Adipurush Controversy: Manoj Muntashir Calls Film the Biggest Mistake of His Life, Apologises Three Years Later
Three years after the release of Adipurush, writer Manoj Muntashir has publicly admitted the film was the biggest mistake of his career and apologized for hurting religious sentiments.
Adipurush writer Manoj Muntashir has apologized three years after the film’s release, calling it the biggest mistake of his life and expressing regret over hurting religious sentiments.
The 2023 mythological film Adipurush, starring Prabhas and Kriti Sanon, has once again returned to the spotlight. This time, however, it is not because of a fresh controversy but due to an emotional public apology from the film’s dialogue writer, Manoj Muntashir. Nearly three years after the film’s release, Muntashir has admitted that Adipurush was the biggest mistake of his life and career. He also acknowledged that defending the film after its release was an even bigger error. Expressing regret over hurting the religious sentiments of audiences, he apologized to the entire nation and said he continues to regret his decisions.
During a recent media interview, Manoj Muntashir said that when criticism first emerged following the film’s release, he did not take it seriously. At the time, he believed the backlash would eventually subside, as often happens with major films. However, he gradually realized that people’s disappointment was not limited to the film’s quality but was deeply connected to the religious and cultural sentiments of millions. He said that, with the passage of time, he came to recognize the seriousness of the issue and now considers it the most significant lesson of his life.
Speaking candidly, Muntashir said, “Adipurush was the biggest mistake of my life, and defending it was an even bigger mistake. I feel ashamed of what happened. I apologize to the entire nation. If anyone’s sentiments were hurt, I sincerely seek forgiveness.” His remarks have reignited discussions about the film on social media. While many have described his apology as a sincere acknowledgment of responsibility, others believe it has come too late.
The writer also reflected on the film’s dialogues, admitting that when he revisits some of them today, he is surprised that he wrote them in the first place. He said he now realizes that the dialogues lacked the sensitivity and dignity expected from a film inspired by the Ramayana. According to him, he made errors in judgment as a writer, and the consequences of those decisions continue to stay with him.
Directed by Om Raut, Adipurush was inspired by the Hindu epic Ramayana. The film featured Prabhas as Lord Ram, Kriti Sanon as Sita, and Saif Ali Khan as Ravana. Before its release, the film was heavily promoted and was regarded as one of the most expensive productions in Indian cinema. However, upon release, it faced widespread criticism from both audiences and critics.
Much of the controversy centered on the film’s dialogues and the portrayal of iconic characters. Many viewers argued that the language and characterization of figures from the Ramayana were presented in an overly modern style that did not reflect the dignity associated with the revered epic. In particular, several dialogues involving Lord Hanuman went viral on social media and drew sharp criticism. Religious organizations and spiritual leaders also objected to certain portions of the film.
As the controversy intensified, the filmmakers decided to revise several dialogues, replacing some of the most criticized lines in an attempt to address public concerns. Despite these changes, the negative perception surrounding the film persisted. The controversy also affected its box office performance, and despite its massive budget and star-studded cast, the film failed to meet expectations and remained the subject of public debate for a prolonged period.
Earlier, actress Kriti Sanon, who portrayed Sita in the film, had also spoken about the controversy, saying that the intense criticism had deeply saddened her. She stated that the entire team had worked hard on the project, but the public response was extremely disappointing. Other members of the cast and technical crew also faced sustained criticism following the film’s release.
Film experts believe that the Adipurush controversy has become an important lesson for the Indian film industry. They argue that while creative freedom is essential, films based on religious and cultural subjects must also maintain a careful balance with historical, cultural, and religious sensitivity. For this reason, Adipurush continues to be cited as a significant example in discussions about filmmaking and cultural representation.
Now, nearly three years after the film’s release, Manoj Muntashir’s public apology has once again brought Adipurush into the spotlight. Some view his statement as a courageous act of introspection and accountability, while others believe that such an acknowledgment would have carried greater significance had it been made when the controversy first erupted. For now, his remarks continue to generate widespread discussion across social media, the film industry, and among audiences.
