Director: Prashanth Neel (KGF fame)
Production: Hombale Films
Genre: Action, Gangster Drama
Cast:
- Prabhas as Deva/Salaar
- Prithviraj Sukumaran as Vardha
- Shruti Haasan as Aadya
- Jagapathi Babu as Raja Mannar
Box Office: ₹700+ crore (Pan-India Blockbuster)
Runtime: 175 minutes
Plot Summary
In the violent fictional city of Khansaar, childhood friends Deva (Prabhas) and Vardha (Prithviraj) become rivals when a political coup erupts. Deva, a ruthless mercenary known as Salaar, returns to protect Vardha’s family, unleashing a blood-soaked war.
Key Highlights
✔ Action & Violence:
- Raw hand-to-hand combat (no CGI punches)
- Massacre scenes with axes, hammers, and guns
- Climactic “Ceasefire” battle (40-minute sequence)
✔ World-Building:
- Khansaar as a lawless dystopian city
- Tribes, gangs, and political factions
✔ Music & Cinematography:
- Score by Ravi Basrur (KGF style)
- Dark, gritty visuals (90% night shots)
Behind the Scenes
- Prabhas’ Physical Transformation: Gained 20kg muscle for the role.
- Prithviraj’s Role: First major antagonist in a Prabhas film.
- Sequel Setup: Salaar: Part 2 – Shouryaanga Parvam (2025) coming soon.
Why It Worked?
- Prabhas’ Comeback: Redeemed after Adipurush backlash.
- Prashanth Neel’s Style: KGF-level grandeur with darker tone.
- Moral Conflict: Friendship vs. Duty theme.
Trivia: The axe fight scene took 21 days to shoot!
Legacy
- 2nd highest-grossing Indian film of 2023.
- Sets up Prabhas vs. Prithviraj in Part 2.
