‘I Didn’t Write Qawwalis…’ Manoj Muntashir Praises Adipurush Songs Amid Ramayana Controversy

Lyricist Manoj Muntashir has defended the songs of Adipurush after comparisons with the music of Ramayana. His comments come as the upcoming epic’s soundtrack faces mixed reactions online.

Muntashir responded to a news post linking criticism of Ramayana’s song “Mangal Rang” with memories of Adipurush. The new film’s music, composed by AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer, has drawn debate over its style and suitability for the epic. Some listeners questioned the qawwali-like sound of “Mangal Rang,” while “Ravana Tandav” also received criticism.

What Did Manoj Muntashir Say About Adipurush songs?

Muntashir, who wrote the lyrics and dialogues for Adipurush, acknowledged the film’s flaws but stood by its music. He said, “My brother, I wish my stunt had been repeated in the songs of the Ramayana. Adipurush was a very bad film, the dialogues were even worse, but the songs—every child in the country sings them. Go to Shri Ayodhya sometime, and you'll hear nothing but Adipurush songs playing in every alley.”

He also said he had apologized repeatedly to Ram devotees for the mistakes he made with the film. However, he insisted that the songs reflected devotion and poetic effort. “There was no lack of devotion, dedication, or poetry in them. I didn't write nursery rhymes for Ram, nor qawwalis. People ahead are wise; they know who's worth what. Jai Shri Ram.”

मनोज मुंतशिर वाला कारनामा? बड़ी जाहिलों जैसी बात की है देश के स्वघोषित सर्वश्रेष्ठ न्यूज़ चैनल ने. मेरे भाई काश रामायण के गीतों में मेरा वाला कारनामा दोहराया जाता. आदिपुरुष बहुत ख़राब फ़िल्म थी, संवाद और भी ख़राब थे, लेकिन गीत तो देश का बच्चा-बच्चा गाता है. कभी जाइए श्री अयोध्या पूरी, गली-गली में आदिपुरुष के ही गीत बज रहे होते हैं. जो ग़लती मुझसे हुई, मैंने उसके लिए अनगिनत बार रामभक्तों से क्षमा माँगी और क्षमा मिली भी, लेकिन गीतों को चैलेंज मत करिए. उनमें श्रद्धा, समर्पण और कवित्त की कोइ कमी नहीं थी. न मैंने राम के लिए नर्सरी राइम्स लिखी न कव्वालियाँ. आगे लोग समझदार हैं, जानते हैं कौन कितने पानी के है. जय श्री राम.

— Manoj Muntashir Shukla (@manojmuntashir) October 28, 2026

Why Are Ramayana’s Songs Facing Criticism?

The debate centers on the musical style of “Mangal Rang,” which features Arijit Singh and Shreya Ghoshal and depicts Rama and Sita’s wedding. Some questioned whether its qawwali-like sound suited the story’s religious setting. Others criticized “Ravana Tandav,” released earlier and featuring Yash as Ravana.

Adipurush, released in 2023, starred Prabhas as Rama, Kriti Sanon as Sita and Saif Ali Khan as Ravana. Despite its reported Rs 550 crore budget, the film faced strong criticism over its dialogues and character portrayals, along with a disappointing box-office run.