🎬 Saaho (2019): A High-Octane Thriller That Divided Audiences
Released on August 30, 2019, Saaho was one of the most anticipated Indian films of the year, marking Prabhas's return to the big screen after the monumental success of the Baahubali series. Directed by Sujeeth, this action-packed thriller aimed to set new benchmarks in Indian cinema with its grand scale and high-octane sequences.
🕵️♂️ Plot Overview
Saaho unfolds in the fictional Waaji City, where a power struggle ensues after the death of a prominent crime lord. The narrative follows Ashok Chakravarthy (Prabhas), an undercover cop, as he delves into the murky world of crime syndicates to retrieve a mysterious black box that holds the key to a vast fortune. Amidst double-crosses and shifting loyalties, Ashok's mission becomes increasingly perilous, leading to explosive confrontations and unexpected revelations.
🎭 Star-Studded Cast
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Prabhas as Ashok Chakravarthy / Siddhant Nandan Saaho
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Shraddha Kapoor as Amritha Nair
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Neil Nitin Mukesh as Jai
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Jackie Shroff as Roy
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Chunky Pandey as Devraj
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Mandira Bedi as Kalki
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Arun Vijay as Vishwank
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Evelyn Sharma as Aisha / Jennifer
The ensemble cast brought together talent from various Indian film industries, adding to the film's pan-Indian appeal.
🎬 Production and Technical Aspects
Saaho was notable for its ambitious production, with a reported budget of ₹325 crore, making it one of the most expensive Indian films at the time. The film was shot across multiple international locations, including Austria, Abu Dhabi, and Romania, to lend authenticity to its global narrative.
The action sequences, choreographed by international stunt directors, were a highlight, featuring elaborate set pieces and high-speed chases. The film's visual effects and cinematography aimed to match Hollywood standards, contributing to its grandiose presentation.
💰 Box Office Performance
Despite receiving mixed reviews, Saaho performed well commercially. It grossed approximately ₹432.4 crore worldwide, with the Hindi version contributing significantly to its earnings.
The film's impressive opening and strong performance in the Hindi-speaking regions underscored Prabhas's pan-Indian appeal and the audience's appetite for large-scale action films.
📝 Critical Reception
Critics were divided on Saaho. While the film's action sequences and technical aspects received praise, its convoluted plot and screenplay were points of criticism.
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Rotten Tomatoes: 7% approval rating based on 14 reviews.
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Times of India: 2.5/5 stars, noting that the film "relies on technical aspects and hero's larger-than-life image, and not on its script."
Some reviewers described the film as "bizarrely complicated and incredibly silly," highlighting issues with its narrative coherence.
🎶 Music and Soundtrack
The film's music, composed by multiple artists including Tanishk Bagchi and Guru Randhawa, featured a mix of energetic tracks and romantic numbers. Songs like "Psycho Saiyaan" and "Enni Soni" gained popularity, contributing to the film's promotional success.
🏁 Conclusion
Saaho stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of Indian cinema, where filmmakers are increasingly embracing high-budget productions with pan-Indian appeal. While the film may not have met all critical expectations, its commercial success and technical achievements reflect a growing ambition within the industry to compete on a global stage.
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