Writer-lyricist Manoj Muntashir, known for his work on the 2023 film Adipurush, has openly acknowledged the movie's shortcomings, labeling it a "failed attempt." He has now cautioned audiences against drawing comparisons between Adipurush and Nitesh Tiwari's highly anticipated upcoming adaptation of Ramayana.
Adipurush Fell Short of Expectations
Speaking to the media in Mumbai, Muntashir stated that while those involved put significant effort into Adipurush, the film ultimately did not meet expectations. "There should be no shame in admitting that Adipurush couldn't meet the expectations," he remarked, adding that it was a "failed attempt."
Despite the film's overall reception, Muntashir expressed pride in one aspect: its music. He noted that Adipurush's soundtrack was a major hit and hoped that the music for the new Ramayana would achieve similar or greater success.
The Troubled Run of Adipurush
Released in 2023, Adipurush starred Prabhas as Lord Rama, Kriti Sanon as Sita, and Saif Ali Khan as Ravana. The film, reportedly made on a budget of ₹550 crore, initially saw strong box office numbers. However, it quickly faced severe criticism for its dialogues, visual effects (VFX), and character depictions, which many viewers found inappropriate and modern for a mythological epic. This negative word-of-mouth significantly impacted its theatrical run, causing it to fall over ₹200 crore short of breaking even.
Anticipation for Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana
In contrast, Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana is generating considerable buzz, particularly after its trailer release. Muntashir expressed his best wishes for the new film, highlighting his appreciation for Yash's portrayal of Ravana. "Yash is a very good actor, and there is no doubt in this," he commented. Ranbir Kapoor is set to play Lord Rama, with Sai Pallavi as Sita, Arun Govil as King Dasharatha, Ravi Dubey as Lakshmana, and Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman.
The film boasts a high-profile music team, with compositions by Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman. Ramayana: Part 1 is slated for a Diwali 2026 release, followed by Part 2 in Diwali 2027.