Adipurush, directed by Om Raut and starring Prabhas, Saif Ali Khan, Kriti Sanon and Sunny Singh, is a 2023 Indian mythological action film based on the Hindu epic Ramayana. The film depicts the story of Raghav (Prabhas), the avatar of Lord Vishnu, who rescues his wife Janaki (Sanon), the incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi, from the clutches of the evil Lankesh (Khan), the king of Lanka and the ten-headed demon.
The film boasts of a massive budget of Rs 500 crore and promises to deliver a visual spectacle with stunning special effects, lavish sets, grand costumes and epic battles. The film also features a star-studded cast with Prabhas as the heroic Raghav, Saif Ali Khan as the menacing Lankesh, Kriti Sanon as the graceful Janaki and Sunny Singh as the loyal Shesh, Raghav's brother. The film also has Devdutta Nage as Bajrang, the monkey god who helps Raghav in his quest.
The film has been shot simultaneously in Hindi and Telugu and will be dubbed in Tamil, Malayalam and Kannada. The film is expected to release on June 16, 2023 in India and worldwide.
The film has generated a lot of buzz and controversy ever since it was announced. The film has faced criticism from some sections of the society for its portrayal of Lankesh, who is seen as a symbol of evil in Hindu mythology but also revered by some communities as a great ruler and devotee of Lord Shiva. Some have also objected to the casting of Kriti Sanon as Janaki, who is considered as the ideal woman and mother in Hindu culture. The film has also faced legal troubles for allegedly hurting religious sentiments and violating copyright laws.
However, despite these challenges, the film has also received a lot of praise and support from fans and celebrities alike. The film's trailer, which was released on December 13, 2022, broke several records on social media and garnered over 100 million views within 24 hours. The trailer showcased the impressive visuals, the powerful performances and the thrilling action sequences that the film has to offer.
The film's music, composed by M.M. Keeravani, has also been well-received by the audience. The film's songs are a mix of traditional and modern tunes that capture the essence of the story and the emotions of the characters. The film's title track, Jai Shri Ram, sung by Prabhas himself, is a catchy and energetic anthem that celebrates the victory of good over evil.
The film's strengths lie in its grandeur, its star power and its faithfulness to the source material. The film does not shy away from depicting the epic scale and scope of the Ramayana, which is one of the most revered and influential stories in Indian culture. The film also showcases the rich diversity and beauty of India's landscapes, cultures and traditions. The film's cast delivers convincing and charismatic performances that bring their characters to life. Prabhas shines as Raghav, who embodies strength, courage, wisdom and compassion. Saif Ali Khan steals the show as Lankesh, who portrays a complex and nuanced villain who is not just evil but also intelligent, ambitious and charismatic. Kriti Sanon impresses as Janaki, who displays grace, dignity and resilience in the face of adversity. Sunny Singh supports well as Shesh, who provides comic relief and brotherly bond to Raghav.
The film's weaknesses lie in its execution, its length and its lack of originality. The film suffers from poor editing, inconsistent pacing and weak dialogues that hamper its narrative flow and impact. The film also drags on for almost three hours, which makes it tedious and exhausting to watch at times. The film also fails to offer anything new or innovative to the audience who are already familiar with the story and its adaptations. The film relies heavily on its visual effects, which are impressive but not flawless. Some scenes look artificial and unrealistic, especially those involving animals or supernatural beings. The film also does not explore the deeper themes and messages of the Ramayana, such as the concept of dharma, the role of women, the nature of love and the meaning of life.
Overall, Adipurush is a spectacular but flawed adaptation of Ramayana that will appeal to the fans of Prabhas, Saif Ali Khan and the epic genre. The film is a feast for the eyes but not for the mind. The film is a tribute to the glory of Indian mythology but not to its wisdom. The film is a celebration of the good over evil but not of the human over divine.
Source: Conversation with Bing, 20/6/2023
(1) ‘Adipurush’ speaks the language of Hindutva supporters – so why are they opposing the movie?. https://scroll.in/article/1051209/adipurush-speaks-the-language-of-hindutva-supporters-so-why-are-they-opposing-the-movie.
(2) Adipurush Box Office collection: Prabhas and Kriti Sanon-starrer movie earns ₹340 crore despite controversy. https://www.livemint.com/industry/media/adipurush-box-office-collection-movie-continues-to-mint-money-despite-controversy-11687157962872.html.
(3) Amid Adipurush row, Nepal towns ban Hindi movies: Janakpur and the legend of Janaki. https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-culture/adipurush-nepal-ban-hindi-movies-janakpur-janaki-8673098/.
(4) Adipurush (2023) - IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12915716/.
(5) Adipurush movie review & film summary (2023) | Roger Ebert. https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/adipurush-movie-review-2023.
(6) Adipurush - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adipurush.
Comments
Post a Comment