'Adipurush' debacle: Manoj Muntashir finally apologizes for 'hurting sentiments'
What's the story
Om Raut's mythological drama Adipurush has had a fall from grace and how!
The film—reportedly mounted on a Rs. 500cr budget—became the spoof of jokes and social media trolling just a day after it released and was slammed for the misrepresentation of mythological figures and for painting its characters in urban shades.
Now, writer Manoj Muntashir Shukla has finally apologized due to the backlash.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Controversies first emanated when the Adipurush teaser was launched in October last year.
Back then, the audience had already termed it a "disaster."
When the public tirades started again post Adipurush's release—especially targeting the dialogues—Shukla vehemently came out in its defense, saying they had consciously written them a certain way to appeal to today's generation.
Shukla's apology, now, might finally assuage the raging controversy.
Apology
Shukla has offered his 'unconditional apologies'
In a tweet posted on Saturday morning, Shukla wrote, "I accept people's emotions have been hurt by Adipurush. With folded hands, I extend my unconditional apologies."
"May Prabhu Bajrang Bali keep us united and grant us strength to serve our sacred Sanatan and our great nation."
While some have accepted his apology, others aren't so pleased, asking why "it took him so long."
Twitter Post
Take a look at Shukla's tweet
मैं स्वीकार करता हूँ कि फ़िल्म आदिपुरुष से जन भावनायें आहत हुईं हैं.
— Manoj Muntashir Shukla (@manojmuntashir) July 8, 2023
अपने सभी भाइयों-बहनों, बड़ों, पूज्य साधु-संतों और श्री राम के भक्तों से, मैं हाथ जोड़ कर, बिना शर्त क्षमा माँगता हूँ.
भगवान बजरंग बली हम सब पर कृपा करें, हमें एक और अटूट रहकर अपने पवित्र सनातन और महान देश की…
Shukla's defense
This is how Shukla defended 'Adipurush' earlier
Earlier, Shukla defended the film's alleged uncouth language and claimed this was the way "Ramayana has been passed down generations by our grandmothers and saints."
In another interview, he reportedly proclaimed it was "strange to see people so aghast at Lankesh's alleged wrong portrayal," and asked, "Why so much sympathy for him?"
He further claimed, "Adipurush isn't Ramayana and is only inspired by it."
'Adipurush'
Know a little more about the film
Adipurush stars Prabhas as Raghava, Kriti Sanon as Janaki, and Saif Ali Khan as Lankesh.
Raut has also written the film's screenplay in addition to directing it.
Shukla has been credited for the dialogues and the lyrics of all the Hindi songs. While the dialogues weren't appreciated, the lyrics played a consequential role in the film and were a stupendous representation of the story.