The Rise and Fall of Adipurush: A Critical Review

Adipurush, the epic movie starring Prabhash and Saif Ali Khan, has been a topic of both praise and criticism since its teaser launch. While some viewers are enthralled by its grandeur, others find it to be a deviation from the original epic. In this review, we will delve into both the positive and negative aspects of this ambitious undertaking.

Bad Aspects of Adipurush

Adipurush, while attempting to bring the Ramayana to the big screen, faces several criticisms from various quarters. Here, we highlight some of the major areas where the movie falls short:

Time Compression and Inconsistencies

The first major issue is the drastic time compression of the Ramayana. The movie skims over critical episodes, such as the events leading to Bharata carrying Lord Rama's footwear, in mere minutes. This feels more like a commercial break than a cohesive narrative, resulting in a rushed and misleading retelling of the epic.

Religious and Cultural Sensitivities

Missteps in character portrayal and cinematic choices have raised concerns about respect and accuracy. For example, Ravana's entry is reminiscent of a medieval invader rather than a powerful antagonist from the Ramayana. Similarly, the depiction of Sita as a passive figure undermines the valiant persona of the epic heroine. The overly embellished last names and dialogues create a disconnect between the audience and the narrative.

Visual Overpowering and Special Effects

The visual and special effects often overshadow the narrative. Characters like Hanuman and Lakshmana are portrayed in ways that trivialize their importance, and the use of modern technology in battle sequences feels out of place with the epic's historical setting. Overpowering dialogues and excessive song sequences interfere with the dramatic flow of the plot, hampering the storytelling process.

Inconsistent Trope Replication

Many traditional elements of the Ramayana are underutilized or incorrectly portrayed. For instance, key characters like Vibhishan, Kumbhakaran, and Mareecha are given superficial roles, while minor characters like bats are overrepresented. The exclusive focus on overpowered villains and exaggerated heroics leaves the core essence of the Ramayana unexplored.

Good Aspects of Adipurush

Despite its shortcomings, Adipurush does have its merits. Here, we appreciate the positive contributions of the film:

Music and Background Score

The music and background score of Adipurush, composed by Ajay-Atul, offer a refreshing and captivating experience. Their partnership is a testament to quality storytelling in Indian cinema, providing an engaging auditory backdrop to the visual narrative.

Casting Choices

The casting of Saif Ali Khan as Ravana sees him stepping out of his usual roles and giving a commendable performance. Kriti Sanon and Sunny Singh also provide adequate support in their respective roles, bringing much-needed texture to the movie.

Individually and collectively, these elements contribute to a film that, despite its flaws, still manages to create a memorable viewing experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Adipurush is a mixed bag of exquisite visuals and music coupled with narrative oversimplifications and inconsistencies. It aims for grandeur and mythological depth but sometimes falters in execution. For fans of the Ramayana, the movie might serve as a mountain to climb over, filled with both surprises and disappointments. Ultimately, whether you enjoyed or were frustrated by Adipurush depends on your tolerance for adaptation and artistic missteps.

Image credits: Google.