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"In the world of heists, precision is the key. One wrong move can shatter the entire plan": A lesson for Bollywoodians & actors, Brahmastra to Adipurush disaster that feelings are not for sale, get your emotion, devotion and acts right to ride the wave
In a fervent plea to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has urged for a ban on the movie Adipurush, while also demanding the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) against director Om Raut and dialogue writer Manoj Muntashir. The AICWA strongly asserts that the film has deeply wounded the religious sentiments of Hindus and the Sanatan Dharma, and as a result, its screening should be halted in theaters and on OTT platforms in the future.
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Suresh Shyamlal Gupta, the president of the AICWA, penned an official letter expressing the organization's concerns. He writes, "The All Indian Cine Workers Association demands a ban on screening the movie Adipurush. This movie's screenplay and dialogues clearly defame the image of Lord Ram and Lord Hanuman. Adipurush Movie is hurting religious sentiments of Hindus and Sanatan Dharma."
The letter further emphasizes the immense significance of Lord Rama in Hinduism, stating, "Prabhu Shri Ram is a God for everyone in India, no matter what religious faith one comes from. However, this movie depicts Lord Ram and even Ravan as characters resembling video game figures, with dialogues that hurt every Indian in the country and across the globe. We request Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji to order the immediate cessation of screening this movie and enforce a ban on its future screenings in theaters and on OTT platforms."
Additionally, the AICWA calls for the accountability of the film's director, producers, and dialogue writer. "We demand an FIR against the Director (Om Raut), Writer (Manoj Muntashir), and the Producers of the Movie, who have offended Hindu sentiments, in order to safeguard the image of our Bhagwan Shri Ram, Maa Sita, and Ramsevak Bhagwan Hanuman."
Since the release of its teaser, the film Adipurush has faced vehement backlash. The makers decided to postpone its release date, citing the intention to make necessary changes to meet the expectations of the audience. However, their efforts did not yield the desired outcome. The Hindi version of the film received criticism for its subpar dialogue writing and the use of crass language by religious characters.
Furthermore, viewers were taken aback by the alterations made by the filmmakers to the storyline. The film's poor-quality visual effects, along with blatant themes copied from Hollywood, exacerbated the situation. In response to the criticism, the makers have now expressed their intention to modify certain dialogues. However, with each passing day, netizens continue to highlight further issues, making it increasingly challenging for the film to stage a notable comeback.
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Emotional Note by Adipurush Dialogue Writer Manoj Muntashir: Hurtful Backlash and the Decision to Revise Dialogues
In the wake of severe criticism surrounding the pedestrian language used in the movie Adipurush, the makers have taken the initiative to revise the dialogues to align them with the core essence of the film, which retells the timeless story of Ramayana. Screenwriter Manoj Muntashir Shukla, responsible for crafting the Hindi dialogues and songs, acknowledged that certain dialogues had inadvertently hurt sentiments and made the decision to revise them in collaboration with director Om Raut. These revised lines will be incorporated into the film in the coming days. Adipurush features renowned actors Prabhas, Kriti Sanon, and Saif Ali Khan, and within just two days of its release, the film has already amassed an impressive Rs 240 crores.
On Sunday, Manoj Muntashir Shukla, the dialogue writer of Adipurush, expressed that the makers of this mythological epic film have resolved to "revise some of the dialogues" following widespread criticism of its pedestrian language. Shukla, who crafted the Hindi dialogues and songs for the retelling of the Ramayana, stated that the modified lines would be added to the film within a week.
In an emotional statement shared on his official Twitter account, Shukla addressed the audience, saying, "...For me, there is nothing greater than your feelings. I can present countless arguments in favor of my dialogues, but this will not diminish your pain. The producer-director of the film and I have decided to revise some of the dialogues that have caused you distress, and they will be included in the film this week."
Shukla also expressed deep anguish at the response he received from some individuals. He lamented, "People I considered my brothers wrote indecent words for me on social media. Those I considered my own and recited poems for their mothers abused my mother."
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Adipurush, released on Friday in Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Tamil, stars Prabhas as Raghav (Ram), Kriti Sanon as Janaki (Sita), and Saif Ali Khan as Lankesh (Raavan). Directed by Om Raut and produced by T-Series, this grand multilingual saga has faced criticism on social media for its subpar visual effects and colloquial dialogues. Manoj Muntashir Shukla has particularly come under fire for the dialogues of Lord Hanuman, especially in the 'Lanka Dahan' sequence.
Numerous viewers and political leaders have pointed out the oversimplified language used by certain characters, notably Bajrang (Hanuman), portrayed by Devdatta Nage. In his statement, written in Hindi, Shukla acknowledged that it is possible that in a three-hour film, he may have written something that deviates from the audience's imagination for a mere three minutes. He urged viewers not to hastily label him as a "Sanatan drohi" (someone who disrespects the eternal Hindu principles).
Shukla continued, "The first lesson one can learn from the Ramayana is to respect every emotion. What is deemed right or wrong may change over time, but feelings remain constant. I wrote more than 4,000 lines of dialogues for Adipurush, and although only five of those lines may have caused hurt sentiments, it is disheartening that I did not receive praise for the hundreds of lines glorifying Lord Ram and describing the chastity of Mother Sita."
The writer and lyricist, who won the National Film Award for Best Lyrics in "Saina," expressed no grievances with the audience. He emphasized the need for unity and stated, "If we stand against each other, Sanatan (the eternal) will lose. We have made Adipurush for the service of Sanatan. It is a film that you are watching in large numbers, and I believe you will continue to watch it in the future."
Subsequently, T-Series announced that the team has decided to revise the film's dialogues to value the input of the public. In a separate statement, the production house stated, "'Adipurush' is receiving an overwhelming response worldwide and captivating audiences of all ages. In order to make this visual spectacle a memorable cinematic experience, the team has decided to revise the film's dialogues, recognizing the valuable input of the public and the audience."
The makers are currently revisiting the identified dialogues to ensure they resonate with the core essence of the film, and these changes will be reflected in theaters within the next few days, according to T-Series. The production house further emphasized that this decision exemplifies their commitment to their audience's sentiments and the larger harmony they seek to promote.
With a reported budget of Rs 500 crore, Adipurush has already accumulated Rs 240 crore in just two days, as claimed by the makers.
Adipurush Saga: A Disappointing Start, Protests, Changes, and Box Office Challenges
The highly anticipated mythological epic film Adipurush, which serves as a grand adaptation of the Ramayana, has encountered a rather disappointing response from both critics and audiences. The negative word-of-mouth has not only affected its box office collections but has also sparked protests across the country. In response to the backlash, the producers have decided to make certain changes to the film after its release.
Adipurush features a stellar cast including Prabhas as Raghav, Kriti Sanon as Janaki, and Saif Ali Khan as Lankesh. Directed by Om Raut, the film boasts extensive use of computer-generated imagery (CGI) to bring to life expansive fantasy landscapes and creatures. With a reported budget of Rs 600 crore, Adipurush is being released in multiple languages across the country.
Unfortunately, the film opened to negative reviews from critics on its release day, and this soon translated into widespread criticism from devoted followers of Lord Rama. Many took offense to certain lines of dialogues, which the filmmakers initially defended by stating that they had been colloquialized to resonate with the younger generation. However, as protests intensified and box office performance started to slow down, the decision was made to alter the film post-release.
Adipurush faced another hurdle when it failed the crucial Monday test at the box office, indicating a significant lack of interest from the masses. Despite this setback, the film managed to deliver record-breaking box office collections during its opening weekend, largely driven by the unwavering support of Prabhas' loyal fandom and the sheer curiosity surrounding the film.
To summarize the Adipurush saga, here are eight key points:
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First signs of controversy
Even before a single frame of the movie was released, actor Saif Ali Khan found himself embroiled in controversy due to his comments about humanizing the character of Ravana in the film Adipurush. In a 2020 interview with Mumbai Mirror, Saif expressed his perspective on portraying the demon king, saying, "It's interesting to play a demon king, less strictures in that. But we will make him humane, up the entertainment quotient, justify his abduction of Sita and the war with Ram as revenge for what was done to his sister Surpanakha by Lakshman, who cut off his nose."
Saif's comments sparked immediate backlash from a certain section of the film's core audience. Sensing the gravity of the situation and realizing that his remarks had offended people's sentiments, Saif issued a public apology. In his statement, he expressed remorse for the controversy caused by his interview comments, clarifying that it was never his intention to hurt anyone. He said, "I've been made aware that one of my statements during an interview has caused a controversy and hurt people's sentiments. This was never my intention or meant that way. I would like to sincerely apologize to everybody and withdraw my statement."
Saif Ali Khan's apology aimed to address the concerns raised by those who felt his comments were inappropriate or disrespectful towards their faith and sentiments. It signified his acknowledgment of the impact his words had and his genuine regret for any distress caused.
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The teaser
In October 2022, the highly anticipated first teaser of Adipurush was unveiled, generating significant anticipation among fans and movie enthusiasts. However, the response to the teaser was far from what the filmmakers had hoped for. Instead of excitement and praise, the teaser was met with unanimous negativity, primarily due to the perceived subpar quality of the visual effects.
Critics and viewers alike expressed their disappointment, pointing out the shortcomings in the visual effects, which failed to meet the expected standards of a big-budget production like Adipurush. The negative reception cast doubt on the film's ability to deliver a visually immersive experience, a crucial element for such an epic mythological adaptation.
Director Om Raut initially defended the film, emphasizing its grand vision and stating that it was designed for the big screen. However, recognizing the valid concerns raised by the audience, the production house, T-Series, swiftly made the decision to delay the film's release. This delay would allow the team to address the issues with the visual effects and ensure a more polished final product that would meet the audience's expectations.
The release date for Adipurush was consequently rescheduled, with the film being pushed back from its original January 2023 slot to a new release date in June. This postponement aimed to provide the filmmakers with the necessary time to fine-tune the visual effects and deliver a cinematic experience that would live up to the grandeur and scale of the epic tale of Adipurush. The decision to delay the release demonstrated the commitment of the production team to delivering a high-quality film that would captivate and immerse the audience in the world of Adipurush.
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A new trailer, with refined effects
In the month of May, a new trailer for Adipurush finally made its way to the eager audience, showcasing significant improvements in the visual effects department. The revamped trailer aimed to address the concerns raised during the earlier teaser release, where incomplete visual effects had been a cause for disappointment among viewers.
As the new trailer unfolded, viewers were quick to appreciate the efforts made to enhance the previously lackluster shots. The scenes that had appeared incomplete or unfinished in the earlier teaser now exhibited a more polished and visually appealing presentation. The meticulous attention to detail in refining character appearances and enhancing the textures in the background did not go unnoticed.
However, despite the visible improvements, there remained a sense of cautiousness among the audience. Adipurush had been predominantly perceived as a CGI-driven film, with an overwhelming reliance on computer-generated imagery to bring the epic tale to life. This perception continued to raise concerns and reservations among viewers, who approached the new trailer with a tempered optimism.
One noticeable change in response to feedback was the reduced screen time of Saif Ali Khan, who had faced criticism for his appearance in earlier promotional material. The filmmakers seemed to have taken the feedback into account and adjusted the portrayal of Saif's character accordingly. This modification aimed to address the specific concerns raised and alleviate any reservations regarding the character's visual representation.
While viewers acknowledged the efforts made to refine the visual effects and welcomed the changes, there was still a lingering sense of caution. The audience remained vigilant, hoping that the improvements showcased in the new trailer would extend to the film as a whole, ensuring a cohesive and visually captivating experience throughout.
The release of the new trailer marked another step in the journey of Adipurush, generating renewed interest and anticipation among the audience. As the film's release date drew nearer, the cautious reception persisted, with viewers eagerly waiting to witness whether the refined visual effects would successfully harmonize with the overall narrative and deliver a truly immersive cinematic experience.
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Tribeca premiere
In a surprising turn of events, it was quietly unveiled in April that Adipurush, the highly anticipated mythological epic, had secured a coveted spot for a world premiere at the esteemed Tribeca Film Festival in New York. The news sent waves of excitement through the industry and fans alike, as the festival, co-founded by the legendary actor Robert De Niro, was known for its prestigious platform and celebration of diverse cinematic experiences. Adipurush was set to grace the festival's midnight section, promising an exhilarating debut for the grand saga.
However, without any official announcement or explanation, the premiere's fate took an unexpected twist. The film was suddenly removed from the festival's listings, leaving attendees and enthusiasts bewildered. The silence surrounding the cancellation only fueled speculation and curiosity among eager followers of the film.
Various reports began to circulate, attempting to unravel the mystery behind the vanishing premiere. One prevailing suggestion was that Adipurush was not yet fully completed in time for its scheduled Tribeca premiere, which was poised to take place merely days before its global release. This theory hinted at potential technical or logistical challenges faced by the production team, causing the decision to withdraw from the festival.
The abrupt disappearance of Adipurush from the Tribeca Film Festival's lineup left a void in the program and disappointed those who had eagerly anticipated witnessing the grand unveiling of the cinematic spectacle. The reasons behind the cancellation remained shrouded in secrecy, leaving fans with lingering questions and an air of intrigue.
While the festival's audience was denied the opportunity to experience Adipurush in its intended premiere setting, the anticipation for the film's global release continued to build. As the festival's lights dimmed and the buzz of the cancellation settled, movie enthusiasts eagerly awaited the unveiling of Adipurush on a broader stage, hoping that the unexplained cancellation would not dampen the grandeur and impact of the much-anticipated cinematic masterpiece.
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Theatrical release
After much anticipation, Adipurush finally graced the silver screen on June 16, marking its theatrical debut. However, the initial response to the film was far from what the creators and fans had hoped for, as negative reviews flooded in swiftly. The primary grievances centered around the subpar quality of the visual effects, the cringeworthy dialogue writing attributed to Manoj Muntashir, and the introduction of superhero movie parallels by director Om Raut. As the day progressed, even the most dedicated members of the film's core audience expressed their disapproval of certain character portrayals.
Critics and viewers alike voiced their dissatisfaction with various aspects of the film. One prevalent concern revolved around the lines given to Hanuman, with many finding the "Tere baap ki" (your father's) dialogue unfitting for the revered character. This choice of dialogue prompted disappointment and criticism from devotees who believed it detracted from the dignity and reverence associated with Hanuman.
Furthermore, a significant point of contention was the portrayal of Lord Rama as an Angry Young Man, which struck a dissonant chord with viewers. The departure from the traditional depiction of Lord Rama, known for his calm and composed nature, left many questioning the creative decision and expressing their discontent.
These critical observations further compounded the negative reception of Adipurush, fueling a sense of disappointment among audiences who had eagerly anticipated an authentic and faithful retelling of the epic tale. The film's debut left a bittersweet taste in the mouths of viewers who had hoped for a cinematic experience that honored the source material and resonated with their deep-rooted reverence for the characters and the narrative.
As the curtains drew on the opening day, Adipurush found itself mired in controversy and backlash, with both critics and devotees expressing their concerns and disillusionment. The film's creators were faced with the arduous task of addressing the prevailing criticisms and reconciling the disheartened sentiments of their audience. The fate of Adipurush now rested on their ability to navigate these troubled waters and restore the faith of those who had eagerly awaited a cinematic masterpiece worthy of the epic it sought to retell.
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Director, writer defend decisions
In the wake of Adipurush's release, director Om Raut and writer Manoj Muntashir took to television to address the mounting criticism and defend their creative choices. Raut, seeking to clarify the film's scope, emphasized that it focuses solely on a specific portion of the Ramayana, rather than attempting to encompass the entire epic. Meanwhile, Muntashir hinted at a conspiracy aimed at tarnishing the film's reputation, suggesting that there may be ulterior motives behind the negative reception.
During the television appearance, Raut acknowledged the negative reviews but emphasized that the opinions of the audience held greater significance to him. He expressed his commitment to delivering a cinematic experience that resonates with viewers, and assured them that their feedback would be taken into account moving forward.
In a subsequent interview with Aaj Tak, Muntashir made a startling statement, asserting that Adipurush is not, in fact, an adaptation of the Ramayana, but rather a work inspired by it. This statement contradicted his earlier remarks in 2022, where he stated that the film would faithfully replicate the essence of the Ramayana. Muntashir's shifting stance left many perplexed, questioning the coherence of the film's narrative and its adherence to the source material. His assertion that only a negligible deviation exists from the Ramayana appeared to further deepen the confusion surrounding the film's creative direction.
In response to the growing controversy and to promote a sense of unity among viewers, T-Series made the decision to alter the controversial lines of dialogue in Adipurush. This move aimed to foster a more cohesive and inclusive film experience for audiences, reflecting the production company's commitment to addressing concerns and maintaining harmony within the narrative.
As Adipurush continued to face scrutiny and navigate the turbulent aftermath of its release, Raut and Muntashir's public appearances and statements showcased their resolve to address the criticisms, engage with the audience, and steer the film towards a more cohesive and universally appreciated rendition of the epic tale.
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Protests
The release of Adipurush sparked widespread protests and political backlash, with several notable figures voicing their objections and calling for changes to the film. Kathmandu mayor Balen Shah was one of the first to formally protest against the movie, expressing concern over a specific line of dialogue that referred to Sita as 'India's daughter.' Mayor Shah asserted that Sita holds great cultural and religious significance for Nepal as well, and insisted that the line could offend the sentiments of Nepali citizens. He threatened to impose a ban on all Hindi movies in the region unless the line was amended. In response to the ultimatum, T-Series, the studio behind Adipurush, agreed to make the requested changes within the given timeframe. As protests escalated, T-Series also issued an apology in an attempt to address the growing discontent.
Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Anurag Thakur, joined the chorus of disapproval, emphasizing that no film should be allowed to offend people's sensibilities. The Aam Aadmi Party called for a ban on the movie, while the Samajwadi Party raised objections to its content. Praveen Shankar Kapoor, the Delhi BJP spokesperson, demanded a temporary ban on the film's screening until the contentious scenes and dialogues were re-evaluated. Protests erupted on the streets of Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi, reflecting the intense public sentiment surrounding the film.
Interestingly, prior to the film's release, the filmmakers had sought the blessings and support of several prominent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders. The credit roll of the film acknowledged the contributions and support of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, as well as Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, an ally of the BJP. This acknowledgment further fueled the controversy, with critics questioning the role of political endorsements and their potential influence on the film's content and reception.
The protests, political objections, and the involvement of influential leaders added to the already heated atmosphere surrounding Adipurush, underscoring the need for careful consideration of religious and cultural sensitivities, as well as the responsibility of filmmakers to navigate complex narratives without inciting controversy.
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Box office
Adipurush made a remarkable start on Friday, raking in an impressive sum of Rs 140 crore worldwide. The film showcased strong potential throughout the weekend, culminating in a global total of Rs 340 crore. However, the positive momentum took a drastic downturn on Monday, with a historic drop in earnings, amounting to only Rs 20 crore nett across India. Whether influenced by scathing reviews or negative word-of-mouth, the film encountered a significant setback, especially considering its reported budget of Rs 600 crore. The financial prospects of Adipurush now appear precarious.
Moreover, Adipurush was anticipated to serve as a resurgence for Prabhas, whose career had encountered setbacks following the release of the Baahubali films, which propelled him to pan-India stardom. Prior to Adipurush, Prabhas had faced consecutive critical and commercial disappointments with films like Saaho and Radhe Shyam. The film was poised to reestablish his standing in the industry and rejuvenate his waning trajectory.
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