Adipurush Writer Manoj Muntashir Takes U-Turn, Says ‘Humne Ramayan Nahi Banayi’ Amid Backlash; Netizens React

Adipurush Controversy: Om Raut's latest offering Adipurush is embroiled in one after another controversy since the day of its release on June 16. Starring Prabhas and Kriti Sanon in the lead, the film is said to be based on Hindu epic, Ramayana.

The film drew criticism from all quarters for its 'distorted depiction of Lord Ram' and poorly-written dialogues. And now, dialogue writer and lyricist, Manoj Muntashir Shukla has stirred another controversy after he said that they did not make Ramayana, but the film is just inspired by the Hindu epic saga.

During an interview with a news channel, Manoj said that the film is "exactly the same as the Ramayana". But after the massive backlash over the film's dialogues and contentious portrayals, he defended his stance and said that the film is just inspired by the Hindu saga.

Manoj Muntashir's Statement About Adipurush Before It's Release

A video of the lyricist is going viral on social media, that shows Manoj Muntashir's contrary statements on Adipurush.

Over eight months ago, when he and Adipurush director Om Raut had appeared for a TV interview on ABP news, he said: "If people think we are trying to modernize the Ramayan, I want to tell them that not at all. We have presented the Ramayan just like how people heard in stories during their childhood."

Muntashir's Changed Statement

But during a recent Aaj Tak interview, Muntashir contradicted himself, as he said, "The film's name is Adipurush. Humne Ramayan nahi banayi hai. Hum Ramayan se prerit hai (We have not made the Ramayan; we are just inspired by it)."

Netizens React To Muntashir's Statement

Muntashir's statement has irked netizens, who called him out for his 'double standards'. A user wrote, "I completely condemn what is shown in #Adipurush in the name of the great epic #Ramayan! It's completely unacceptable what they tried portraying in the movie! For God sake, Ramayan is not a myth. It's our history and they are our God! RESPECT IT!"

Another wrote, "They just want to earn money. Respect sentiments of Hindus and the Ramayan."

Big 'U' turn of Manoj Muntashir, the dialogue writer of "Adipurush", after facing the Criticism...#AdipurushReview #Adipurush #ManojMuntashir https://t.co/42kexPeZgD

— Surya Reddy (@jsuryareddy) June 18, 2023

They just want to earn money.
Respect sentiments of Hindus and the Ramayan. #Adhipursh #BanAdipurush https://t.co/3Za6nUZ0kr

— Pooja Mighlani (@poojamighlani) June 18, 2023

Meanwhile, Manoj Muntashir was subjected to massive flak after he said 'Bajrangwali Bhagwan Nahi Hai." Manoj told AajTak as he defended his dialogues in the film,

"Bajrangbali bhagwaan nahi hai, bhakt hai. Humne unko bhagwaan banaya hai kyuki unki bhakti mein wo power tha (Lord Hanuman is not God but a mere devotee. We made him God because his devotion had that power)."