New Delhi: In a film filled with unintentionally funny scenes, one that stands out is when Ravan, dons a mask and embarks on an unexpected career as an electrician. Sadly, this scene is just one of many examples that contribute to the overall disappointment of Adipurush, an adaptation of the beloved Indian epic, Ramayan.
Image source: @actorprabhas/Instagram
Directed by Om Raut, the movie fails to capture the essence and grandeur of the ancient saga. Despite a promising premise, Adipurush falters in its execution, leaving audiences longing for a better cinematic portrayal of Ramayan.
The first half of the film sets off with an impactful scene in which Ravan receives a powerful boon from Brahma. This sequence holds promise, but unfortunately, it is swiftly followed by a rather lackluster entrance of Ram, Sita, and Laxman during their exile in the forest.
The portrayal of Ram, played by Prabhas, lacks the depth and conviction expected from such an iconic character. His entry scene, filled with the mindless killing of demons, comes across as juvenile and fails to evoke the desired impact.
As the story progresses, the pivotal moment of Sita’s abduction unfolds, and it is marred by subpar visual effects. The scene, intended to be emotionally gripping, falls flat due to the poor execution of the VFX.
Furthermore, the depiction of Lanka and Ravan consistently falls short, with dark and unintentionally funny visuals that undermine the gravity of the narrative. The 3D effects throughout the film are weak, failing to immerse the audience fully.
One glaring issue is the team’s choice of making characters of Lanka wear masks, which appear more akin to characters from Roman or Greek mythology rather than the rich Indian heritage. The portrayal of Indrajeet with a prominent tattoo raises eyebrows, as it seems out of place in this context.
Dialogues play a crucial role in any cinematic experience, but in Adipurush, they prove to be a major letdown. The filmmakers resort to using colloquial and inappropriate language, including phrases like “baap” (father) and “chal nikal” (get lost). Such dialogue choices seem out of place and disrespectful, considering the solemnity of the Ramayan saga.
The language used throughout the film feels random and disconnected from the context, further diminishing the overall impact.
Image source: @actorprabhas/Twitter
In terms of performance, Prabhas delivers an average portrayal of Ram, failing to embody the noble and righteous characteristics associated with the character. Sunny Singh’s performance as Laxman is devoid of any expression, leaving the character lacking depth.
However, Kriti Sanon’s portrayal of Sita stands out as a surprise, displaying commendable acting skills and bringing some life to the otherwise lackluster proceedings.
Devdatta Nage’s portrayal of Hanuman, though lively to an extent, is not enough to salvage the film.
The biggest disappointment comes from Saif Ali Khan’s portrayal of Ravan, which falls flat. His performance lacks the menacing presence and charisma that a character of such magnitude demands.
In my opinion, the film would have fared better if made as an animated adaptation targeting kids. However, even when viewed from this perspective, there are other commendable animated renditions of the Ramayan available, making Adipurush disappointing on every level.
The second half of Adipurush proves to be unbearable, as the war scenes turn comical. It becomes increasingly difficult to engage with the film, and certain scenes, such as Ravan receiving a massage from snakes, are simply absurd and poorly executed.
Overall, Adipurush is a film that fails to do justice to the epic tale of Ramayan. Despite its promising premise, the execution is riddled with flaws. The weak visual effects, poor dialogue choices, and inadequate performances undermine the essence of the story and prevent it from resonating with the audience.
One can only hope for a better cinematic adaptation of Ramayan in the future, as Adipurush falls miserably short in its attempt to bring this beloved saga to life.
