This past year witnessed an unexpected overlap in the worlds of entertainment with American singer/songwriter, Taylor Swift, and Indian film writer/director, Prashanth Neel, both re-releasing re-recorded versions of their own, previous art. In 2023, while Swift served fans fresh takes of her old classics, Neel chose to flower his former movie with a new life. However, Neel denies referring to his latest film, “Salaar: Part 1-Ceasefire”, a remake, despite bearing resemblances with his 2014 original work, “Ugramm.” Both films evoke a vibrant narrative of a civil war in a chinky fictional kingdom.
In his re-rendered production, “Salaar,” Neel provides his audience with a more refined, lavish narrative of “Ugramm” that echoes elements from his blockbusting two-part action saga, “KGF.” It appears that with “Salaar,” Neel was keen on reproducing the brownish-gold ambiance and distinctive desert backdrop that was reminiscent of “Mad Max: Fury Road.”
The evolution of Indian movie-making has seen directors rise to comparative importance with top-billing actors. This is indeed reflected in "Salaar", with Neel's distinctive stamp evident throughout. The film stars notable actor Prabhas, known for his role in “Baahubali.” According to Neel, the plot deviated between the original and the re-made work, largely influenced by the acting prowess of Prabhas and his co-star Prithviraj Sukumaran.
"Salaar" is undeniably Neel's work of art, characterized by the complexity of the plot. The story introduces the audience to Deva (Prabhas), a charismatic character with a mysterious past and an assertive mother. Deva's life is entwined with Aadhya (Shruti Haasan), who is pursued by a notorious criminal organization. Their paths lead them to the steampunk aesthetic of Khansaar, reuniting Deva with Vardha (Sukumaran), Khansaar's prince.
Neel's narrative intricately connects Deva and Vardha's friendships with the increasing power struggle of the Khansaarian leadership. The storyline plays between a series of flashbacks and escalating feuds, reminiscent of the popular "Game of Thrones."
Neel’s cinematic flair showcases his expertise in detailing each on-screen event as a grand spectacle. His use of slow-motion in conjunction with mirrored sound effects evokes an over-the-top aesthetic. This film, along with his previous efforts, can be best delineated as a strategic blend of multiple trends, aimed at building the next big wave in the cinematic world.
Neel is seemingly the secret sauce to the success of "Salaar", which is evident in the bolder, more emphatic nuances of the film. A notable scene brings together a group of women who convey gratitude to Deva for saving them from their ruthless, monster of a Lord and his vile son.
Over the years, Neel has refined his craft since "Ugramm,” harnessing what he's learned over the years. Despite "Salaar" being a more polished adolescent fantasy about a righteous savior amidst a world-ending civil war, it continues to echo his unique bravura, soon to be unfolded in the upcoming “Salaar: Part 2.”
