"Adipurush couldn't meet the expectations...failed attempt": Lyricist Manoj Muntashir speaks on 'Ramayana' comparisons
Mumbai, August 4
Lyricist and poet Manoj Muntashir has spoken up about the ongoing comparisons between Om Raut's 'Adipurush' and Ranbir Kapoor starrer upcoming mythological epic 'Ramayana'.
Muntashir, who wrote the dialogues for 'Adipurush', spoke to the media and extended his best wishes for 'Ramayana'. He also praised Yash's portrayal as Ravana.
"Yash is a very good actor, and there is no doubt in this. My best wishes will be for every film that will bring our story to the world stage. I have a lot of best wishes for Ramayana," he said.
Addressing the comparisons, Muntashir added, "It is better not to compare Ramayana with Adipurush. There should be no shame in admitting that Adipurush couldn't meet the expectations. People who are associated with the film made it with a lot of effort, but it was a failed attempt. I am very proud that Adipurush's music has reached the people. The film's music is a big hit. I hope that the music of 'Ramayana' matches the music of 'Adipurush' and goes beyond that."
Manoj Muntashir also opened up about the telecommunications zone in Gwalior, expressing high hopes.
"I am very happy that the proposal to build a telecom manufacturing zone in Gwalior will bring a revolution in the field of long-distance travel and employment. I would like to proudly say that this time the IMC event is going to take place in Delhi," he shared.
Coming to 'Ramayana', the film's trailer was recently released and opened with the introduction of Yash as Ravana. He is seen emerging from the shadows before entering his grand palace and declaring his rule over the three worlds.
As darkness spreads, Lord Vishnu is reborn on Earth as Prince Rama. Ranbir Kapoor appears as Lord Rama, while Arun Govil plays King Dasharatha, introducing Rama to the people of Ayodhya.
The trailer also gives a glimpse of Rama and Sita's wedding, with Sai Pallavi playing Sita. The emotional moments continue as Rama accepts Kaikeyi's wish and begins his 14-year exile along with his brother Lakshmana, played by Ravie Dubey.
Apart from Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Yash and Ravie Dubey, the film also stars Sunny Deol as Hanuman. The music has been composed by Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman.
'Ramayana: Part 1' is scheduled to release in theatres during Diwali 2026, while 'Ramayana: Part 2' is expected to arrive during Diwali 2027.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I genuinely appreciate Muntashir's humility. Not many people in Bollywood admit their mistakes so openly. But I'm scared about the new Ramayana too — with AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer's music, it's going to be grand, but will they get the emotional depth right? I hope Ranbir and Sai Pallavi bring the purity of Ram and Sita to life. 🙏
The music of Adipurush was definitely the saving grace. 'Jai Shri Ram' by Sachet-Parampara was fire! 🔥 But the dialogues... "Lanka jalakar raakh kar dunga" was so cringe. I understand Manoj ji's point about not comparing, but honestly, after Adipurush, my expectations are low for any of these mythological films. Let's see what Yash brings as Ravana though!
It's refreshing to see an industry where people openly discuss their failures. In the West, artists rarely admit such things so transparently. Even though I'm not Indian, I've come to respect the cultural weight of Ramayana through my Indian friends. 2026 is far away, but if the trailer is any indication, Yash as Ravana is going to be terrifyingly good! 🎬
"Har Har Modi" era movies are destroying our culture! First it was the cheap propaganda, now these so-called religious epics that butcher our scriptures. Muntashir should have kept quiet instead of saying "failed attempt" — we all saw it, but he's just cementing how money-driven this industry is. I say ban all these cash-grab adaptations and watch the originals with my kids instead.
S We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.