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Adipurush Review: A deadly combination of lazy writing and terrible VFX

Recently released, Adipurush has received immense criticism over its religious inaccuracy, terrible visual effects and lazy writing. It makes us wonder, can a star cast really compensate for all that? Read the whole Adipurush review to know our take on the film. 

We often wonder how so much of the literary treasure of the country remains hidden for a long time. Why does it take so long for us to  discover the hidden gems that the rich culture of ours has? Young people often find themselves intrigued by the superhero concepts and adaptations of the west while they have little to no interest in what we have and they are not at fault for this. When Adipurush was announced, I was glad to be waiting for a contemporary kind of adaptation of the Epic Ramayana. The film announced a well-known cast which kind of indicated that it is definitely going to be a big budget thing. But when we watched the first trailer of the movie, we kept our expectations a little low as we could see the below average quality of visual effects in there but what else could go wrong? They messed with the VFX but there is no way that someone can mess with the writing when it is all inspired from the Ramayana? Well guess what? 

Adipurush – Trailer

Representation and Casting 

The film earned over 140 Crore on its opening day. There were early morning screenings of the film and the theaters were full of people chanting “Jai Shree Ram” even before the film began. The audience for the film cannot be more ready for what they were about to see. Amidst the talks of religious radicalisation in the country, there couldn’t be a better time for the filmmakers to make a film that is appealing to the majority showing the ideas that have become mainstream. Mythological stories have played a major role in storytelling in India and over the last ten years we have seen a number of references to it. In such circumstances, Adipurush was bound to be a hit. Talking about the film’s casting, Prabhas and Kriti Sanon as Raghava and Janki were kinda off. Sunny Singh’s Shesh also lacked appeal. Interestingly, Saif Ali Khan made the most out of what he got in his role of Lankesh. By his appearance, he played the stereotypical muslim villain with a long beard, Kohl in his eyes, handling meat etc. His character reminded us of Alauddin Khalji played by Ranveer Singh. There is definitely something odd about the film’s casting and all of it cannot be coincidence.

Kriti Sanon as Sita

Lack of depth in the story and Religious Inaccuracy

A lot has been said about the religious inaccuracy of the film and in defense of it, the filmmakers have said that it was all for the film’s attempt to make it relatable and entertaining for the younger generation. But what was shown in the film was far from acceptable. Let’s talk about the basic setting of everything, the sets, characters and visual effects. The blue color aesthetic of the film looks straight out of a western superhero film. The film had embarrassingly bad CGI which makes you wonder, where all that budget money went? But what if we say, it’s not the worst thing about the film. Adipurush degrades every good aspect of the classic Ramayana. Lankesh here shows-off his 10 heads very casually and interestingly these heads have their own personality and when he is shown consulting them for his decisions, we found it comical. In the final fight, they didn’t even discuss why Lankesh can’t be killed that easily. Same goes for the character of Kumbhakarna. Not to mention that he had zero dialogues in the film. There are no dialogues and the fight looks something out of Harry Potter. Mentioning Harry Potter reminds of the first scene where Raghava is seen fighting some demons who have a resemblance with Death eaters. The final fight was bland, both the CGI armies couldn’t find a way to connect with the audience because of very obvious reasons. Enough has been said about the writing of dialogues of the film. There aren’t many scenes where characters got to speak. Most of the dialogues are done by the Raghava, Janki and Lankesh as the whole story is centered around them. In rare circumstances, when other characters got to speak a bit, the dialogues were weirdly written. Like the scene where Shesh asks Bajrang to test his intelligence and he asks some really silly ones which made us wonder if it’s for comical relief. Bajrang has his fair share of weird dialogues as well. And then, we have Megnath and Lankesh with some. Everything about the story was really rushed. We didn’t get to know or emotionally connect with the characters and when they get the screen time to shine, they get nerfed down with such dialogues and we are still not clear on what it intended to do.

A snippet from the film

Depth in Characters:

The major problem with Adipurush we had was how even the important characters of the story are written with zero depth. The scene where Jathayu fights Ravana to save Sita was one of the most emotional moments in Ramanand’s Sagar’s Ramayan. The sad demise of Jathayu and his last conversation with Ram and Laxman never failed to make my eyes filled with tears. It just breaks my heart to see lazy writing ruin it all for me. Jathayu has no dialogues in the film and we don’t even get to see even a slightest bit of remorse on the face of Raghava and Shesh. When Jathayu falls off the sky with one wing. Raghava saw it happen and even then, we couldn’t see a single expression of sadness on his face. Another character, Mandodari, shows no emotional connection with his husband. As soon as Sita enters Lanka, she predicts what is about to come and the next scene she is in, we see her in a white saree depicting that she has already accepted the fate of Ravana. Yes, we get the intention of it but it all seems poorly done. It would have made more sense if we saw at least a single interaction between them. Watching the classic Ramayana, we felt all kinds of emotions. Especially when we saw Ravana losing his sons and grandsons in the battle. We feel how he knows that he has already been defeated but he cannot go back and has to face his karma. But the new-age adaptation lacks all of that. 

Also Read: What makes us appreciate the take of “Daredevil Musthafa” on communal harmony and religious differences

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1 Comment

  1. BryanVah

    15.01.2024 at 11:47 pm

    I am not sure where you’re getting your information, but great topic.

    Reply

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Events

The Most Memorable Highlights from the 2025 Academy Awards

Surprises, Stunning Wins, and Emotional Tributes – The 2025 Oscars Had It All. Catch Up with All the Highlights.

The 2025 Academy Awards, held on March 2 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, was a night of triumphs and surprises that had the attention of audiences worldwide. Hosted by Conan O’Brien, the event was lively, full of humor, and celebrated the diversity and creativity of cinema from all around the world. This year’s ceremony stood out for its focus on inclusivity and representation, highlighting the growing diversity and global reach of the film industry. It was also about recognizing talent and stories from across the globe, signaling a shift in how the Academy values the changing trends in filmmaking. 

Historic Wins for Anora

Anora dominates the Oscars as Mikey Madison named best actress and Adrien Brody wins for The Brutalist | Oscars | The Guardian

The evening’s biggest winner was undoubtedly Anora, an indie film that took home five Oscars, including the coveted Best Picture. Sean Baker’s direction was celebrated with a Best Director win, making him only the second person in history to win four individual Oscars in a single night, joining the ranks of Walt Disney. But the film’s success didn’t end there—Mikey Madison, portraying a sex worker entangled with a Russian oligarch’s son, secured Best Actress. At just 25, Madison made history as the ninth youngest actress to win the prestigious award. The triumph of Anora was a testament to its sweeping storytelling, captivating performances, and fresh perspective in filmmaking.

Zoë Saldaña and Paul Tazewell Breaking Barriers

The night also saw a series of groundbreaking wins that reflected Hollywood’s ongoing push for inclusivity and diversity. Zoë Saldaña made history as the first American of Dominican descent to win Best Supporting Actress for her role in Emilia Pérez. Saldaña’s win was not only a recognition of her immense talent but also an important milestone for the representation of marginalized voices in the film industry.

Zoe Saldaña wins best supporting actress Oscar for 'Emilia Pérez' | AP News

Meanwhile, Paul Tazewell took home Best Costume Design for his work on Wicked. Tazewell became the first Black man to ever win in this category, making a significant mark on the history of the Academy Awards.

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Adrien Brody’s Second Oscar Win

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A Heartfelt Musical Tribute by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo

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The musical performances were another standout feature of the night. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo took the stage for a touching tribute to Los Angeles, which was recovering from the devastating wildfires. Their renditions of Somewhere Over the Rainbow and Defying Gravity left the audience in awe, showcasing the emotional power of music and its ability to unite and heal. It was a heartfelt moment that reminded everyone of the strength of the city and the spirit of resilience.

Adam Sandler’s Quirky Fashion Moment

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In true Oscar tradition, the night wasn’t without its lighthearted moments. Adam Sandler became the talk of social media when he showed up to the ceremony in gym shorts. Conan O’Brien couldn’t resist poking fun at Sandler’s unconventional choice, adding humor to the event. The quirky fashion moment quickly became a viral topic, sparking discussions about casual red carpet looks and how even the most unexpected outfits can become part of the Oscar narrative.

Controversies and Unexpected Upsets

Not everything went smoothly, though. The night also saw some controversies that added an extra layer of drama to the proceedings. One of the most talked-about moments occurred when Iranian co-director Hossein Molayemi interrupted his partner, Shirin Sohani, during their acceptance speech for Best Animated Short Film for In the Shadow of the Cypress. Molayemi’s actions were met with backlash on social media, with many criticizing him for overshadowing Sohani’s moment. The ceremony also saw a surprising upset in the Best Actress category when Demi Moore, who was widely favored to win for her role in The Substance, lost out to Mikey Madison. This unexpected loss left many questioning the voting choices and added to the evening’s fair share of shocking moments.

Despite the controversies, the 2025 Oscars will undoubtedly be remembered as a night that reflected both the changing tides of the industry and the enduring power of film.

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Weekly Pop Culture Recap: Talkworthy Highlights from the 82nd Golden Globes Awards, Disney’s Merger with FuboTV and Much More

Read on as we break down the biggest pop culture moments you don’t want to miss. 

Pop culture has a way of keeping us on our toes, doesn’t it? Every week, there’s something new to talk about—whether it’s a jaw-dropping red-carpet moment, a groundbreaking announcement, or just a story that makes you stop and think. It’s what keeps our group chats buzzing and our feeds endlessly scrollable. Read on as we unpack the most buzzworthy highlights of the week.

The 82nd Golden Globe Awards

The 82nd Golden Globe Awards, held on January 5, 2025, at The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, was a night to remember, hosted by Nikki Glaser. One of the most significant moments of the night was Karla Sofía Gascón, who made history as the first trans nominee in a Golden Globe 2025 Screen Actors Guild Awards in a solo category. She was nominated for Best Actress in a leading role for her role in Emilia Pérez. 

Another highlight came from Demi Moore, who won Best Actress in a Motion Picture for her role in The Substance. During her speech, she shared a personal story about a time in her career when a producer told her she was just a “popcorn actress,” which made her doubt herself. Despite facing those challenges, she found new inspiration through The Substance, describing the script as “magical” and “bold.” It was a powerful and emotional moment for Demi, marking a triumphant return to the spotlight.

Seems like the peplum style, popular in the 2010s, is also making a return. Celebrities like Rihanna, Harry Styles, Florence Pugh, and Kate Middleton have been spotted wearing peplum designs. At the 82nd Golden Globes, stars such as Cynthia Erivo and Anna Sawai showcased this trend, signaling its resurgence. While some millennials express mixed feelings about its return, others appreciate its flattering effect on various body types.

Family Guy” Returns to Adult Swim: 

After a hiatus, “Family Guy” reruns have returned to Adult Swim for the first time since 2021. This follows a non-exclusive deal for the rights to older episodes, bringing the beloved animated series back to its original late-night home.

Disney and FuboTV Merger:

Disney has agreed to merge Hulu + Live TV with FuboTV, aiming to enhance their streaming offerings. This merger is expected to provide subscribers with a more comprehensive and diverse range of content, consolidating their streaming services under one umbrella.

The Tamil film, “Maharaja” Gains Unexpected Popularity in China

Mahraja, starring Vijay Sethupathi, has unexpectedly become a hit in China. The Tamil film’s emotional storyline, centered around a father-daughter relationship, has resonated with Chinese audiences. Its success marks a rare achievement for a South Indian film in the international market, showcasing the global appeal of its narrative and Vijay Sethupathi’s performance.

Also Read: Emerging Fashion Designers India Contest Season 2 Put Budding Talent in the Spotlight

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Events

Dorsia, Gurgaon’s One Of The Biggest BYOBs

Dorcia Gurgaon

Word on the Street: Dorsia, a captivating 21,000 sq. ft. BYOB, is open now on the Gurgaon-Faridabad Road, conveniently located near Golf Course Road. This new hotspot offers an escape from the Delhi-Gurgaon trrafic, making it easily accessible.

BYOB? Absolutely—but not in the way you might expect. At Dorsia, you bring the bottle, and the talented mixologists will elevate your drinks to new heights. Your liquor has never tasted this extraordinary! This isn’t just another dining spot, it’s an ultimate escape—original, essential, and truly memorable.

By day, Dorsia is your peaceful retreat, featuring a nature-inspired vibe straight out of Ubud, Bali. It’s the perfect spot to pop open your laptop and find a cozy nook or just kick back with a calming lunch in a beautiful setting. But when the sun sets, the place comes alive! With electrifying EDM, techno, and hip-hop nights, Dorsia transforms into the ultimate party hub where the fun never stops. Diners will arrive for the tasty bites and stick around for the lively atmosphere! With BYOB cocktails and an inviting ambiance, Dorsia is poised to take over the scene—one delicious plate at a time.

Also Read : – The NOU Walk Of Life : New Talk of Town in Luxury Footwear

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