Fridays flood theaters with a myriad of movies, often fading into obscurity, except for the rare standout that resonates for an entire year. 2023 marked the arrival of such a phenomenon - the year of "Salaar." Prashant Neel hinted at its grandeur, and the actual impact exceeded all anticipation.
For those acquainted with Hollywood's transformative experience, Christopher Nolan's name resonates profoundly. Similarly, Prashant Neel's work mirrors that depth. Think of "KGF," a saga that engulfs one in a year-long journey, imprinting unforgettable characters like the elder from KGF, a household figure. Many have claimed that KGF's magic wouldn't be replicated.
Yet, Prashant Neel has surpassed himself with "Salaar." It's akin to witnessing a lion, the king of the jungle, exhibiting fear in its domain—a sign of an imminent colossal arrival.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Salaar?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Salaar</a> is a MONSTER action drama which will satisfy the thirst of action movie lovers <br><br>The presence of Rebelstar <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Prabhas?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Prabhas</a> is riveting, eye catchy & goosebumps ???????????? after a long time his persona matched perfectly ????????????✌️✌️✌️✌️<br><br>Spectacular Action episodes are purely… <a href="https://t.co/D6wvD8gyb2">pic.twitter.com/D6wvD8gyb2</a></p>— SKN (Sreenivasa Kumar) (@SKNonline) <a href="https://twitter.com/SKNonline/status/1737977797556212222?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The past three hours at the theater have left me spellbound. Often tagged as violent, "Salaar" transcends any action cinema I've seen, be it Bollywood, South Indian, or Hollywood.
However, what sets "Salaar" apart is its purpose. It isn't mere action; there's depth. Enter the Mahabharata, the pinnacle of Indian history, and envision its reinterpretation in the modern era. This is what Prashant Neel astutely presents.
Consider the Mahabharata's crucial chapter where Duryodhana aspired to the throne, facing a seemingly insurmountable opponent - a godly figure. In a regular battle, Duryodhana would've met swift defeat. But in the actual war, it extended beyond expectations. Why? Because alongside Duryodhana stood Mahaveer Karn, the friend who vowed to secure victory together. Neel cleverly twists this narrative, with Karn facing Duryodhana, altering the essence from fighting each other to fighting together.
Critics of KGF and KGF2 often highlighted a lack of substance beyond mass appeal. "Salaar" eradicates those concerns. Witness the transformation of Prabhas from adiPurush to Salaar—an awe-inspiring shift. His screen presence overshadows Indian cinema itself.
In "Salaar," Prabhas assumes a godly avatar referencing Kaali Mata, captivating the entire theater.
"Salaar" isn't a one-man show; it's a strategic game, with Prabhas as a pivotal player. The ensemble of powerful characters adds layers to this narrative. Prithviraj's character hints at an exhilarating climax in part 2.
The action, led by Prabhas and Prithviraj, is unparalleled. But be warned: "Salaar" isn't for the faint-hearted.
My rating for "Salaar" stands at 4.5 out of 5 stars. The top-notch elevation, Prabhas' entry scene, the Kali Mata sequence, and the unforgettable climax leave an indelible mark. The film masterfully integrates action into the narrative, owing to Prashant Neel's direction and an exceptional cast.
As for the downsides, emotional depth feels slightly lacking compared to KGF. The angle involving Shruti Hassan and the mother could use further development, possibly in part 2.
In conclusion, whether you're a fan of Prabhas or eagerly await KGF3, brace yourself. "Salaar" surpasses expectations, setting a new benchmark. It's a cinematic marvel challenging viewers to find its match. As for me, I'm ready to delve into the next video. If you wish to share thoughts or complaints, find me on Instagram. Until then, take care!
Table:
Positives | Negatives |
---|---|
1. Top-notch elevation | A bit less emotional depth compared to KGF |
2. Story-driven action portrayal | Angle involving Shruti Hassan and mother needs more depth |
3. Prabhas' godly screen presence | |
4. Prashant Neel's direction | |
5. Outstanding cast selection |
This review into the world of "Salaar," offering insights and perspectives on its strengths and areas for improvement. Whether you're a fan of action-packed dramas or a connoisseur of storytelling, "Salaar" sets a benchmark worth experiencing.