Adpurush - Movie Review

Om Raut scored a hit with "Tanhaji" which had a good blending of visual effects and real life characters. Om and T series have signed Prabhas for the Magnum Opus "Adupurush", the graphical extravaganza of Ramayanam. Prabhad couldn't meet the expectations with Saaho and Radhey Shyam, though he got humongous openings, better than bollywood top heroes. Adipurush success should be able to fill that gap.

Story :- Direct chose the part from where Sita Devi gets kidnapped by Ravanasura and how Rama along with his army defeats Ravana and brings her back, from the entire Ramayanam. Pre and post this part was narrated during titles and end credits for better understanding, to those who are unaware of. Names of the characters were not exactly the same, instead they used alternate names, Rama-Raghava, Sita-Janaki, Lakshmana-Seshu, Hanuman-Bhajrang, etc.

Performances :- Kriti Sanon as Sita was decent. Didn't had much scope for performance but she did her best in the limited scope. Devdatta Nage as Hanuman was apt and he was good. Saif Ali Khan as Ravana (Trendy Ravanasura) was menacing. He did a terrific job with his expressions, antics and action episodes. Prabhas as Rama was good in parts only. In action episodes, obviously he was the man to go for. Looked as if really Lord Rama is using the bow and arrow. In the scene with Sabari, he emoted well. The sadness that Sita was kidnapped, was not well captured and not well acted by him. Also, we remember Rama as a pleasant, elegant and divine features. That was missing on Prabhas face. He looked more of an angry Rama throughout. Also, the problem of Radhe Shyam still continues, in terms of Prabhas looks. His face is out of shape sometimes and nose looked very big. The look of Prabhas before going to Vanavasa in looked very odd and funny, due to hairstyle, moustache, attire. Sunny Singh as Lakhshmana was also a very good choice. Infact, in few scenes, I thought he would be looking good as Rama (Not to hurt Prabhas fans, but this feeling I got while watching the movie). However, you wouldn't get the hype and collections, if Prabhas is not the lead character. 

Technicians :- Background score was good. However, there should have been another option of BG apart from Jai Shriram or it should have been saved till end. But, from entrance fight to climax, only this BG was played numerous times, which made it monotonous after some time. Songs are poor. Dialogues were okayish. Mass dialogue from Hanuman didn't sound well and it felt awkward. Should have avoided it. Costumes were fine as far as Rama and his associates are concerned. The main problem with choosing Ramayana as a story is, it's known to everyone. So, there is no surprise element. Also, you cannot change it, as it's a sentimental and spiritual aspect. So, the only thing Director could do to bring audience to theatres is make it a visual spectacle to attract kids and younger generation. He was only 50% successful in doing so. VFX was not upto the mark, especially in the 2ns half it's too dark and greyish which itself was dull. Since, director cannot modify anything with Rama, as it would hurt sentiments, director took too much liberty in designing Ravana and his associates. Trendy hairstyles, tattoos, weapons, army, palace, etc., But it was too much to accept. Ravanasura, his army and his associates reminded us of Lord of the rings, Game of Thrones, Thor, etc. This might be done for kids. Also, though it's a known story, director should have stressed more on emotions which was lacking. Be it Hanuman meeting his idol Rama for 1st time, laying Rama Sethu, Vibhishana praising greatness of Rama etc, should have been better elevation scenes. 

Positives :-

Background score

Some parts of VFX

Saif Ali Khan

Negatives :-

Dull and greyish 2nd half

Too much liberty taken by Director

Prabhas looks in some parts

Not gripping narration

Analysis :- Either you don't touch spiritual subjects or do 100% justice. That's the mantra. Om Raut missed it big time in terms of judgement, VFX and screenplay. Could have been better, but it's not worst. 

Rating :- 2.5/5. (One time watch to introduce Ramayana to next generation).