Adipurush release date: Prabhas & Co. opt out of January release for a 2023 summer slot?

Fans of superstar Prabhas have been waiting with bated breath for the release of the magnum opus Adipurush. Helmed by Om Raut of Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior fame, the film is based on the Hindu mythology epic Ramayan with Prabhas essaying the role of Lord Rama (as Raghava), Kriti Sanon playing the role of Janaki and Saif Ali Khan playing the part of Lankesh, the main antagonist.

However, it would seem that the wait for the big-screen experience of Adipurush is going to be longer as the latest updates reveal that the makers of the film are opting out of the January, 2023 release. While the official confirmation is due on the matter, several online reports have emerged to confirm that Adipurush will not release on January 12, 2023, as intended and that the team is eyeing a new date for the theatrical release.

The reasons for the delay aren't clear either but many reports claim that the makers of Adipurush are wary of the threat that the Vijay-starrer Varisu poses to them at the box office. Varisu, directed by Vamshi Paidipally, will release worldwide on January 12, 2023, and though the film has no resemblance with Adipurush in terms of subject matter or sensibility, one would deem a box office clash to be potentially damaging to both. Reportedly, team Adipurush is keen on a summer 2023 release.

Not very long ago, the makers of Adipurush found themselves as subjects of online trolling following the release of the maiden teaser. Many netizens reckoned that the CGI and VFX work on the film was below-par and that the film did not warrant a budget of more than Rs. 500 crores for the underwhelming results. Director Om Raut later clarified that his film was meant for the big screen experience alone and that viewing the teaser on mobile devices would not do justice to the quality of his product.

Well, regardless of the reason, it would seem that Adipurush is out of the Sankranthi race which allows Varisu and the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Pathaan bigger leeways at the box office. Pathaan, which also stars Deepika Padukone and John Abraham, will release on January 25, 2023.