In a startling turn of events, writer Manoj Muntashir Shukla came under fire for his involvement in the highly anticipated Om Raut film “Adipurush,” which received an unprecedented amount of negative press earlier this year. The film, which starred Prabhas and was based on the Hindu epic Ramayan, was criticized for what some considered to be offensive and indecent dialogue. It was also accused of offending religious feelings due to its controversial presentation of the holy epic.
Image Source: India Today
Manoj Muntashir Shukla has finally spoken out following the film’s release, addressing the controversy and candidly stating that the entire experience was a “100 per cent mistake.” Muntashir responded to the criticism in a recent interview with the Indian news network Aajtak, stressing that his work was done with no ill intent.
Muntashir admits 100% mistake, apologizes for unintended error in writing
“I won’t assert my writing skills are good; not that insecure. A 100% error. Yes, a serious mistake, but not with malicious intent,” declared Muntashir., “I had no intention of harming the religion, troubling Sanatan, disparaging Lord Ram, or saying something about Hanuman ji, who does not exist.”Recognizing the seriousness of his mistake, the author apologized and emphasized that his actions were accidental. “There has been an error. This accident has taught me a lot, and it has been a wonderful learning experience.
After giving some thought to how he handled the controversy when the film first came out, Muntashir acknowledged that he ought not to have made it clear where he stood at the time. He acknowledged the delicate nature of the situation and said, “I think I should have clarified at a time when people were upset. The biggest error I made was this. It was not the right moment for me to speak. People’s anger is understandable if they are offended by my explanation. Since it was not the appropriate moment to provide clarification, and I now recognize that error.”
Controversy led to threats; Muntashir seeks second chance amid fallout
The controversy had consequences that went beyond criticism; Muntashir revealed that he was threatened with death after the movie came out, which led him to relocate overseas. He kept a positive outlook on family support in spite of the difficulties, saying, “You may be a hero to your family, but the world may think poorly of you today.”
Muntashir expressed his faith in the prospect of a second chance in a cry for forgiveness and understanding. He concluded by saying, “I deserved a second chance after whatever happened,” demonstrating his fortitude in the face of difficulty.
In addition to being tainted by controversy, “Adipurush,” which starred Prabhas as Lord Ram, Kriti as Goddess Sita, Sunny Singh as Laxman, and Saif Ali Khan as Ravana, was a commercial failure. Despite having been made on a substantial budget of Rs 500 crore, the movie fell short of expectations at the box office and has the dubious distinction of being the biggest box office letdown of the year.
The conversation with Manoj Muntashir Shukla offers a glimpse into the intricacies of artistic pursuits, the influence of public opinion, and the persistent search for atonement in the face of controversy, as the industry and audiences struggle with the fallout from “Adipurush.”
