Film actor Saif Ali Khan makes a candid reflection on the commercial and critical failure of the mega-budget mythological feature ‘Adipurush,’ underscoring that failures are an inevitable part of a film career. The film, which was heralded to be a visual spectacle based on the Indian epic Ramayana, was met with significant controversy upon its release. Intended to be a crowning jewel for Indian cinema—a blend of grand storytelling and high-end visual effects—the movie’s anticipated success turned out to be its Achilles’ heel.
In what has been a prolonged silence from most of the cast and crew of the ill-fated ‘Adipurush,’ actor Saif Ali Khan has stepped forward to talk about the project’s disappointing outcome. Until now, writer and lyricist Manoj Muntashir Shukla had been the sole outspoken figure attempting to navigate through the public derision and critical backlash against the movie. It was during his interview with Film Companion that Khan shared his perspective, maturely accepting the ebb and flow of cinematic successes and failures without assigning blame or fostering resentment.
During the conversation, Khan dismantled the notion that he is impervious to failure due to his status as a star. He humorously quipped, “I’m not star enough to pull off anything,” and drew parallels to his previous work in ‘Laal Kaptaan’ (2019), a Western film directed by Navdeep Singh, which also didn’t meet box office expectations. He emphasized his understanding of the whims of fate and the movie industry’s unpredictable nature, expressing contentment with his realistic view of his career and stardom. Khan pointed out that while he enjoys the perks of being a recognized actor, he aspires to maintain a level-headed approach, much like his famous parents did in their prime.
Moreover, Khan highlighted the need to remain undeterred by setbacks, viewing each failure as an integral part of the creative process rather than a deterrent. Khan’s take on the ‘Adipurush’ disaster was philosophical, linking the notion of taking risks with the probability of sometimes “falling on your face.” He insisted on the necessity to acknowledge the blunder, experience the disappointment, and move on to the next venture with undiminished enthusiasm.
In spite of the high expectations, ‘Adipurush,’ which was released in June of the previous year, fell drastically short of its lofty goals. Boasting a cast that included popular actors such as Prabhas, Kriti Sanon, and Khan himself as the antagonist Lankesh, the movie not only stumbled at the box office but also struggled to win over critics and audiences alike. According to reports, the film’s budget soared over Rs 600 crore, a figure that hinted at the scale of the loss incurred due to its underperformance.
The fallout from ‘Adipurush’ raised questions about the risky nature of big-budget films in the Indian film industry. Yet, for Saif Ali Khan, this particular episode serves as a reaffirmation of an actor’s journey—one filled with unpredictability and the perennial risk of underdelivering despite the Herculean efforts put into the creation of a cinematic piece. Khan’s candid words resonate with many who understand that even the most elaborate and ambitious projects can bear unforeseen results.
As the dust settles on the ‘Adipurush’ furor, Khan’s recent sharing is a poignant reminder of the humility and perseverance needed in the face of adversity. By acknowledging his nonchalant view of stardom and the importance of taking creative gambles, Khan has set a precedent for acceptance and personal growth in a field that often bestows as much uncertainty as it does glamour.
