Writer and lyricist Manoj Muntashir has publicly urged audiences to refrain from comparing Nitesh Tiwari's highly anticipated 'Ramayana' with Om Raut's 2023 mythological film 'Adipurush'. Speaking in Mumbai, Muntashir candidly described 'Adipurush' as a "failed attempt" and expressed his best wishes for the upcoming adaptation starring Ranbir Kapoor and Yash.
Acknowledging 'Adipurush's Shortcomings
Muntashir, who wrote the dialogues for 'Adipurush', acknowledged that the film did not meet expectations despite the significant efforts of its creators. "There should be no shame in admitting that 'Adipurush' couldn't meet the expectations," he stated, adding, "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 Tiwari's 'Ramayana' would not only match but surpass its predecessor's success. He also praised Yash, who is set to portray Ravana in the new film, calling him "a very good actor."
The Troubled Run of 'Adipurush'
'Adipurush', featuring Prabhas as Lord Rama, Kriti Sanon as Sita, and Saif Ali Khan as Ravana, was a big-budget production, reportedly costing ₹550 crore. Despite an initially strong opening, the film quickly faced widespread criticism. Audiences and critics alike condemned its dialogues, visual effects, and character portrayals, which many felt were inappropriate and lacked reverence for the mythological epic. This negative word-of-mouth significantly impacted its theatrical run, ultimately leading to a substantial financial loss.
Anticipation for Nitesh Tiwari's 'Ramayana'
The upcoming 'Ramayana' adaptation by Nitesh Tiwari has already generated considerable buzz, particularly following the release of its trailer. The film is set to star Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, and Yash as Ravana, with Arun Govil as King Dasharatha and Ravi Dubey as Lakshmana. Sunny Deol will also appear as Lord Hanuman. The musical score for the ambitious project is being composed by industry legends Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman. 'Ramayana: Part 1' is slated for a Diwali 2026 release, with 'Part 2' scheduled for Diwali 2027.