Amitabh Bachchan Plays Ashwatthama in Kalki 2898 AD: Who is He and Is He Still Alive?

Kalki 2898 AD introduced Amitabh Bachchan as Ashwatthama. In a video released on Sunday, Amitabh was seen wrapped in bandages and sported an illuminated mani (gem) on his forehead. A child in the video asks Amitabh who he is, if he was a God and if he can die. Amitabh then introduces himself, “Dwapar yug se Dash avatar ki pratiksha kar raha hoon main, Dronacharya ka putra Ashwatthama (I have been waiting for the 10th incarnation since Dwapar Yug. I am the son of Dronacharya, Ashwatthama).”

Amitabh’s first glimpse has brought the legend of the immortal Ashwatthama to the spotlight. Given that Kalki 2898 AD is loosely inspired from Mahabharat but set in the dystopian future, we see Ashwatthama in a different avatar. But who is Ashwatthama and what was his part in Ved Vyas’ Hindu mythology Mahabharat? Here’s all you need to know.

Who is Ashwatthama?

As per the legends, Ashwatthama is the son of guru Dronacharya, who taught Pandavas and Kauravas. Ashwatthama, who was known his bravery and war skills, played a vital part in the Mahabharat. He fought against Pandava in the battle of Kurukshetra.

Why did Ashwatthama kill Pandavas’ five sons?

According to the mythology, during the battle of Kurukshetra, Ashwatthama was enraged and grief-struck after learning that Lord Krishna and the Pandavas tricked his father, Drona, with the fake news of his death and eventually killed him in the battlefield. Angry, he charged into the Pandavas’ camp in the night of the 10th day of the battle and killed five of Draupadi’s children.

Ashwatthama’s curse:

According to the official Amar Chitra Katha website, it is believed that Arjun and Lord Krishna were enraged by the move and attacked Ashwatthama. Arjun and Ashwatthama launched powerful weapons that could have destroyed the world. The Gods intervened and asked them to take back their weapons. While Arjun successfully did it, Ashwatthama did not know how to. He is said to have redirected it to Uttara’s womb, who was carrying Abhimanyu’s unborn child, in an attempt to end Pandavas’ lineage.

Lord Krishna is said to have intervened and revived the stillborn. Disappointed with his conduct in the war, Lord Krishna curses Ashwatthama with immorality.

What is the gem on Ashwatthama’s forehead?

Ashwatthama was born with a mani (gem) on his forehead which was believed to protect him from hunger, thirst, and fatigue. After his attempt to kill Pandavas’ sons and attacking Abhimanyu’s unborn child, Lord Krishna had asked him to surrender the gem, leaving a massive scar on his forehead.

Is Ashwatthama still alive?

It is said that the Ashwatthama has been condemned to wander the Earth as a reminder of his misdeeds. Although there is no proof that Ashwatthama is still alive, many believe in that he is still serving his punishment on Earth.

About Kalki 2898 AD:

Kalki 2989 AD stars Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Prabhas, Deepika Padukone and Disha Patani in significant roles. At the Synapse 2024 event in Gurgaon, Nag Ashwin revealed that the film’s timeline will commence with Mahabharat. He stated, “The film starts with Mahabharat and ends in 2898 AD. It spans 6000 years in time. We tried to create worlds, imagining what they would be like while still keeping it Indian, and not make it look like Blade Runner. The film begins 6000 years behind 2898 AD is 3102 BC, which is when the last avatar of Krishna is believed to have passed.”