Adipurush Review: Sincere Attempt but Modern Twist to RAMAYANA hurts the ethos & depth of the original epic

“Ramayan” is an age old tale and something that is very close to many people in India,
and even to many people outside of India who are fascinated with history, mythology and
reading about different religions. So, when someone tries to recreate the story of Ramayana, a
certain level of authenticity and sensitivity is required. While the intentions behind making the
film is pure, the results are not very satisfactory.
Let’s keep in mind that telling a timeless tale of good versus evil to a contemporary
audience, without appearing outdated is undeniably challenging. So, hats off for the effort.
Director Raut takes a cue from Marvel’s playbook, aiming to engage younger viewers with an
emphasis on action and adventure rather than moral themes. However, this westernization
doesn’t really go with the ethos of Ramayana. From the start, the story plunges us into the
heart of the narrative, with Sita’s treacherous abduction by the formidable Ravan. This sets the
stage for an epic clash between Ram’s brave army and the towering Ravan. The second half of
the film, dedicated to the war, manages to captivate and compensate for a relatively lackluster
first half.
Raut, however, throughout the film, grapples with finding the right balance between the
grandeur of the epic story and its execution within the superhero genre. It’s neither here nor
there. The dialogues, expected to carry immense weight, fall somewhat short in leaving a
lasting impact. There are some dialogues which sound as if spoken by modern day folks which
also goes against the depth behind a story like Ramayana. Characters often appear
unconvincing as they vacillate between profound declarations of justice and crude taunts. The
initial narration lacks the emotional gravity that should accompany an epic tale like Ramayana,
which can make it challenging for viewers to truly invest in the character’s journeys. So yes, the
second half is better because of the action, but it is not merely action which makes Ramayana
the great epic that it is.

When it comes to performances, Saif Ali Khan’s portrayal of Ravan stands out as an
invincible force, commanding attention with his wicked mannerisms. This is a film where the
villain steals the show. Saifs evil mannerisms and intimidating presence is one genuine reason
to watch this film. Prabhas maintains a heroic presence as Ram, however his expressions seem
limited in this film. Kriti Sanon is beautiful and has great screen presence, but that’s all. The
supporting cast is ok, but it seemed as if the makeup, vfx and the look of each character
somehow worked as an obstacle for them to really perform to their best potential.
The music, background score by Sanchit and Ankit Balhara, and songs by Ajay-Atul serve
as powerful catalysts, mainly amplifying the impact of Khan’s monstrous depiction of Ravan.
Overall the music is also one of the strengths of the film, along with the sound design.
Unfortunately, the film’s visual effects and overall visual appeal are unacceptable in
today’s day and age. They don’t leave a lasting impression and seem very superficial. The
inclusion of 3D feels somewhat unnecessary, not significantly adding to the overall experience.

With a runtime of three hours, one might have hoped for a stronger reliance on the
distinctive qualities of the revered characters rather than an overemphasis on the below par
special effects. If only the script and dialogues were given more attention, this could have been
a much better film. Unfortunately, the climax fails to deliver the expected sense of joy, reward,
or victorious culmination. “Adipurush” therefore remains a sincere attempt, but the grandeur
and depth of Ramayana is lacking.