Adipurush final trailer reaction: Prabhas' mythological drama leaves us in two minds. It's complicated

As the release date of Adipurush draws closer, the makers of this mythological epic have pulled out all the stops to reshape the conversation around the film. A massive pre-release event in Tirupati aimed to dispel the negative reactions that followed the teaser's release last year . However, even with the final trailer now out, it's hard to form a definitive opinion on the film. The relationship between movies and audiences hasn't been this complex in recent times.

Those who have had the opportunity to watch the trailers on the big screen, especially in 3D, have found them visually appealing. The grandeur and immersive experience of the cinema hall seem to enhance the impact. However, the special effects, which were meant to be breathtaking, fall short of expectations. It is our goodwill towards Telugu superstar Prabhas that compels us to give the film some leeway.

Also Read: 3 upcoming OTT releases this week on JioCinema, SonyLIV, Dinsey+Hotstar you should be thrilled about

Director-writer Om Raut took on the ambitious task of shooting Adipurush entirely against a green screen. This technique has been successfully employed in the past, such as in the blockbuster movie 300. The first film of that franchise was released back in 2006 when the technology for creating lifelike special effects with immersive quality was still in its developing stage. However, despite the obvious computer-generated imagery, the filmmakers managed to create an immersive experience that enhanced our viewing pleasure. In fact, the CGI became a part of the film's charm, adding to its originality and providing a visual ecstasy that is distinctively associated with movies made using green screens.

Adipurush, however, lacks that edge that stems from original thinking. The visuals are not as convincing as we want them to be. The suspension of disbelief becomes a herculean task for the viewers as many of the images appear highly derivative. Particularly, the portrayal of the ape army in the film strongly echoes influences from the Planet of the Apes film series. 

With the visuals falling short of capturing our imagination, the film's success now rests on Raut's storytelling prowess and the performances of the star cast, including Prabhas, Kriti Sanon, and Saif Ali Khan. Each actor must deliver a powerful performance that transcends the film's visual shortcomings and captivates the audience.

Adipurush is due in cinemas on June 16. And there is nothing more satisfying than a movie that exceeds our initial impressions and wins against all odds.