The patronage for Indian cinema is immense, especially by the young population. The demand for films with intense action sequences, impressive graphics, and high-budget CGI is on the rise. Movies like KGF2, Brahmastra, and Pathaan have achieved remarkable success at the box office primarily due to these factors. Now, Adipurush seems to be joining the league.
However, filmmakers need not fret over new story ideas, as our mythology and epics offer a treasure trove of narratives. Unfortunately, directors often overlook these rich sources and instead rely on their own fictional tales infused with violence and sexuality. When faced with criticism, they defend their choices, proudly embracing the anti-moral stance.
Adipurush only scratches the surface of the epic Ramayana; there is much more that can be explored if someone decides to take on the challenge. The Mahabharata, in particular, holds unlimited potential and could be transformed into a franchise, captivating audiences worldwide.
Directors like Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Rajamouli possess the mastery to create wonders with mythological subjects. They should step forward to helm such epic dramas, as they excel in storytelling. If a film like Adipurush, which lacked strong screenplay, visual effects, engaging dialogue, and emotional depth, could create such a buzz at the box office, one can only imagine the impact if it were made by Sanjay Leela Bhansali or Rajamouli.
A social media post says that had Rajamouli handled 'Adipurush', the box office potential of it could have been Rs 5000 Cr gross in the full run. Keeping the number aspect aside, it can be definitely concluded that the impact would be far bigger.
Our mythological subjects have a significant market worth thousands of crores in India and abroad, but meticulous execution is crucial to evoke the emotional peaks. Rajamouli is renowned for crafting some peak moments, ensuring a film resonates for weeks. Sanjay Leela Bhansali, on the other hand, excels in creating grand spectacles and impactful emotional scenes with precise timing and dialogue.
Other directors who are fortunate enough to secure an opportunity from prominent production houses to make mythological films must work doubly hard to uphold the grandeur of these epics and their own reputations. Proper execution could have placed Om Raut alongside Rajamouli and Sanjay Leela Bhansali, but he missed the chance, though passed with the first day box office result.
Usha Chowdhary