Adipurush, the highly anticipated film helmed by director Om Raut, is an insult to the audience who couldn’t be more ready to storm theatres with the much-awaited adaptation of Ramayana. The crass dialogues, visual effects, performances, and the adaption of the epic religious saga – Ramayana have garnered widespread criticism.
Insensitivity and Inappropriateness
The use of insensitive and derogatory dialogues in Adipurush is deeply concerning. The casual approach to the dialogue displays a lack of respect toward the characters and the source material. These dialogues not only lack originality and creativity but also demonstrate a disregard for the cultural and religious sentiments associated with the Ramayana.
Furthermore, dialogue such as “Tel tere baap ka, Lanka tere baap ki, jalegi tere baap ki” attributed to Hanuman, a revered figure in Hindu mythology, is particularly problematic. It not only cheapens the significance of the character but also perpetuates a disrespectful and derogatory narrative.
Writer Manoj Muntashir Shukla not insulted our religious sentiments but also contributed to the marginalization and trivialization of critical religious figures. This not only disrespects the Ramayana but also alienates audiences who expected a thoughtful and faithful adaptation of the beloved epic. And if that is not enough, the writer carelessly included Urdu words such as “Roz” (daily), “Mazdoor” (Worker), “Zimmedaari” (Responsibility) in a religious drama.
Poor Performances
Raavan, a significant character in Hindu mythology, holds great cultural and religious importance. Unfortunately, the portrayal of his walk in the film has been deemed lacking authenticity and conviction by Saif Ali Khan.
Similarly, the portrayal of Ram and Prabhas in leather outfits without a convincing portrayal raises concerns about the overall performance. Ram, being a revered figure in Hindu mythology, carries immense significance and demands a portrayal that reflects the character’s righteousness and strength. This lack of conviction in the portrayal, coupled with the Punjabi-accented portrayal of Laxman by Sunny Singh, further added to the disappointment.
The performance of Laxman, a beloved character in the Ramayana, should have showcased depth and authenticity, but instead, it appears to be lacking the necessary emotional range and connection with the audience.
VFX
There have been allegations that the final battle scenes in Adipurush, particularly those involving Ram and Ravan, have been cheaply copied from the Guardians of the Galaxy character Yondu Udonta’s Yaka Arrow scenes. This accusation raises concerns about the originality and creative integrity of Adipurush’s action sequences.
The claim that Adipurush’s visual effects imitate those of Lord of the Rings, Marvel movies, and Game of Thrones suggests a lack of innovation and a missed opportunity for the film to establish its visual identity.
Adipurush, with its poorly written dialogues by Manoj Muntashir Shukla and insensitive approach by the director Om Raut, the film fails to deliver a respectful and authentic adaptation of the Ramayana. The derogatory phrases uttered by Hanuman, as well as other instances of insensitivity, tarnish the film’s integrity and alienate audiences.
Moving forward, filmmakers must approach adaptations of revered texts with care, respect, and cultural sensitivity. Responsible approach and writing are pivotal in ensuring cinematic experiences honor the source material while fostering inclusivity and appreciation for diverse cultures and religions.
The film had six months to correct itself between the teaser and the first trailer launch, yet it disappoints. Om Raut and the makers are now saying to revamp the crass dialogues which were supposedly written to lure the younger audiences only makes us question how much more we are willing to invest in this endless controversial drama.