Manoj Muntashir Labels ‘Adipurush’ a ‘Failed Attempt,’ Urges No Comparison With Nitesh Tiwari’s ‘Ramayana’
Manoj Muntashir Shukla, the dialogue writer for 'Adipurush', has labeled the 2023 film a 'failed attempt' and the 'biggest mistake' of his life, admitting shame over its 'crass' dialogues. He explicitly requested not to compare it with Nitesh Tiwari's upcoming 'Ramayana', starring Ranbir Kapoor and Yash, which is slated for a Diwali 2026 release. Get the full story on his candid reactions and the details of both mythological epics.
Mumbai: Lyricist and dialogue writer Manoj Muntashir Shukla has once again addressed the significant backlash faced by the 2023 mythological epic, Adipurush. Speaking to the media in Mumbai this week, Muntashir described the Om Raut directorial as a "failed attempt" and stressed that it should not be pitted against Nitesh Tiwari's upcoming Ramayana adaptation. ‘Ramayana’: Ramlila Body Seeks Pre-Release Screening of Ranbir Kapoor’s Mythological Film, Threatens Protests Over Alleged Inaccuracies.
Manoj Muntashir on ‘Adipurush’ Failure
Muntashir, who penned the dialogues for Adipurush, did not mince words when reflecting on the film's poor reception. He acknowledged the collective efforts of the team but admitted the movie ultimately fell short of expectations. "There should be no shame in admitting that Adipurush couldn't meet expectations. The people associated with the film worked very hard, but it was a failed attempt," he stated.
His recent remarks echo earlier sentiments where he had called Adipurush the "biggest mistake of my life" and confessed that defending it was "an even bigger blunder." Muntashir expressed deep shame over the film's outcome, particularly regarding the dialogues, which drew widespread criticism for their colloquial nature. "The dialogues were extremely crass. I wrote them, and I admit they were bad. When I look back today, I feel deeply ashamed. I don't know why I wrote them. What was I even thinking?" he revealed in a past interaction. He further conceded, "We couldn't do justice to Lord Ram and Hanuman with this film."
Despite the film's critical and commercial failure, Muntashir did express pride in one aspect. "I am very proud that Adipurush's music has reached people. The film's music was a big hit," he added.
Manoj Muntashir on ‘Ramayana’
Addressing the inevitable comparisons between Adipurush and Nitesh Tiwari's upcoming grand adaptation of the Ramayana, Muntashir appealed to the media and audience to refrain from such parallels. "It is better not to compare Ramayana with Adipurush," he asserted. He extended his best wishes to Tiwari's project, stating, "My best wishes will be with every film that brings our story to the world stage. I have a lot of best wishes for Ramayana."
Muntashir also specifically praised actor Yash, who is set to portray Ravana in Nitesh Tiwari's film. "Yash is a very good actor, and there is no doubt in this," he commented. He concluded with a hopeful note regarding the music of the upcoming film: "I hope the music of Ramayana matches that of Adipurush and goes beyond it." Ramanand Sagar’s Grandson Shiv Sagar Reacts to ‘Ramayana’ Trailer, Hopes Ranbir Kapoor Is Accepted As Lord Rama.
Manoj Muntashir on ‘Adipurush’ and ‘Ramayana’ Comparisons
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Ramayana: Part 1 is scheduled for release during Diwali 2026 (November 8, 2026), with Ramayana: Part 2 expected for Diwali 2027.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 05, 2026 03:50 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
