Saif Ali Khan Reacts to Adipurush Controversy

After the highly anticipated release of Adipurush, a film based on the Hindu mythological epic Ramayana, Saif Ali Khan has shared his thoughts on the film's failure and the severe backlash it faced. The movie, directed by Om Raut, saw Saif portraying the role of Lankesh, an avatar of Ravana, with Prabhas and Kriti Sanon in the lead roles. However, Adipurush was met with heavy criticism from audiences and critics alike, particularly for its VFX, storytelling, and handling of sensitive religious themes.Read Also: Brave and Honest: Saif Ali Khan Applauds Rahul Gandhi Leadership Qualities

In a recent interview at the India Today Conclave, Saif Ali Khan opened up for the first time about the intense backlash the film faced. Previously, the actor had spoken briefly about the film’s underperformance at the box office, but this time, he delved into the larger conversation around the controversy. Reflecting on the feedback, Saif highlighted the complexities actors face when portraying mythological characters in today's polarized environment.Read Also: Devara Part 1 Review: Jr NTR Latest Film Sets Box Office on Fire, Fans Rejoice

Responsibility on Screen

Saif Ali Khan referred to a court ruling that emphasized how actors can be held accountable for the words and actions of the characters they portray. He explained, “There was a case or decision by the court that mentioned that an actor is responsible for whatever they say on screen.” This adds an extra layer of pressure, he noted, because actors have to be cautious about the roles they take on, especially when it comes to sensitive topics like religion and mythology. Read Also : Jr NTR Intensifies Onscreen Drama in Devara Part 1 Glimpse Promising a Riveting Tale of Bloodshed

The Omkara star acknowledged the limitations actors face, remarking that “many people are not free to say or do whatever they want.” He stressed the importance of self-censorship, cautioning that stepping into controversial or religious roles can lead to trouble. “We all have to police ourselves a bit and be careful,” Saif added, noting that failure to do so could result in unintended consequences.

Audience Expectations and the Adipurush Fiasco

The audience had high expectations for Adipurush, given the rich cultural and religious significance of the Ramayana. Unfortunately, the film did not meet those expectations, leading to widespread disappointment. A large section of the audience criticized the movie's portrayal of key characters and its heavy reliance on subpar visual effects. The storytelling approach, which deviated from traditional depictions, also drew significant backlash.

Saif’s portrayal of Lankesh was one of the key elements scrutinized by critics. Many felt that the character’s modernized and stylized depiction was at odds with the gravity of the source material. Although Saif’s performance was appreciated by some, the overall execution of the film failed to resonate with the audience.

New Beginnings with Devara

Despite the disappointment of Adipurush, Saif Ali Khan is moving forward with his career. He is set to appear in his second Telugu film, Devara: Part 1, directed by Koratala Siva. The 2024 action thriller also stars Jr. NTR and Janhvi Kapoor, and is highly anticipated by fans. This marks a new chapter for Saif, as he continues to explore diverse roles and expand his filmography across different regional cinemas.

As Saif reflects on the lessons from Adipurush, his experience serves as a reminder of the delicate balance required when adapting mythological stories for a modern audience. With Devara on the horizon, fans are eager to see how the actor tackles his next role in what promises to be another exciting film.