SALAAR: Part 1 - CEASEFIRE

Absolutely magnificent! Breathtakingly artistic! was the first thought that came to mind. This film is art in its most terrifically creative form. Contrary to its title, ceasefire actually carries a lot of fire.

I don't think I've ever shed tears of joy for a work of art like I did for this movie. I was astounded as to how Prashant Neel was able to create such a cinematic masterpiece. His recent incursion into the world of action cinema speaks volumes about his mastery of the craft of film making.

Set in the fictional city-state of Khansaar, the first part of the movie explores the friendship between Deva (Prabhas) and Varadha (Prithviraj Sukumaran) who is the prince of Khansaar. Varadha is bullied by his step brother and his symbol of authority, a nose ring, is taken from him. Little Varadha enlists the help of his friend Deva, who fights a huge wrestler to get it back for him.

Shortly afterwards, we are given a glimpse of how Varadha gives up his biggest territory for Deva to save him from being exterminated alongside his tribespeople. This is a pointer to how deep their friendship runs. Circumstances make Deva and his mother run from the city-state of Khansaar and Deva and Varadha's unbreakable bond becomes broken, leaving them both sad. The director did an amazing job in making the viewers feel the pain the both friends felt when they had to separate from each other. We would later see, that the sacrifice Varadha made for his friend, by giving up his territory would turn out to be what most would consider the biggest mistake of his life. The second part of the movie however goes along very slow and boring. It is not as engaging as the first part but we see events that make us understand the plot, and scenes that link to the first and last part of the movie.

We also see that this second part is a build up to high action episodes that would happen in the third part of the movie. I honestly did not enjoy this second part and believed the director would have made it shorter. Some scenes were too elongated and almost made the movie lose its watch appeal.

No spoilers, but it is in the third part we see the magnificent display of brutal violence, bloodshed and action. The movie starts coming together in the third part and we also get to finally see how much harm Varadha's sacrifice for Deva caused him. There is savage display of violence and bloodshed, which includes chopping of limbs and heads. It is here we get to see how much the movie has a voracious appetite for bloodshed and violence. It is also in this second part that we are shown the political side of Khansaar. The quest to rule and dominate being the main trigger of violence. Drawn into the web of violent politics, Deva and Varadha become key players.

The movie would not be such a masterpiece if it was not for the amazing cinematography by Bhuvan Gowda. Bhuvan presents a visual palette of charcoal grey, black and brown. Alongside the stunning visuals, the background lighting and framing techniques reeked of professionalism. Bhuvan also made sure attention didn't dwell solely on the background, but that the actors were adequately highlighted.

Then there's also the stunt work. Bhuvan mentioned in an interview that the fighting sequence were the hardest to film and took at least ten days. He made it in such a way that every stunt work, every punch, kick and explosion was felt by the viewers. Word is, about 100 acres of land were bought at the Ramaji Film city where the set was built. A testament to how much hard work was put into this movie.

Prabhas, the lead actor in the movie, who plays the part of Deva, played his part amazingly well. From the obedient mummy's boy to a bloodthirsty violent machine, that would do anything to save his friend from dark politics, he was definitely a great fit for the part. His build and physique were also a great advantage for him as they added to the allure of a hero and a proper 'James Bond' character.
His switch from emotional scenes to intense action lends authenticity to the fact that he deserves to play the lead role. There are also rumors that he had to be on strict diet to ensure his fitness for the role.

The role of little Deva and Varadha were also played very well by the actors and the director must have gone through great length to pick out the actors, because there is a striking resemblance between who plays the young and the older version of both characters.

Another character I loved so much in the movie was Bharaava, his coyness and wisdom led to better understanding of the plot. We see that his subtle whispered advice to key players in Khansaar politics leads Khansaar to war, all for his own benefits, which we are made to see at the end of the movie. With no real muscle power and army of his own, he manipulates who he has to, with words.

We'll also see that he was instrumental to making us understand what the next part of the movie will be like. Other characters in the movie also embodied their roles well and their joint efforts contributed in making SALAAR a cinematic success.

Many critics believe that SALAAR is all noise and no substance, but I beg to disagree. The movie explores themes of deep friendships, family, love, and touched very important subject matters.

From the musical score to the well-played on screen actions, the director and actors did a great job at heightening viewers excitement and made the movie noteworthy.
If you've always wanted fast paced, adrenaline pumping action that leaves you at the edge of your seats, then SALAAR is a recommendable watch.