Cast: Prabhas, Saif Ali Khan, Kriti Sanon, Sunny Singh Nijjar, Devdutta Nage
Director: Om Raut
Ratings: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review: Adipurush has finally hit the screens, and it aims to retell Maharishi Valmiki’s Ramayana in all its glory. Directed by National Award-winning director Om Raut, the film sets out to bring the epic tale alive on the screen for the millennials and Gen-Z. With a massive budget and spectacular art direction, Adipurush is a visual extravaganza that leaves a lasting impact.
One of the standout aspects of the film is its grand scale. Director Om Raut deserves applause for his vision and the larger-than-life dream of capturing the essence of Ramayana. The film is mounted on a massive canvas, evident in every frame and vignette. The art direction by Sagar Mali is truly spectacular, making each scene look like an oil painting. The VFX team also deserves credit for their diligent work in reworking the special effects, overcoming the criticism received after the initial teaser. While some parts may still appear like amateurish live-action animation, experiencing Adipurush in 3D is highly recommended.
However, the film’s runtime becomes a weak link. In an era of dwindling attention spans, a three-hour film can be a challenging proposition. Adipurush feels long-drawn and extremely stretched-out at times, testing the patience of the audience. The familiarity of the event-heavy plot coupled with its duration can be a taxing experience. A two-part storytelling approach, similar to Ponniyin Selvan, might have helped in maintaining engagement. Nevertheless, the music composed by Ajay-Atul and Sachet-Parampara is a saving grace. Ajay-Atul, in particular, shines, proving once again that orchestral music is still an integral part of Indian storytelling. Adipurush adds an interesting addition to their impressive body of work.
Performances: Prabhas, in the role of Raghava, perfectly embodies the character. His portrayal showcases dignity, heroism, and stoutness, leaving a commendable impact. Prabhas carries the film on his shoulders and is likely to win the hearts of his fans once again. His stillness and profoundness in the intense sequences add significant weightage. However, the film occasionally falls into the trap of repetitive low-angle, slow-motion shots of Prabhas.
Kriti Sanon, as Janaki, looks stunning and delivers a class act. She portrays a rare blend of vulnerability and strength, complementing Prabhas’s larger-than-life presence with her restrained performance. Their chemistry, particularly in the song “Tu Hai Sheetal Dhaara,” strikes the right chord.
On the other hand, Saif Ali Khan’s portrayal of Ravana falls short of expectations. The character is written and portrayed through the lens of naivety, reducing Ravana to mere mockery. Saif’s Ravana lacks the depth and nuance expected from an actor of his caliber. The exaggerated personality traits, bizarre gait, and constant wearing of black make his portrayal disappointing. Additionally, certain scenes seem heavily inspired by Game of Thrones, further diminishing the originality of the character.
Sunny Singh’s Lakshmana offers a departure from his usual boy-next-door image, but the character lacks depth and leaves him with little to do. Devdatta Nage shines as Lord Hanuman, capturing attention with his comic timing and bravado.
In the end, While Adipurush may not live up to Om Raut’s previous work, Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior, it remains a visually stunning film that manages to entertain and enlighten the audience. The film marks the beginning of an era where mythology seems to have once again captured the imagination of filmmakers. With upcoming projects like Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt’s Ram