JE Entertainment Desk: Made on a massive budget of Rs 600 crore, the mythological flick 'Adipurush' hit the theatres on June 16, 2023. The film, based on the epic Ramayana, opened to disappointing response from the audience as well as the critics. Trade analyst Taran Adarsh dubbed Prabhas and Kriti Sanon-starrer a 'disappointment' and gave the film 1.5 stars. It appears that the bad word-of-mouth is also impacting the movie's Box Office earnings. The controversy surrounding the film has sparked a number of demonstrations around the nation and forced the filmmakers to make some adjustments to the movie after it was released.

However, the first weekend saw record-breaking box office receipts, mostly because to Prabhas' devoted fan base and the movie's universal appeal. 'Adipurush' failed Monday test at the BO as the film saw a major fall by 75 percent.

Here's a look at the controversies surrounding 'Adipurush':

Saif Ali Khan's controversial statement

Ahead of movie's release, actor Saif Ali Khan commented about humanising Ravana in the film. In an interview with Mumbai Mirror, he said, "It’s interesting to play a demon king, less strictures in that. But we will make him humane, up the entertainment quotient, justify his abduction of Sita and the war with Ram as revenge for what was done to his sister Surpanakha by Lakshman, who cut off his nose."

Later, Saif issued an apology as he stated, "I’ve been made aware that one of my statements during an interview has caused a controversy and hurt people’s sentiments. This was never my intention or meant that way. I would like to sincerely apologise to everybody and withdraw my statement."

'Adipurush' Teaser Launch

Although the producers and the entire ensemble were thrilled to release the much awaited teaser for 'Adipurush', things didn't go as planned. The reaction to the teaser was uniformly unfavourable, with many people criticising the poor quality of the visual effects. The film was earlier slated to hit the theatres in January 2023, but owing to the negativity it received post teaser launch, T-Series quickly made the decision to delay its release in order to fine-tune the effects.

A new trailer for 'Adipurush' was released in May. The trailer featured refined visual effects which was appreciated by the viewers.

'Adipurush' Removed From Tribeca Film Fest

'Adipurush's international debut was covertly announced to take place at the renowned Tribeca Film Festival in New York in April. The renowned actor Robert De Niro announced that the film will be screened in the midnight session. But, later, Adipurush was no longer included in the festival's schedule and the premiere appeared to have been cancelled. According to some sources, the movie wasn't finished in time for the premiere.

'Adipurush' Hit The Theatres

After much delay, 'Adipurush' hit the theatres on June 16. After its premiere, both the public and the reviewers were let down by everything from the dialogues to the poor VFX and casting. The complaints were majorly focused on the cringeworthy dialogue writing by Manoj Muntashir.

Dialogue Writer Manoj Muntashir Receives Death Threats

Manoj Muntashir received death threats after the release of the film. He was then provided security by Mumbai Police. His latest statement about Lord Hanuman received a lot of flak online.

In an interview with AajTak, Muntashir said, "Woh (Bajrangbali) Shri Ram ki tarah baat nahi karte. Bajrangbali daarshanik baatein nahi kartein. Bajrangbali bhagwaan nahi, bhakt hai. Humne unko bhagwaan banaya baad mein kyuki unki bhakti mein wo power tha (He doesn't talk like Shri Ram. Lord Hanuman doesn't talk in a philosophical manner. Lord Hanuman is not God but a devotee. We made him God later because his devotion had that power)."

Political leaders Ask For Film's Ban

Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Anurag Thakur, stated that no film should be allowed to get away with upsetting people's sensitivities. Aam Aadmi Party also demanded that the film be banned, while the Samajwadi Party voiced concerns about its content.

All Indian Cine Workers Association Writes Letter To PM Modi

On Tuesday, All India Cine Workers Association President Suresh Shyam Lal Gupta wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, thereby demanding an immediate ban on the film for 'hurting religious sentiments'.

As cited by news agency ANI, the letter read, "All Indian Cine Workers Association demands ban on screening the movie Adipurush. This movie's screenplay and dialogues are clearly defaming the image of Lord Ram and Lord Hanuman. Adipurush movie is hurting religious sentiments of Hindus and Sanatan Dharma. Prabhu Shri Ram is a God for everyone in India not matter what religious faith one comes from, this movie depicts Lord Ram and even Ravan who looks like a character of a video game, with dialogues hurting every Indian in the country and across the globe. We request Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji order to stop screening this movie and immediately order a ban of Adipurush screening in the theatres and OT platforms in the future."