Makers of Prabhas-starrer 'Adipurush' announce new release date

Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; June 16, 2023)

Prabhas’ screen presence and pan-India appeal made him a compelling choice to portray Raghav in Adipurush, which releases today. In a conversation with us, the actor talks about how stunned he was by director Om Raut’s vision for the magnum opus and more. Excerpts:

What makes this epic saga relevant and appealing to the audience today?
The idea behind Adipurush is not just to make a visual spectacle, but also to spread awareness about Indian culture. Our rich Indian values presented through storytelling need to be conveyed to the digital generation. The story will make them aware of the true longing for love, what loyalty and friendship stood for ages ago and how this is relevant even today.

Do you think spectacle-adventure films are perfect for drawing the audience in at a time when theatres are still in their recovery phase post the pandemic?
If you are telling a good story, the audience will surely come to watch it on the big screen. Not the actors, but content is king. Spectacle adventure films have their own appeal, as they offer immersive visual experiences and thrilling narratives.

When you are part of a film like Baahubali or Adipurush, you have to look a certain way to portray your role on screen. What changes did you make to your fitness regime to physically transform for the role?
Physical transformation is an integral part of preparing for roles like Baahubali or Adipurush. When it comes to portraying characters who possess immense strength and stature, you need to have a dedicated approach towards fitness and diet. However, for Adipurush, it was not just about the physical transformation, as portraying Raghav required a certain understanding and mindset. The aim wasn’t just to deliver a physically convincing performance but also an emotionally impactful one to capture the depth and nuances of the character’s journey.

What was it like to work with Kriti Sanon and Om Raut?
I cannot sum up the genius of Om Raut in few words. I was stunned to see the clarity in his vision. I am thankful to Om as well as Bhushan ji (producer Bhushan Kumar) who instilled the confidence in me to play a mighty role like this. Kriti as a co-star was brilliant; the nuances of Janaki came very naturally to her. Off-screen too we shared a great camaraderie, she was very warm. She is a thorough professional and a brilliant actor. So our on-screen equation came in very easily.