Veteran actor Mukesh Khanna has lashed ou at Saif Ali Khan for his comments over presenting a "humane" side of Raavan in his upcoming film Adipurush. In an interview, the Tanhaji star had said that the film humanizes Raavan and will try to justify his motives for the abduction of Sita. Soon after this, he issued an apology for his comments saying that he never intended to hurt people's sentiments. However, Mukesh Khanna not only did reject his apology but also slammed the actor for his justification. Mukesh shared a video, reacting to the controversy and wrote, “Filmmakers are still using movies to attack our religion. Laxmi Bomb exploded just recently and another attack has been launched. Famous artist Saif Ali Khan has made an objectionable disclosure in an interview. Saif Ali Khan said in this interview that it will be very interesting for him to play the character of Lankesh Ravana in the movie AdiPurush, which is made on a big budget. In it, Ravana is shown not to be evil but human and entertaining. We will make him kind. In that Sita-haran will be justified.
Further talking about the actor’s apology, the Shaktiman star said, “Now the breaking news is that Saif has written an apology for his statement. Wow! The British have made a beautiful word, ‘sorry’. Shoot the arrow, throw the bomb, punch someone and then say sorry. But we do not approve. Why did you not think before speaking?” Earlier, in his statement, Saif had said that he did not intend on offending anyone, and that the film will present the story ‘without any distortions’. His statement read, “I’ve been made aware that one of my statements during an interview, has caused a controversy and hurt people’s sentiments. This was never my intention or meant that way. I would like to sincerely apologise to everybody and withdraw my statement. Lord Ram has always been the symbol of Righteousness & Heroism for me. Adipurush is about celebrating the victory of good over evil and the entire team is working together to present the epic without any distortions.”In his original interview to Mumbai Mirror, the actor had said, “It’s interesting to play a demon king, less strictures in that. But we will make him humane, up the entertainment quotient, justify his abduction of Sita and the war with Ram as revenge for what was done to his sister Surpanakha by Lakshman, who cut off her nose.”The film also stars Prabhas as Lord Ram. It will be directed by Om Raut. The shooting of the film is expected to commence in January.