New Delhi: Alongside Prabhas, 'Salaar' features Shriya Reddy, Prithviraj Sukumaran, Shruti Hassan, and Jagapati Babu in lead roles. While each character has done justice to their respective roles, the narrative falls short of being compelling, with an abundance of action scenes throughout the film. Let's delve into the storyline.
Salaar’s plot: The story revolves around two friends turned foes, Deva and Vardha. Another significant character is Tatto. The film is set in a fictional place Khansar, a place inhabited by criminals. The film unfolds from 'Ugram' to 'KGF' (director Prashanth Neel's previous films), leading up to the interval, which may leave you somewhat disengaged. However, post-interval, the main action begins, with every scene filled with action sequences. Director Prashant Neel's world starts giving you a reminiscent feel of the grandeur seen in Baahubali.
How is Salaar: Prabhas's charisma is evident in theaters, attracting audiences who have been seen cheering during the action scenes. The film is divided into two parts, and part two will be released in the future. The film concludes abruptly, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating the second part. It has been released in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada.
Acting: Prabhas and Prithviraj Sukumaran don't bring anything new to the table; their aggressive avatars are familiar from their previous films. Shruti Hassan's role is prominent in the first half, where her character transforms from an NRI to an Indian without much clarity. Overall, the performances are decent, with Shriya Reddy making a noteworthy contribution, and Jagapati Babu making an impact in a powerful role.
Direction: South Indian films have consistently showcased strong direction, and Prashant Neel's direction in Salar is commendable. The portrayal of the world in the story, from locations to the execution of action scenes, is powerful and engaging.
Music: The first song of the film, "Suraj Hi Chhav Banke," became an instant hit upon release. The lyrical video was well-received on YouTube, accumulating over 1.4 million views within 11 hours of its release. Sung by Menuka Podle and directed by Ravi Basrur, the song's lyrics were penned by Riya Mukherjee. The overall music of the film keeps the audience captivated.
Overall Review: Tickets are selling in Prabhas's name, and the theaters are witnessing a considerable turnout. While the film is worth watching for its action sequences, it falls short in terms of entertainment value.