Adipurush101 – How to make 450 Crores out of Terminal Garbage

A Deep Dive into the Criticisms, Controversies, and Ethical Dilemmas Surrounding the Mega-budget Epic

In the vast realm of Indian cinema, certain movies inevitably cause a stir, captivating the nation’s attention for reasons beyond their storyline and star-studded cast. One such film that created a seismic uproar across the country was “Adipurush.” This ambitious cinematic venture aimed to portray the timeless epic of Ramayana on the silver screen, but instead, it encountered a whirlwind of criticism, controversies, and ethical quandaries. As we delve into the intricacies of the film, we will explore why “Adipurush” became a subject of debate and how it mirrored a troubling trend pervading the film industry.

The Phenomenon of Adipurush: Early Box Office Triumph and Subsequent Downfall

“Adipurush” burst onto the scene with much fanfare, promising an extravagant retelling of the classic Ramayana. However, the initial excitement soon gave way to disappointment as viewers and critics alike began to notice glaring flaws in the film’s execution. From cringe-worthy dialogues to subpar visual effects and copied scenes, “Adipurush” faced relentless criticism from all quarters. But before the public could fully grasp the extent of its shortcomings, the film enjoyed an unprecedented box office success, earning a staggering ₹2.50 billion in just three days. The euphoria was short-lived, though, as word of mouth spread, leading to a significant decline in its fortunes. After 20 days of its release, the film struggled to cross the ₹2.90 billion mark, and its run in theatres was nearly at its end.

Unearthing the Motive Behind “Adipurush”: A Lack of Artistic Integrity

As the dust settled and the frenzy subsided, one question lingered – what motivated the creation of “Adipurush”? Many in the industry questioned the film’s director, dialogue writer, and actors, accusing them of overlooking the essence of Ramayana and failing to grasp the importance of their work. The film’s detractors argued that instead of genuinely exploring the epic’s depth and richness, the creators merely chased commercial success, ignoring the responsibility that comes with adapting such revered material.

Creative Liberty or Copycat? Deconstructing “Adipurush’s” Alleged Plagiarism

One of the most damaging allegations against “Adipurush” was the accusation of plagiarism. Comparisons were drawn with various Hollywood films, as scenes, set designs, and dialogues appeared eerily reminiscent of other well-known works. For instance, Ravan’s Lanka bore an uncanny resemblance to Thor’s Asgard, and certain flying demon sequences looked strikingly similar to the dementors from the Harry Potter universe. These unsettling resemblances fueled speculation that the film’s creative liberties were, in reality, borrowed from other sources.

Cultural Misrepresentation: The Disregard for Historical Accuracy

Beyond the accusations of plagiarism, “Adipurush” faced criticism for misrepresenting critical aspects of Indian culture and history. Historical accuracy is crucial when portraying beloved mythological tales. Yet, the film opted for artistic liberties that distorted well-known characters and settings. For instance, Jatayu, originally depicted as a vulture in Valmiki’s Ramayan, was portrayed as an eagle in the film. Similarly, Ravan’s Lanka, a city of gold in the original Ramayana, was depicted as black and coal-like in the movie. These alterations to the core essence of the Ramayana raised eyebrows and reinforced the perception of the film’s careless approach.

Exploiting Religious Sentiments: The Troubling Trend in Indian Cinema

Perhaps the most unsettling aspect of “Adipurush” was the alleged exploitation of religious sentiments. Some argued that the film’s creators cynically banked on the popularity of Ramayana among the masses, assuming people would flock to the theatres based solely on their reverence for the epic. The one-seat gesture for Lord Hanuman and various claims surrounding divine inspiration raised eyebrows and sparked a broader conversation about the ethical implications of using religious narratives for commercial gains.

The Pitfall of Formula Films: Stifling Creativity and Diluting Artistry

The debacle of “Adipurush” underscored the growing prevalence of formula films in the Indian cinema landscape. Movies that conform to established patterns and genres are perceived as safer bets for box office success, leading to a stifling of creativity and originality. The reliance on familiar formulas, such as action-packed blockbusters with superstars, remakes, and sequels, has compromised the industry’s ability to produce thought-provoking, socially relevant, and artistically sound cinema.

Conclusion

“Adipurush” may have earned immense profits initially, but it also exposed the darker underbelly of the film industry’s commercial ambitions. The controversies surrounding the film offered a poignant reminder that cinematic artistry should not be sacrificed at the altar of box office triumph. For the Indian film industry to thrive and produce truly remarkable works, creators must embrace the responsibility of retelling revered tales and presenting culturally significant narratives. Ultimately, it is the audiences’ discerning choices that will shape the future of cinema, encouraging a return to the essence of storytelling, originality, and artistic integrity.