Ashwathama in Chitra Natakotsava

The play Ashwathama portrays the deep remorse and repentance experienced by Ashwathama.

As we know from the Mahabharata, Ashwathama is considered immortal. However, this play presents a different account of his story. Driven by anger, Ashwathama commits the horrific act of killing women, children and animals. Overwhelmed by guilt and regret for his actions, he eventually takes his own life with his sword.

After his death, Bhima arrives and demands that the body of Ashwathama be handed over to him. However, Ekalavya refuses to give up the body, leading to an intense dialogue between the two.

Finally, Krishna arrives and calms everyone down before arranging the last rites of Ashwathama.

The playwright himself describes this work as the first tragic play in Kannada theatre.