‘Too late’: Audiences reject Adipurush dialogue writer Manoj Muntashir’s apology for ‘hurting people’s emotions’

Bollywood screenwriter Manoj Muntashir Shukla has issued an unconditional apology for hurting people's sentiments with his work in the film Adipurush. Directed by Om Raut, the mythological drama which featured Prabhas and Kriti Sanon in the lead roles has stirred a controversy ever since its release in theatres on June 16 for multiple reasons.

Adipurush dialogue writer Manoj Muntashir faced heavy criticism for using cheap language while writing dialogues for revered mythological characters like Lord Hanuman in Adipurush. The makers of the movie were also trolled and drew sharp reaction from audiences as well as the critics for the subpar VFX work and weak character development for the cinematic adaptation of Ramayana.

Audiences were particularly disappointed by the film's failure to capture the grand essence of the Hindu epic.

While so far Shukla was defending the dialogues written for the film, he has finally expressed his remorse and apologised.

“I accept people’s emotions have been hurt by Adipurush. With folded hands, I extend my unconditional apologies. May Prabhu Bajrang Bali keep us united and grant us strength to serve our sacred Sanatan and our great nation,” he tweeted.

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— Manoj Muntashir Shukla (@manojmuntashir) July 8, 2023

However, the response to his apology has been mixed, with users expressing different opinions. One angry user commented that the apology came too late, as it was made only after the film had flopped and public anger had subsided. They criticized Shukla for focusing on box office collections and defending the film instead of apologising earlier.

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— THE SKIN DOCTOR (@theskindoctor13) July 8, 2023

Another user shared similar sentiments, and commented saying, “Now you remember the apology or are you afraid of losing the product. But, you will have to bear the consequences of the heinous crime you have committed.”

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— Thakur Vinod Solanki__&__ (@tanmay_vinod) July 8, 2023

Nevertheless, some users were forgiving and understanding. One user empathetically commented saying, “It’s ok. You cannot be perfect every time. You are not God. Keep trying.”

It's ok. You can not be perfect every time. You are not God. Keep trying _

— ______ _____ _____ (@GunjanAniket) July 8, 2023

Another user expressed no issue with the apology and stated, “No problem. You accepted mistake is a big thing. We should move forward.”

No problem. You accepted mistake is a big thing. We should move forward.

— only_with_truth (@onlywithtruth1) July 8, 2023

The comment section was abuzz with varying opinions, the majority of users did not take the apology well and condemned Shukla for the film's poor portrayal, which they believed had hurt their sentiments.

Despite being one of the most highly anticipated films of 2023, Adipurush failed to make a lasting impact at the box office. While it managed to surpass Rs 450 crore in worldwide earnings, trade reports indicate that the Prabhas-starrer film did not yield profits in many areas. As a result, Adipurush is currently nearing the end of its theatrical run, with daily earnings plummeting to less than Rs 50 lakh.