Lyricist and dialogue writer Manoj Muntashir has publicly addressed recent comparisons being drawn between the musical scores of the 2023 film Adipurush and the upcoming Nitesh Tiwari-directed feature, Ramayana Part 1. The discourse was sparked following media reports that suggested the new film's track, titled Mangal Rang, carried stylistic similarities to qawwali, leading some to question if the production was replicating the approach taken by the makers of Adipurush.
Responding to these comparisons on social media, Muntashir strongly dismissed the notion that his previous work on Adipurush should be treated as a negative benchmark. In a statement posted to X, he challenged the characterization of his lyrics as being akin to mere nursery rhymes or qawwalis. He emphasized that the songs composed for the Prabhas-starrer were created with sincerity, devotion, and a focus on poetic expression, maintaining that they continue to resonate with listeners in places like Ayodhya.
Muntashir acknowledged the significant backlash Adipurush faced upon its release in 2023, specifically noting that the film’s dialogues were widely criticized by both the audience and reviewers. However, he drew a firm distinction between the quality of the film's script and its musical score. He stated that while he has apologized to devotees multiple times for the errors made in the film's dialogue, he remains steadfast in his defense of the lyrical content, which he asserts was written with deep commitment.
The controversy arises as anticipation builds for Ramayana Part 1, a large-scale project produced by Namit Malhotra. The film, which is scheduled for a worldwide release around Diwali on November 5, features a prominent cast including Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, and Yash as Ravana. The musical score for this production has been composed by A.R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer, drawing significant attention from the film industry and audiences alike as it nears its debut.
Adipurush, which was directed by Om Raut and produced by T-Series, had previously been reported as a high-budget production, with industry estimates placing its cost at approximately Rs 550 crores. Despite its significant investment, the film struggled at the box office, earning an estimated Rs 393 crores worldwide, and faced criticism for its visual effects and character portrayals. Muntashir, who served as the primary writer, was a central figure in the public outcry regarding the film's portrayal of mythological characters.
In his response to the recent comparisons, Muntashir expressed that he wished his work had been replicated in a way that truly honored the subject matter, suggesting that the current discourse surrounding the Ramayana film’s songs is unfair. He maintained that the audience remains the ultimate judge of quality, expressing confidence that listeners are capable of discerning the merit behind various musical works without resorting to comparisons based on previous controversies.
As the industry awaits the release of the new adaptation, the debate serves as a reminder of the heightened expectations and scrutiny surrounding mythological retellings in Indian cinema. With a cast that also includes veterans like Anupam Kher and Arun Govil, alongside stars such as Sunny Deol and Lara Dutta, the upcoming project is positioned as a major release. For now, Muntashir’s defense highlights the enduring sensitivity surrounding how these narratives are presented and scored on the silver screen.
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