Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire is a 2023 Indian Telugu-language epic action film directed by Prashanth Neel and produced by Vijay Kiragandur. The movie stars Prabhas and Prithviraj Sukumaran, with a supporting cast including Shruti Haasan, Jagapathi Babu, Bobby Simha, and others. Set in the fictional city-state of Khansaar, the film explores the friendship between Deva (Prabhas), a tribesman, and Varadha (Prithviraj), the prince of Khansaar.
Plot Summary:
The story unfolds in 1985, where Deva and Varadha are inseparable companions. The narrative moves to 2017, introducing a conflict involving a business tycoon's daughter, Aadhya. Deva becomes entangled in the events, revealing the complex history of Khansaar, involving tribes, power struggles, and betrayal. As the plot unfolds, Deva and Varadha find themselves pitted against each other due to the city-state's volatile political climate.
Production Details:
The film's initial concept originated from Neel's debut film Ugramm (2014). The project faced various challenges during production, including the COVID-19 pandemic, reshoots, and VFX delays. Filming locations included Telangana, Italy, and Budapest. Despite the hurdles, Salaar was released on December 22, 2023, in standard and IMAX formats, receiving mixed-to-positive reviews.
Cast:
- Prabhas as Devaratha "Deva" Raisaar alias "Salaar"
- Prithviraj Sukumaran in a dual role as Vardha Raja "Vardha" Mannar and Siva Mannar
- Shruti Haasan as Aadhya Krishnakanth
- Jagapathi Babu as Raja Mannar
- Tinnu Anand as Gaikwad alias "Baba"
- Bobby Simha as Bhaarava
- Ramachandra Raju as Rudra Raja Mannar
- Sriya Reddy as Radha Rama Mannar
- And an ensemble supporting cast.
Production Development:
The collaboration between Prabhas and Prashanth Neel was initiated in August 2020. Filming began in January 2021, and the movie was officially announced in December 2020 under the title Salaar. In July 2023, it was confirmed as Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire. The film underwent several release date changes due to production challenges.
Casting:
Prabhas, drawn to Neel's vision, plays the lead role, while Shruti Haasan and Prithviraj Sukumaran were cast in pivotal roles. The movie features a diverse ensemble cast.
Filming:
Principal photography commenced in January 2021, with various legs of filming occurring over three years in locations like Telangana, Italy, and Budapest. The filming process faced interruptions, including Prabhas' knee surgery. The last leg involved a high-cost action sequence shot in the middle of the sea.
Post-Production:
Post-production work, including extensive visual effects, took around six months. The film's music is composed by Ravi Basrur, with the soundtrack released in December 2023.
Release:
Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire was theatrically released on December 22, 2023. It received an A certification due to intense action sequences. The film was a commercial success, earning over ₹715 crore worldwide.
Sequel:
A sequel, titled Salaar: Part 2 – Shouryaanga Parvam, is in development, scheduled for release in the second half of 2025.
Reception:
The film received mixed-to-positive reviews, with praise for direction, performances, action sequences, and technical aspects. It emerged as the highest-grossing Telugu film of 2023 and the 11th highest-grossing Indian film of all time.
