Director Nag Ashwin’s long-awaited film, Kalki 2898 AD, is finally hitting theaters on June 27. This sci-fi dystopian futuristic action drama, deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. Features a star-studded cast including Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Kamal Haasan, Amitabh Bachchan, Anna Ben, and Disha Patani.
Bridging the Future and Mythology
Despite being set far into the future, Kalki 2898 AD finds relevance in the ancient epic Mahabharata. The connection is through the character Ashwatthama, portrayed by Amitabh Bachchan, who serves as the link between the two periods.
Who is Ashwatthama?
In Hindu mythology, Ashwatthama is a character from the Mahabharata. He is the son of Drona, the teacher of the Kauravas and Pandavas. Ashwatthama fought on the side of the Kauravas in the Kurukshetra War and attempted to kill Uttara’s unborn child, leading to a curse of immortality by Lord Krishna.
The Powers and Curse of Ashwatthama
Ashwatthama is described as having a gem on his forehead. Granting him superhuman powers and protection from human needs like hunger, thirst, and disease. Enraged by the deception leading to his father’s death, he attempts to end the Pandavas’ lineage but is thwarted by Lord Krishna, who curses him to roam the forests until the end of Kali Yuga, suffering from perpetual wounds.
Ashwatthama’s Role in Kalki 2898 AD
Legends claim sightings of Ashwatthama in modern times, a concept that fuels Kalki 2898 AD. The film uses Ashwatthama as a bridge between the Dvapara Yuga and the present Kali Yuga, anticipating the arrival of Kalki, the tenth avatar of Lord Vishnu.
Amitabh Bachchan as Ashwatthama
In the film, Amitabh Bachchan plays Ashwatthama, who is still seeking redemption in the futuristic setting of Kali Yuga. Deepika Padukone’s character, Sum-80, is a pregnant woman whose child is destined to change the world. Ashwatthama aids her against forces seeking the child, attempting to atone for his past sin of trying to kill an unborn child.
Awaiting Nag Ashwin’s Vision in Kalki 2898 AD
As we wait for the film’s release, it remains to be seen how Nag Ashwin weaves together these eras and characters. Prabhas plays a bounty hunter, while Kamal Haasan’s character, Yakshin, is the supreme force hunting for the child, adding layers to this mythological and futuristic narrative.