ADIPURUSH (THE ORIGINAL MAN): A re-telling of Valmiki’s Ramayana with a motherload of VFX and CGI, this movie lacks the simplicity of Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayana. Familiarity with the story is a pre-requisite in following the script. Kriti Sanon as the demure and docile Sita looks frail, yet elegant. Prabhas is strangely one-dimensional in this 3D movie and the Ram-Sita jodi lacks chemistry. I wonder why physical intimacy is not shown in mythologicals whereas in those days, erotica reigned supreme in people’s lives. The movie is superladen with special effects and the Vanar Sena scenes would remind you of Planet of the Apes. The dialogues in modern day Mumbaikar language are cringe-worthy. Saif Ali Khan’s Ravana act is compelling. Saif Ali Khan started as a villian in Tanaji and lookes devilish in the snake massage scene. Though I wonder why every historical Hindi movie villian has to be a clone of Alauddin Khilji (played with aplomb by Ranveer Singh in Padmavat) and handle giant chicken legs.Despite indulging in not-so-great special effects,the movie, mounted on a gargantuan scale, is a visual spectacle. I wonder why Swarna Lankapuri was depicted in a gray scale rather than golden and overall the movie is drenched in gray/blue filter. Essential elements in the Bali Sugrib war are left out. Even Sita’s Agni Prariksha was left out since it is a blemish on Ram’s character. Sunny Singh plays Lakshman to the hilt. The war scenes could have been edited to give some screen time to Hanuman and his unavering devotion to Ram.The movie is a visual delight for kids and the kids-at-heart who grew up reading Amar Chitra Katha.But somehow the movie lacks the soul of Valmiki’s and Krittibash’s work and the climax is abrupt. Despite the three hour’s connect with the audience, the movie fails to make any significant impact on the audience’s psyche. Watch it for the experience of watching a big-budget movie with all its splendour and glory.
AninditaRoyMusings 