The recent release of Prabhas’ Adipurush has taken the box office by storm, amassing over Rs 300 crore worldwide in just three days. However, beneath the surface of this record-breaking success lies a disappointing reality.
Adipurush falls short of its potential, failing to deliver on its promises and lacking both imagination and ambition. Instead of presenting a fresh interpretation of the Ramayana, the film succumbs to the temptation of merging Game of Thrones with Planet of the Apes, resulting in underwhelming special effects that pale in comparison to films like Avatar and RRR.
Lack of Reverence and Trivialization
Despite the creators’ attempts to showcase reverence, Adipurush invades the sacred realm of the Ramayana. While it doesn’t fall into the progressive trap of retelling the epic from Ravan’s perspective, it trivializes the subject matter. By assigning street-style dialogue to Hanuman, one of the most revered Hindu gods, the film reduces him to a mere comic character. Such treatment is disrespectful and unimaginative, as it diminishes the divine qualities associated with these gods. Comparing this to historical figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, it becomes evident that such language would never be deemed acceptable for mortals, let alone gods.
Contemporarizing without Trivializing
Contemporarizing ancient epics is a valid exercise, as demonstrated by Tulsidas in his writing of Ramcharitmanas. However, Tulsidas never invaded the sacred; instead, he maintained a deep reverence for Ram and Hanuman. The makers of Adipurush should look to the successful approach of filmmaker SS Rajamouli, who crafts visually stunning films that honor the civilizational aspects of their storylines.
In his recent film RRR, even a two-minute portrayal of Ram resonated more powerfully than Adipurush’s three-hour narrative. The difference lies in the filmmakers’ treatment of Bhagwan Ram, with Rajamouli presenting a truly civilizational portrayal while Adipurush opts for an angry and agitated characterization.
Misrepresentation of Ravan
Adipurush’s portrayal of Ravan strays far from Valmiki’s original depiction. Instead, the film aligns Ravan more closely with the sadistic and evil persona of Alauddin Khilji. This departure from tradition overlooks the nuanced perspectives within the Ramayana itself, where Ravan is respected by Ram even in his final moments. The Sanatana worldview, deeply rooted in Indian culture, embraces dialogue, diversity, and the coexistence of multiple interpretations. Ravan embodies both extraordinary achievements and the cautionary tale of an ego-driven downfall.
Adipurush represents a missed opportunity for Bollywood to break free from its failures and embrace India’s rich storytelling heritage. Rather than blindly imitating the West and ridiculing Indian sensibilities, filmmakers should display grace, wisdom, and confidence in their Indian identity. It is within the country’s diverse narratives that the industry can find inspiration, offering fresh and reverential interpretations of timeless tales. As India rises to prominence in the 21st century, it is crucial to celebrate its distinctiveness and proudly showcase it on the global stage, with films that pay homage to our cultural roots.
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