Salaar Part 1: Prabhas shines as Deva, Prashanth Neel delivers a blockbuster

Hyderabad: December 22 marked the release of the highly awaited movie, Salaar. Helmed by Prashanth Neel, the film features Prabhas and Shruti Haasan in prominent roles. Notable actors such as Bobby Simha, Tinnu Anand, Easwari Rao, Sriya Reddy, and Ramachandra Raju play pivotal characters. Produced by Hombale Films, the powerhouse behind the KGF franchise, Salaar unfolded a compelling narrative centred around the tumultuous succession tale of the city of Khansaa.

Salaar, directed by Prashanth Neel, delivers a cinematic experience primarily defined by its goosebumps-inducing action sequences, expertly designed by Neel himself. The film leans heavily on Prabhas’ charismatic presence, especially in the action-packed episodes, making it a visual treat for fans of high-octane thrills.

Prabhas, in his element, showcases a terrific performance, particularly shining in the ‘Kateramma’ episode. The meticulously crafted action sequences, utilising Prabhas’ cutout to its full extent, stand out as a major highlight of the film, offering a compelling reason to witness the spectacle on the big screen.

Adding depth to the narrative is Prithviraj Sukumaran, who delivers a very good performance in his role, contributing to the overall impact of the film. His presence adds layers to the storytelling, complementing Prabhas’ heroism in a well-balanced manner.

However, the film is not without its flaws. In the moments between action sequences, the drama appears uneven, and the background score by Ravi Basrur falls short of expectations. The score, particularly in the second half, is criticised for being too loud, creating a distraction rather than enhancing the cinematic experience.

Despite these shortcomings, Salaar emerges as a movie worth watching in theatres, primarily for the adrenaline-pumping action sequences and the captivating on-screen presence of Prabhas. Prashanth Neel’s world of heroism and elevation comes to life, providing a decent cinematic experience. However, the film falls short of the gigantic pre-release expectations, reminding audiences that while it may not reach the heights anticipated, it still offers a worthwhile cinematic journey, especially for fans of the action genre.