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A look at actors who have embraced digital de-ageing in film
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The teaser of "Kalki 2898 AD" sparked curiosity among the audience as it
introduced Amitabh Bachchan as Ashwatthama, featuring a striking
digitally de-aged portrayal of the legendary actor. Recently, the
Hindustan Times unveiled a report on the technique of digitally altering
an actor's appearance to portray a younger version on screen. Let's explore some prominent films where actors have undergone digital
de-ageing to enhance their performances and bring their characters to
life, with notable stars across Hollywood and Bollywood embracing it to
meet the demands of their roles. Aamir Khan's roles in "PK" and "Laal Singh Chaddha" required a nuanced
portrayal of characters aged from 18 to 50 years. To achieve this,
digital de-ageing was applied to Khan's appearance, ensuring continuity
and authenticity throughout the characters' journeys. Harrison Ford's appearance was digitally altered for a flashback
sequence in a 2023 film, demonstrating the effectiveness of the
technique. Ford himself endorsed the process, emphasising its importance
in storytelling when executed with authenticity. In "Bharat", Salman Khan's character navigates various stages of life
from age 8 to 70. Digital de-ageing was utilised to seamlessly depict
these transitions, enhancing the film's narrative and emotional depth. Brad Pitt's role as Benjamin Button, ageing in reverse, relied on
sophisticated digital effects to transform his appearance across the
character's fictional lifespan. This film's visual effects prowess was
recognised with an Oscar for Best Visual Effects. Shah Rukh Khan, known for his versatility, embraced digital de-ageing
techniques to portray a younger version of his character in a notable
film, demonstrating a commitment to it's authenticity. Robert Downey Jr's Tony Stark scene in a 2016 blockbuster utilised
digital de-ageing to evoke pivotal memories, showcasing the technique's
effectiveness in enhancing character backstory. Martin Scorsese's "The Irishman" made headlines not only for its
compelling narrative but also for digitally de-ageing legends Robert De
Niro, Joe Pesci, and Al Pacino. The film's meticulous process involved
advanced technology to authentically depict the actors at different
stages of their characters' lives. These instances highlight how digital de-ageing has become an integral
part of modern filmmaking, enabling actors to seamlessly inhabit
characters across different ages and eras, ultimately enriching the
cinematic experience for audiences. |