Salaar Movie Review
Salaar Movie Poster
Emotional Engagement Emoji
“Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire,” released in 2023, is a Telugu-language epic action drama directed and written by Prashanth Neel. The film, produced by Vijay Kiragandur, features Prabhas in the lead role, supported by a talented ensemble cast including Prithviraj Sukumaran, Shruti Haasan, Jagapathi Babu, Bobby Simha, Tinnu Anand, Easwari Rao, Sriya Reddy, and Ramachandra Raju. The musical score is crafted by Ravi Basrur, while Bhuvan Gowda takes charge of cinematography, and Ujwal Kulkarni handles the editing.
Story:
Deva, also known as Cutout (Prabhas), lives with his mother in a quiet village near a coal mine in Assam. Despite his docile nature as a mechanic, his life takes a turn when Aadhya seeks refuge from danger. In the city of Khansaar, Raja Mannar plans to make his son, Vardha, his successor, triggering a dangerous coup. Radha, managing Khansaar, announces a temporary ceasefire amidst chaos, proposing a vote after nine days. With Vardha in peril, he turns to his childhood friend Deva for help. will Deva embark on a perilous mission to save Vardha, and will the outcome be a ceasefire or a bloodbath? It’s all about the first part.
Analysis:
Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire, under the direction of Prashanth Neel, unfolds its gripping tale against the rural and politically charged canvas of Khansaar. Imagine Prabhas as the enigmatic Deva and Prithviraj Sukumaran as Vardharaja, weaving a narrative that seamlessly blends drama, style, and action amid a landscape of rebellion and intrigue. In the skilled hands of Prashanth, the dystopian city of Khansaar comes to life, complete with intricate details and a diverse array of characters, spanning a timeline from 1147 to the present day. Picture an empire with 101 tribes, each with distinct traits, neatly categorized into Kaparlu (clan leaders) and Doralu (council members) – drawing parallels with the complexity of Black Panther’s Wakanda.
Prabhas, is a powerhouse when it comes to impactful dialogues and awe-inspiring action sequences. Prashanth crafts the character of Deva, or Salaar, with meticulous care, allowing the first half of the film to unfold gradually, laying the foundation for what promises to be an intense journey.
Prashanth Neel, known for his unconventional storytelling, takes inspiration from international cinema, utilizing a dark color palette akin to the acclaimed KGF franchise. Bid farewell to the usual dance numbers and romantic melodies – instead, immerse yourself in anthems sung by school children in the first half and the soulful voices of Mahara tribe children in the second, creating a dynamic backdrop that heightens the drama. The film delves into themes of power, loyalty, betrayal, and the pursuit of leadership, offering a nuanced commentary on political machinations and personal allegiances.
Witness Prabhas as Deva, delivering a performance that balances raw power with emotional depth. Prithviraj Sukumaran as Vardha navigates the complex terrain of a young heir entangled in political turmoil, while Shruti Haasan as Aadhya brings a touch of balance, particularly in the first half.
In Picture: Prabhas as Deva
Talking about the elevations, In a specific scene, during the first fight, Deva waits for his mom’s call before taking on the goons. He waits with the intensity of a hungry cheetah. In this waiting moment, Deva attempts to make a fist. As he does so, there is a perfectly blended engine sound, adding to the scene’s impact.
Another standout moment is a fight scene that takes place in the Mahara territory, where Deva confronts the son of a council member to rescue a child from a horrific situation. During this intense scene, there is a well-executed dialogue aimed at elevating Deva. The dialogue highlights that Mother Kateramma sent her son to rescue the woman in the tribe. The entire theater erupted with excitement during this scene. There are many more such moments, but revealing them would be full of spoilers (lol); they must be experienced in theaters
The supporting cast, led by Jagapathi Babu as Raja Mannar, contributes significantly to the narrative’s richness. Picture Bobby Simha, Tinnu Anand, Easwari Rao, and others adding layers to the story, creating a cinematic tapestry that captivates.
Visually, the cinematography captures the essence of Khansaar’s turbulent atmosphere, immersing the audience in the tension and drama. Ravi Basrur’s soundtrack becomes the heartbeat of the film, enhancing the tone and intensifying emotional moments. While the second-half editing sharpens, the first half retains a deliberate pace, providing a unique rhythm to the narrative.
Expect a dose of violence and bloodshed, adding a layer of intensity that may not resonate with every viewer. The first half builds layers, emphasizing drama and tension, which might leave those expecting more action, comedy, and masala slightly wanting. Nevertheless, the film excels in delivering a potent mix of drama and action, with humor cleverly infused through dialogues and character nuances.
Highs:
- Each and every action sequence
- Prabhas’ screen presence
- Story
- Khansaar world-building
- Music during the fights
- Situational songs
Lows:
- Some may feel a bit lag while introducing Khansaar to the audience
Technical Aspects:
Prashanth Neel’s direction skillfully captures the essence of Khansaar through noteworthy camera work, immersing the audience in the film’s tension and drama. While the second-half editing sharpens up, the first half could benefit from a bit more finesse. Ravi Basrur’s impactful soundtrack complements the tone, contributing to the film’s emotional impact. The production values shine with meticulous attention to detail in creating the dystopian city and its characters, and the dark color palette adds a distinct visual flair inspired by international cinema. Overall, the film’s technical aspects, from direction to cinematography, music, and production design, significantly contribute to its visual appeal and storytelling.
Verdict:
“Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire” delivers a captivating blend of political drama and high-stakes action, enriched by Prashanth Neel’s direction and impressive technical elements. With a compelling narrative, intense performances, and visually striking cinematography, it stands as an engaging cinematic experience for fans of grand narratives and powerful storytelling.
Movie Title: Salaar
Banner: Hombale Films
Release Date: 22122023
Censor Rating: “ A “
Cast: Prabhas, Prithviraj, Shruthi Hassan
Story Screenplay Direction: Prashanth Neel
Music: Ravi Basrur
Cinematography: Bhuvan Gowda
Editor: Ujwal Kulakarni
Producer: Vijay Kiragandur
Runtime: 175 minutes
