When attempting to depict an epic like the Ramayana on the big screen, an excellent portrayal is needed because the audience is emotionally and spiritually immersed in the plot. Adipurush, directed by Om Raut and starring Prabhas, Kriti Sanon, Saif Ali Khan, Sunny Singh, and Devdatta Nage, is sensitive to that sentiment. Full credit to the filmmakers for taking on the massive job of transferring India's most beloved epic to the big screen, but boldness isn't always enough. The execution here fails to meet the purpose. 

Adipurush begins with a powerful introduction of Raavan alias Lankesh, establishing the character's power and dominance. The story then shifts to several years later, when Raghav and Janaki are living in exile in the jungle, dealing with their everyday problems. Their problems increase as Shurpanakha approaches Raavan. She requests that her brother seek revenge on Ram for rejecting her by kidnapping Sita. Raghav then works with Bajrang and Sugriv to release his wife from the grasp of the demon king.

This may come across as a backhanded praise, but director and adapted narrative and screenplay writer Om Raut has made an honest endeavour to present the complete Ramayana story in Adipurush's 179-minute run time. He has attempted to incorporate as many key parts from the original text as possible, and this is visible on screen. So credit to Raut for attempting it and nailing the story's central conflict. But here comes the complement's backhanded half. In order to tell such a deep story in three hours, the filmmaker rushed the screenplay, depriving the spectator of the opportunity to feel the emotions. 

The portrayal of Raavan, who has been reduced to little more than a demon king with little to no regard for his intellect and abilities, does not work. These and other facets of his nature that do not appear in Adipurush help to complete out the character. This makes the role appear caricaturish and significantly less dramatic, leading to the audience not taking it seriously. Even the idea of a dark and moody Lanka doesn't appeal to me. Nachiket Barve, the costume designer, could have done a lot more with all of the characters, especially Raavan. 

Prabhas' portrayal as Raghav is complicated by his limited expressions. The actor, on the other hand, shines in two scenes in which he motivates his army. Kriti Sanon plays Janaki admirably and gives a well-balanced performance. I wish she had gotten more screen time in Adipurush. Saif Ali Khan has nailed Raavan's expressions, yet his general body language falls flat. The producers have altered the Hulk walk to demonstrate his big demeanour, which does not properly connect with the character. Sunny Singh's performance as Lakshman seems limited, although Devdatta Nage as Bajrang and Vatsal Sheth as Indrajit both provide strong performances.

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