Saif Ali Khan Says Adipurush Controversy Was 'Unsettling': 'You Need to Stay Away From Religion...'

In a recent appearance at the India Today Conclave, Saif Ali Khan opened up about the backlash surrounding his film Adipurush, which has faced criticism since its release on June 16, 2023. An advocate from Uttar Pradesh filed a case against Saif and director Om Raut, claiming they hurt religious sentiments with their portrayal of the epic narrative. This controversy intensified after Saif suggested that the character of Raavan would be depicted as more “humane,” a statement he later retracted amid the uproar.

Reflecting on the situation, Saif admitted that the backlash was “unsettling”. “There was a case and some kind of decision taken up by the court that said an actor is responsible for what he says on screen,” he noted. Saif expressed uncertainty about the extent of this issue, commenting, “I know a lot of people are not free to say or do whatever they want. We all have to police ourselves slightly and be a bit careful; otherwise, there could be trouble.”

He emphasised the need for sensitivity when dealing with topics like religion, stating, “There are certain areas like religion that you need to stay away from. We are not here to make trouble.” Saif recalled his experience playing a politician in the series Tandav, which also encountered significant controversy, further shaping his understanding of the delicate balance required in storytelling.

“I played a politician in a show (Tandav) which ran into a fair amount of trouble. So, you learn from the job. You need to be away from these areas,” he added.

Saif’s primary mission as an actor, he asserted, is to unite people through his work. “Our profession is to bring the whole country together, irrespective of caste and creed,” he said.

Despite the backlash, Adipurush was created with good intentions, according to writer Manoj Muntashir, who later admitted the film was “wrong” in its execution. His candid acknowledgment reflected the ongoing discourse about the responsibilities of filmmakers in crafting sensitive narratives that resonate positively with audiences.