Movie Name: Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire
Release Date: December 22, 2023
Rating: 3.25/5
Cast: Prabhas, Prithviraj, Shruthi Haasan, Tinu Anand, Eshwari Rao, Jagapathi Babu, Sriya Reddy, Garuda Ram
Director: Prashanth Neel
Producer: Vijay Kiragandur
Music: Ravi Basrur
Cinematography: Bhuvan Gowda
Editor: Ujwal Kulkarni
After three long years of anticipation, Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire has finally hit the theaters, bringing together Prabhas and director Prashanth Neel. With sky-high expectations, this action-packed film promises to deliver intense thrills. Here’s a review to see if the film lives up to its hype.
Story:
Deva (Prabhas), a man with a murky past, lives peacefully with his mother in Tinsukia. However, their world is thrown into chaos when a group of thugs starts searching for Aadhya (Shruti Haasan), a newcomer in town. Deva uncovers that the masterminds behind the attack are his old friend, Varadharaja Mannar (Prithviraj Sukumaran), and the conflict that ensues leads to explosive action. As the plot unfolds, the connection between Aadhya, Varadharaja, and Deva, along with the reasons for their enmity, comes to light.
Plus Points:
- Prabhas returns to the action genre with his power-packed role as Deva, or Salaar. The film perfectly presents his strong physique and intense screen presence, making it evident why he’s the ideal choice for the part. His stoic performance and aggressive action sequences keep the audience glued to the screen.
- Prithviraj Sukumaran is an excellent addition to the film, delivering a solid performance that adds weight to the narrative. His Telugu proficiency and the scenes opposite Prabhas elevate the overall viewing experience.
- The film’s first half shines with Prashanth Neel’s signature racy screenplay. With crisp pacing, impactful action scenes, and high-octane moments, it manages to keep the energy levels high. The interval, climax, and some well-placed whistle-worthy moments add to the excitement.
Minus Points:
- While the first half moves swiftly, the second half of the film begins to drag, with certain sections feeling repetitive. Some sequences bear similarities to KGF, diminishing the film’s uniqueness.
- Despite the strong supporting cast, such as Jagapathi Babu, Bobby Simha, and others, their roles are somewhat underplayed, leaving them less impactful. This results in missed opportunities for character development.
- The sheer amount of violence in the second half might alienate family audiences, and it takes away from the emotional depth that could have made the film more relatable.
Technical Aspects:
- Director Prashanth Neel delivers a strong vision with his action sequences, but the second half could have used a tighter narrative and better pacing to maintain engagement.
- Ravi Basrur’s music score is effective in amplifying the action scenes, though the songs themselves may not leave a lasting impression. The cinematography by Bhuvan Gowda is visually stunning, capturing the grit and grandeur of the film. The stunt choreography by Anbarivu is another highlight.
- The editing by Ujwal Kulkarni could have been more focused, especially in the second half. Nevertheless, the production values are exceptional, adding grandeur to the cinematic experience.
Verdict:
Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire is an action-packed spectacle that brings out the best in Prabhas, particularly during the action sequences. The film delivers a thrilling ride with strong performances, but a slow second half and excessive violence might limit its appeal. Fans of Prabhas and high-energy action films will find it worth watching this weekend.
