Salaar Director Says Violence In Prabhas Starrer Is ‘Not Negative’: ‘What Is Happening In Ukraine…’

The highly anticipated Prabhas-starrer Salaar Part 1: Ceasefire has generated buzz not just for its action-packed promise but also for its portrayal of violence. The film’s teaser, released in December 2023, ignited discussions about the extent of violence depicted in the movie.

Director Prashanth Neel, known for his action-heavy films like KGF: Chapter 1 and 2, recently addressed the concerns in an interview. He acknowledged the real-world context of violence, citing the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip. Neel emphasized that his intention isn’t to glorify violence but to showcase its destructive consequences, particularly its ability to “bring down bad people.”

Also Read: Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire (2023) Film Cast, Budget, Box Office, Story, Real Name, Wiki, Release Date & More

Neel’s statement sparks a crucial conversation about the portrayal of violence in cinema. While some argue that graphic violence can be gratuitous and desensitizing, others believe it can be a powerful tool to depict harsh realities and provoke critical thinking.

“If people were influenced by cinema, I think you would have seen a billion heroes more than anything else. I don’t think the negative aspects [in cinema] matter so much,” Prashanth Neel told Galatta Plus.

“Look at what is happening around the world today. It’s all real. We feel that cinema is an exaggeration… But if you see what is happening in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip, you know that we are probably underplaying it in our movies. The reality is out there. We are not using violence to say that it is good. We always show a hero using violence to bring down bad people. There is a moral to it. Try and be a hero. You don’t have to pick up a gun to be a hero. We don’t try to inspire and that is not my job. I’m not here to preach. If your parents haven’t done it for you, then neither can I. I am not going to influence you,” the director added.

ALso ReaD: Salaar Trailer: The Bloody World of Khansaar Featuring Prabhas

Prashanth Neel further argued that cinema does not inspire people. “The maximum I would do is change my hairstyle (watching a movie). Beyond that, I am not going to do anything,” he said and then concluded by saying, “If you tell me that I am influencing the youngsters with my content, then you should see what is happening on the cricket pitches — people swear there. Do you think that is fine? Well, nobody’s pointing a finger at them.”

Hombale Films’ Salaar: Part 1: Ceasefire stars Prabhas along with Prithviraj Sukumaran, Shruti Haasan, and Jagapathi Babu in key roles. Made under the direction of Prashanth Neel, the film is produced by Vijay Kiragandur. Salaar has a duration of 2 hours and 55 minutes and was given an ‘A’ certificate by the censor board. The movie has several bloody combat scenes, violence, and battle scenes.