Adipurush Release, Cast, Controversy & A 500-Crore Budget

15 JUNE, 2023

Shaurya Thapa

Photo: IMDb

Adipurush, the latest pan-Indian take on the Ramayana, is finally releasing in theatres on June 16 (Friday). 

ADIPRUSH IS HERE

Photo: IMDb

Directed by Tanhaji's Om Raut, Adipurush is currently reported to be one of the most expensive Indian movies, with a Rs 500 cr budget, after RRR (Rs 550 cr). 

A 500 CRore BUDGET 

Photo: IMDb

Prabhas and Kriti Sanon play Ram and Sita respectively, while Saif Ali Khan plays Ravan and Sunny Singh plays Lakshman. Marathi actor Devdatta Nage plays Hanuman.

WHO PLAYS WHO? 

Photo: IMDb

Adipurush had been drawing flak since 2022, among Hindus who found inaccuracies like Ram having a moustache and Ravan riding a dragon-like creature. 

ENDLESS CONTROVERSIES

The first Adipurush teaser was memed heavily for its laughable CGI, following which Raut promised the visual effects will be improved. 

VFX DRAMA

Photo: IMDb

Photo: IMDb

the fact that Hanuman and other apes in the trailer were depicted as wearing leather straps also drew flak as leather isn't allowed in most Hindu religious spaces. 

HANUMAN LEATHER DRAMA

Photo: IMDb

As a part of its promotion strategy, the exhibitors and producers pushed for reserving one seat in every theatre for Lord Hanuman!

ONE SEAT FOR HANUMAN 

Photo: IMDb

Another move that worked in Adipurush's favour were people mass booking tickets such as Ranbir Kapoor who booked 10,000 tickets for underprivileged children. 

MASS BOOKINGS BY CELEBS

Photo: IMDb

While it is also released in 3D, Adipurush won't be getting an IMAX release as two IMAX movies can't drop on the same day (and The Flash is releasing on IMAX on June 15). 

THE FLASH TOOK ITS IMAX SLOT

Photo: IMDb

Adipurush was supposed to have its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival in US on June 13 but will now be screened at Tribeca only on the Indian release date. 

POSTPONED AT TRIBECA