“Violence, Violence, Violence – I don’t like it, I Avoid. But Violence likes me, I can’t Avoid.” This is likely what director Prashanth Neel amusingly muttered to himself while crafting the narrative of the new fictional city, Khansaar, and its hero, Salaar. In a cinematic landscape marked by directors adhering to their own signature styles, viewers, upon witnessing the Salaar trailer, were initially apprehensive, questioning if they were about to experience the same formulaic approach seen in Ugramm within the KGF universe. To our astonishment, despite drawing inspiration from the Ugramm plot, Prashanth Neel successfully breathes new life into it, once again showcasing his prowess in not only captivating the audience throughout but also leaving them in a euphoric state of mind.
The film unfolds its narrative in a small town near Assam’s Tinsukia, portraying the quiet life of Deva (Prabhas) and his mother, who live in seclusion. We witness the constant anxiety in his mother, urging her to avoid any conflicts and even to keep her son away from a plastic knife, used for cutting cakes. She breaks her promise to ensure Aadhya’s (Shruti Haasan) safety, leading to a buildup for a pre-fight moment setting the stage that fills us with high adrenaline, and there’s no turning back.
Director Prashanth Neel has crafted a fictional city akin to Wakanda in Marvel, blending the traditions and culture of a tribal community with the technological advancements of the modern world. Similar to Wakanda, Khansaar remains concealed from the rest of the world, creating an illusion of a fictional tale. The director has meticulously detailed this new world, delineating its rules and rulers. Multiple characters vying for the throne, in Neel’s quintessential style, are introduced, along with the intricate political dynamics at play.
The movie’s standout feature undeniably lies in the compelling friendship, or rather bromance, depicted between Deva (Prabhas) and Varadharaja Mannar (Prithviraj). Both actors deliver stellar performances, showcasing a remarkable on-screen chemistry that captivates the audience. Noteworthy contributions come from a diverse cast of supporting actors, including Jagapathi Babu, Bobby Simha, Tinnu Anand, Easwari Rao, and Sriya Reddy, among others. Emerging talents like Naveen Shankar as Pandith, Pramod Panju, seasoned actors Devraj and Madhu Guruswamy and the popular KGF Garuda Ram from the KFI shine, leaving a lasting impact with their powerful presence individually.
Certainly, it’s undeniable that certain elements reminiscent of KGF emerge sporadically in various aspects such as the film’s sets, tone, characters or specific scenes. However, the film’s intricate writing captivates us, drawing us deeply into the narrative and immersing us in this new world, allowing us to overlook the overt similarities. The unfinished tale leaves us hanging on a cliff, eagerly anticipating more insights into the enigmatic realm of Khansaar, featuring Vararaja Mannar, his friend Deva aka Salaar. Shauryanga Parvam awaits with bated breath.
