In the creative realm, few experiences can be as harrowing as witnessing your work receive widespread criticism. This scenario became a stark reality for writer Manoj Muntashir Shukla, associated with the mythological epic ‘Adipurush’. The film, which debuted with high expectations, faced universal denunciation, failing to recuperate its colossal budget of Rs 600 crore. While the star cast, including Prabhas, Saif Ali Khan, and Kriti Sanon, remained reticent in the wake of this fiasco, Manoj emerged as the vocal point of the backlash, facing the brunt of public disapproval.
The Personal Impact of Professional Choices: Safety, Family, and Public Image
In an insightful conversation with AajTak, Manoj disclosed the personal toll of the film’s adverse reception. His candid admission of receiving death threats post-release underscores the volatile intersection of art, religion, and public sentiment. He reflects, “The world may consider you good and tomorrow it may be considered bad but for your family, you are a hero.” This statement resonates deeply, highlighting the dichotomy between public perception and personal identity. His subsequent relocation abroad, a decision driven by concerns for safety, marks a poignant moment in his career.
The Perils of Defense: Acknowledging a Misstep
Manoj’s introspective view on his decision to defend his work publicly is particularly noteworthy. His realization that offering clarifications in the heat of the controversy only fueled the fire is an essential lesson for creative professionals. It’s a delicate balance between defending one’s artistic choices and acknowledging public sentiment. He admits his error in judgment, stating, “I should not have spoken at that time. If people are angry with this, then their anger is justified.” This humility in accepting his ‘biggest mistake’ is a testament to his growth as a creative individual.
“आदिपुरुष फ़िल्म लिखना ग़लती थी, मुझे दूसरा अवसर मिलना चाहिए”
◆ फ़िल्म राइटर मनोज मुंतशिर का बयान @manojmuntashir | #ManojMuntashir | pic.twitter.com/diPKdhlDF5
— News24 (@news24tvchannel) November 10, 2023
Learning from Mistakes: A Pledge for Mindful Creativity
The crux of Manoj’s experience lies in his acknowledgment of the ‘mistake’ in penning ‘Adipurush’. He clarifies his intentions were never to offend the devout Hindu community. His statement, “A mistake has been made, a big mistake has been made… I have learned a lot from this accident and it was a great learning process. I will be very careful from now on,” reveals his commitment to mindful creativity, ensuring respect for cultural and religious sentiments in future endeavors.
#Adipurush writer #ManojMuntashirShukla has admitted he made a “big mistake” with the film, and promised to be more careful in the future#Prabhas #SaifAliKhan #KritiSanon #OmRaut #ManojMuntashir #ManojShukla #Bollywood
Read more https://t.co/TXncYZPBdp
— B4U (@THEOFFICIALB4U) November 10, 2023
Creative Controversy: The Ramayana, Hanuman, and Audience Reaction
Part of the backlash centered around Manoj’s interpretation of mythological elements, particularly the portrayal of Hanuman. The use of colloquialisms in Hanuman’s dialogues, albeit altered post-release, failed to appease the audience. This aspect of the controversy highlights the delicate nature of adapting revered texts and characters, underscoring the need for sensitivity and adherence to cultural context in creative expressions.
#ManojMuntashir admits he went 100 per cent wrong with #Adipurush, clarification post outrage was another big mistakehttps://t.co/0aNEtRmwuo
— ETimes (@etimes) November 9, 2023
#ManojMuntashir admits it was a ‘mistake’ to write #Adipurush, reveals he left India after receiving death threats over filmhttps://t.co/gwwS2BFHEI
— Indian Express Entertainment (@ieEntertainment) November 10, 2023
Seeking Redemption: A Second Chance Based on Past Merits
In concluding his reflections, Manoj appeals for a ‘second chance’, drawing on his illustrious past contributions, including the Hindi translation for ‘Baahubali’ and popular tracks like “Teri Mitti” and “Desh Mere.” His pride in these works is evident as he states, “I say this with great pride that today in this country you cannot celebrate Ram Navami, Diwali, Dussehra without my songs.” This assertion not only showcases his previous successes but also underlines his desire to reconnect with his audience, redeeming his creative spirit.
Read more articles
- Adipurush Controversy Started When A Complaint Was Made About The Movie Starring Prabhas And Kriti Sanon
- Alia Bhatt Exits Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana: Shooting Delayed, Cast Changes Explained!!
Final Thoughts: The Journey Ahead for Manoj Muntashir Shukla
Manoj Muntashir Shukla’s journey through the ‘Adipurush’ controversy embodies a powerful narrative of professional resilience, personal introspection, and the pursuit of creative integrity. His experience serves as a crucial reminder of the complexities involved in the artistic representation of cultural and religious themes. As he navigates the aftermath, seeking redemption through future works, his story stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of an artist facing adversity, learning, and evolving.
