Saif Ali Khan Opens Up About Adipurush Setback, Reflects on Facing Challenges: ‘If You Fall on Your Face
Adipurush emerged as one of the most discussed and controversial movies of 2023, featuring Prabhas, Saif Ali Khan, and Kriti Sanon in pivotal roles. Directed by Om Raut, the mythical saga was envisioned as one of the most expensive films based on the Hindu epic Ramayana. However, it faced severe criticism for its dialogues, subpar VFX, lackluster storytelling, and various other factors.
Following the movie’s release and its unfavorable reception by both audiences and critics, the cast maintained a conspicuous silence, with the exception of lyricist Manoj Muntashir, who shared his reflections on the controversies and responses surrounding the film. Now, eight months after Adipurush’s release, actor Saif Ali Khan has candidly addressed its lackluster performance.
In an interview with Film Companion, Saif openly discussed his perception of stardom, alluding to the underwhelming response received by his film Laal Kaptaan. Joined by his wife, actor Kareena Kapoor Khan, he reflected on the fate of his 2019 film and drew parallels to Adipurush, emphasizing the inevitability of such setbacks as part of the journey.
Saif expressed his appreciation for being a star while acknowledging the need to remain grounded, drawing from his parents’ example of maintaining normalcy despite their stardom. He emphasized the importance of exploring diverse opportunities in life and the necessity of embracing failure without fear. He remarked, “People say, ‘That was a brave choice…’ You talk about Adipurush, for example. People talk about risks, but if you fall on your face, it’s not a risk really. You have to have a few of those also, and it’s a part of the approach. You have to shrug it off, feel bad, and say, ‘Nice try, but bad luck, let’s go to the next one’.”
Furthermore, Saif shed light on the physical demands associated with his work in the 2019 film, Laal Kaptaan. Despite the challenges faced during the film’s production, its theatrical release struggled to achieve a collection of Rs 50 lakh on its opening day. Saif humorously acknowledged his lack of star power to elevate the film’s performance.
This marks the first time Saif has publicly discussed Adipurush, prompting curiosity about whether actors Prabhas or Kriti Sanon will break their silence on the matter.