Prabhas-starrer 'Adipurush' Falls Flat, Fails to Capture the Depth and Emotion of Ramayan

New Delhi 19 June (VNI) Bringing the timeless tale of good versus evil to a contemporary audience without losing its essence is undoubtedly a challenging feat. Director Om Raut attempts to achieve this by adopting a Marvel-inspired approach in "Adipurush," emphasizing action-adventure over the deeper philosophical themes ingrained in the story. While this approach may attract the younger crowd, it sacrifices the authenticity and emotional depth that make the Ramayana so revered.

The narrative wastes no time in plunging viewers into the heart of the action, leaving little room for character development or establishing the aura of Ram (played by Prabhas). Instead, the focus shifts swiftly to Sita's (Kriti Sanon) treacherous abduction by Ravan (Saif Ali Khan) and the ensuing epic clash between Ram's fearless army and Ravan's towering forces. The battle scenes attempt to replicate the iconic Avengers' camaraderie, fending off hordes of CGI rakshasas, which, admittedly, provide an engaging spectacle in the film's second half. However, the lackluster first half fails to generate the thrill and urgency the story demands.

Raut grapples with finding the delicate balance between the epic narrative and its execution within a superhero-inspired universe. Unfortunately, the dialogue falls short of delivering the impact expected from characters of such stature. Characters often oscillate between lofty proclamations of righteousness and indecent slang, which detracts from the overall quality of the film. This inconsistency in dialogue further hampers the convincing portrayal of the characters. Furthermore, the narration lacks the emotional gravitas necessary to truly immerse the audience in the epic tale of Ramayana, leaving them feeling detached from the characters' journeys.

Saif Ali Khan's portrayal of the invincible Ravan undoubtedly steals the spotlight in this ambitious retelling. With his wicked mannerisms and imposing presence, Saif delivers a performance reminiscent of his previous dark and delirious characters. The music and background score by Sanchit and Ankit Balhara, along with the songs by Ajay-Atul, enhance Saif's monstrous portrayal of Ravan, providing a significant boost to his character's impact. It is evident that Saif Ali Khan's Ravan is the standout element of "Adipurush," successfully mounted on a massive scale by director Raut.

While the visual effects and overall visual appeal of the film are passable, they fail to leave a lasting impression. The utilization of 3D feels like an unnecessary accessory, overshadowing the unique qualities of the revered characters. With a runtime of three hours, one would hope for a more significant emphasis on character development and the inherent nature of the individuals who shape the story. Unfortunately, the climax fails to deliver the anticipated sense of joy, reward, or victory, leaving viewers yearning for a more emotionally satisfying resolution.

In conclusion, "Adipurush" is an ambitious yet inconsistent retelling of the epic Ramayana. It demonstrates moments of grandeur and benefits from outstanding performances, particularly Saif Ali Khan's captivating portrayal of Ravan. However, the film struggles to strike a balance between its ambitious vision and the need for cohesive storytelling. Additionally, the presence of indecent dialogues detracts from the overall quality and decency of the film. While it falls short in certain areas, "Adipurush" remains a sincere attempt at handling a story of immense magnitude, albeit one that occasionally becomes overwhelmed by its own ambition.