Adipurush Writer Manoj Muntashir Addresses Controversy Over Film's Dialogues

Manoj Muntashir, the dialogue writer for Adipurush, recently opened up about the intense backlash surrounding the film’s dialogues. The movie, directed by Om Raut, is an adaptation of the epic Ramayana and faced widespread criticism upon its release, particularly for its dialogues and visual effects.

In a conversation with YouTuber Shubhankar Mishra, Muntashir expressed his emotions and reflected on the aftermath of the criticism. He revealed that the negative response deeply affected him. "Roya tha main… Ek insan ke taur pe maine ye samjha ki kuch bhi permanent nahi hai. Jo aaj hai, ho sakta hai ye kal na ho, lekin ye bhi seekha ki jo accha hai, wo kal bura bhi ho sakta hai aur wo parso accha bhi ho sakta hai. Toh mai ruka nahi hu, jhuka nahi hu, mai din raat koshish kar raha hu," he said, sharing how the experience made him realize the transient nature of success and failure.

When asked about how he processed the criticism, Muntashir explained that the ordeal was a learning experience. He emphasized that despite the backlash, he remained determined and continued working hard.

During the discussion, Muntashir also disclosed a conversation he had with the film’s director, Om Raut. He recalled attending a screening of Adipurush and admitting to Raut that the film felt “shallow” in parts. He recounted the director’s response: "He said, ‘Sir, hume apni reach badhani hai. Hum agar sahaj aur saral baat karenge toh hogi… lekin aap toh Ramayan, Valmiki waale school se aate hein toh apko ye shallow lagega.’" Muntashir noted that he considered Raut’s perspective valid.

Released in 2023, Adipurush garnered heavy criticism from audiences for its perceived shortcomings in various aspects, including subpar VFX, inconsistent graphics, and what many saw as weak dialogues. The film, which starred Prabhas and Kriti Sanon, was anticipated as a grand retelling of the Ramayana, but many viewers were left disappointed. Certain dialogues, such as "marega bete," "bua ka bagicha hain kya," and "jalegi tere baap ki," sparked particular outrage, with critics accusing the makers of deviating from the tone expected of an epic narrative.