Amitabh Bachchan's de-aged look from 'Kalki 2989 AD' breaks the internet; Is de-aging technology being used?

Excitement rippled through the internet as fans discovered that Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan will portray Ashwatthama in Nag Ashwin's upcoming sci-fi epic, Kalki 2898 AD. This mythological character is famed for his immortality, and a fleeting glimpse of a de-aged Amitabh has set social media abuzz. 

The film's creators released a teaser titled 'Introducing Ashwatthama' on Sunday night, showcasing Amitabh Bachchan in conversation with a young boy, narrating his timeless existence. In a quick montage of his life, a striking image reveals a rejuvenated version of the megastar, complete with his trademark intensity, moustache, and long, black hair, adorned with a glowing yellow stone on his forehead, possibly symbolizing his immortal powers.

Experts speculate that the filmmakers utilized de-aging technology to portray Amitabh Bachchan's youthful appearance. This technique, widely employed in Hollywood, employs computer-generated imagery (CGI) to digitally rejuvenate actors for flashback sequences. The clip featuring a young Ashwatthama engaged in battle notably resembles Amitabh's appearance from the 1980s, indicating the application of this cutting-edge technology.

Netizens flooded social media with expressions of awe and admiration for the legendary actor's transformation. One user exclaimed, "Witnessing the enduring brilliance of Indian cinema's biggest star in his youthful avatar as Ashwatthama is truly epic!" Another enthused, "Surprise! Young Amitabh Bachchan as Ashwatthama is a revelation!" Praising the film's technical prowess, a third user remarked, "Kudos to the team of #Kalki2898AD for their remarkable work in both technology and attention to detail."

The 21-second teaser premiered during the IPL match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Sunday, captivating audiences with its futuristic allure. Taking to social media platform X, Amitabh Bachchan shared his character poster from the film, expressing his unparalleled experience working on the project. 

Directed by Nag Ashwin, Kalki 2898 AD promises to be a mythological-inspired sci-fi extravaganza set in the distant future. Alongside Amitabh Bachchan, the stellar ensemble cast includes industry stalwarts like Kamal Haasan, Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, and Disha Patani, adding further intrigue to this highly anticipated cinematic spectacle.