Can a modern blockbuster adapt an ancient epic without sparking a national firestorm?
In short: Adipurush, a 2023 retelling of the Hindu epic Ramayana, became one of India’s most expensive films. Yet, despite a massive budget and high-profile cast, it triggered intense backlash, legal challenges, and accusations of theological inaccuracy. The film serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of modernizing sacred cultural touchstones.
Directed by Om Raut, Adipurush was conceived as a high-tech adaptation of the Ramayana, aiming to bring the ancient narrative to a new generation. With a budget estimated between ₹550 and ₹800 crore, the production was among the most expensive in Indian cinema history. The project faced immediate scrutiny following its 2022 teaser, which drew widespread criticism for its visual effects and the aesthetic choices made for central characters like Ravana, portrayed by Saif Ali Khan. The backlash was so severe that the release was postponed to allow for an additional ₹100 to ₹200 crore investment in improving the CGI.
The controversy deepened upon the film's June 2023 release. Critics and audiences panned the screenplay and dialogues, which were written by Manoj Muntashir. Many viewers found the use of modern-day slang and colloquialisms in a medieval setting to be disrespectful to the source material. This perceived flippancy, combined with character depictions that some deemed unfaithful to tradition, sparked a wave of moral panic. Hindu organizations and public interest litigants argued that the film maligned deities and hurt religious sentiments, leading to calls for bans and legal intervention, including criticism from the Allahabad High Court.
Beyond the internal cultural debate, the film faced geopolitical friction. Its release was halted in Nepal due to a specific line of dialogue regarding the birthplace of Goddess Janaki, which contradicted local beliefs. While the production team eventually removed the controversial line, the incident highlighted the sensitivity surrounding the adaptation of foundational texts. Ultimately, Adipurush became a box office bomb, serving as a stark reminder of the challenges inherent in balancing creative ambition with the deep-seated devotion of a global audience.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Adipurush
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