Salaar, a true-blue action epic by Prashant Neel, is characterized by over-statement, fear, and commercial cinema. The film’s aesthetic overkill is accentuated with black clothes, emotions, action, score, performances, styling, and background acting. However, the hero is dialed down and almost non-existent. On the occasion of Prabhas’ 46th birthday, it’s worth reflecting on why this performance feels underdiscussed in his post-Baahubali filmography.
Salaar is a Telugu action film featuring a protagonist named Deva, played by Prabhas. Deva is a passive observer, displaying deafening focus and restraint. His emotions and vulnerability are hidden beneath the restraint. Mahendra Bahubali, the most popular character, is replaced by Deva, a coal miner and mechanic in a remote Assamese village, highlighting the film’s aggressive imagery and immersive action set pieces.
Deva, a stoic hero, is portrayed as a keen listener and a stoic hero. His larger-than-life persona is hampered by his affectless and deadpan demeanor. The only moment where he breaks down and exposes his emotional side is when he kills a man to save Varadha, revealing his trauma and years of anger.
Prabhas, an archaic and mystical figure with a history of brutal violence, is portrayed as humanizing fear and commitment to a ritualistic life. Deva, a friend, aims to support Varadha Raja Mannar and his protective mother, who fears his blood-fueled past.
In a pivotal scene, Deva listens to Varadha’s grievances about his life in the home. The film then reverts to a childhood era, where they used to care for each other. Prabhas, a character with a history, must act out his bond with Varadha without speaking, revealing his held-back aggression. This unconventional approach contrasts with the usual high-stakes scenes in big-ticket films, highlighting the poignant silence of these moments.
The film Salaar features a chiseled, giant man named Deva, who is portrayed as innocent and naive in scenes involving his past visitor. The narrative is enriched by the gradual buildup of power and suggestion, as Deva becomes entangled in the inner politics of Khansaar due to his commitment to his friend and his inability to avoid the suffering of the helpless.
Deva, portrayed by Prashant Neel and Prabhas, is portrayed as the’most violent man among the most violent men’, avoiding the over-the-top theatrical eccentricity often associated with larger roles. His stillness and reserved passivity contrast with the devilish facet of Deva, presented through bits and pieces of his famed history shared by secondary characters in the film.
Salaar is a subdued and intense performance by Prabhas, who has to let go of his aggression and fury to underplay his toughness. The character, Deva, is a piercing black hole with uncontained violent multitudes within him. He is trained to conduct himself as a’silent type’ to prevent falling prey to his worst impulses. The film showcases Prabhas’ skill in stripped back aura farming, which could have gone awry with the wrong star. The audience eagerly anticipates more quiet intensity in the upcoming sequel.
