his forehead as punishment for killing the sons of the Pandavas #prabhas #Kalki pic.twitter.com/s7FUph2y4p

— 𝐍𝐀𝐕𝐀 (@Navakumarreddi) April 21, 2024

About the movie Kalki 2898 AD

'Kalki 2898 AD' also stars Kamal Haasan alongside Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, and Disha Patani in pivotal roles. The film is bankrolled by Vyjayanthi Movies. There are no updates about the release date of the mythology-inspired sci-fi film as yet.