After Saif Ali Khan received criticism over reportedly humanising the character of ‘Raavan’ in his upcoming movie ‘Adipurush’ and supporting Sita’s abduction, the 50-year-old Bollywood actor issued an apology, saying he withdraws his statement. Khan will be playing the role of Lankesh, Raavan in ‘Adipurush.’

In an interview with Mumbai Mirror, Khan said Om Raut, the director of Adipurush, which stars Prabhas as Ram, has tried make Raavan humane in the movie and will justify the abduction of Sita.

“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,” Khan was quoted by Mumbai Mirror.

Khan was heavily trolled on social media for his statement and many demanded the actor be replaced from the movie. 

On Sunday, the ‘Tanhaji’ actor said, “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,” he further said, in a statement.

Adipurush, an on-screen adaptation of the Indian epic Ramayana, will release in India in August 2022. The film will be shot in Hindi and Telugu and will also be dubbed in Tamil, Marathi and Kannada, and other foreign languages.