Saaho Movie Review

Movie : Saaho

Starring : Prabhas, Shraddha Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Chunky Panday, Murli Sharma, Vennela Kishore, Arun Vijay

Director : Sujeeth

Producers : V. Vamshi Krishna Reddy, Pramod Uppalapati

Music Director : Ghibran

Cinematography : Madhie

Editor : A. Sreekar Prasad

Release date : August 30, 2019

Saaho is one of the most awaited films in recent times. Post Baahubali, this is the only film that has created such a buzz in the media and general audience. Produced by UV Creations and directed by Sujeeth, this film was released in over 9000 screens worldwide. Let’s now see whether the film lives up to all the hype or not.

Story:

The film is set in the backdrop of Waaji city which is ruled by Roy(Jackie Shroff). This does not go well with other members of the mafia and they try to eliminate Roy. During the same time, huge money is being robbed off from Devaraj(Chunkey Pandey) who runs the opposite gang. The cops employ an undercover cop Ashok(Prabhas) to crack this case. Who is this thief who is robbing Devaraj and his gang. What role does Ashok play in this set up. To know this you have to watch the film on the big screen.

Plus Points:

What surprises you with Saaho is the sheer scale of the film. The makers have gone all out and every penny spent is showcased wonderfully on-screen. The grandeur in fights, songs and action sequences, it is a first of its kind for Telugu cinema itself.

Prabhas does not disappoint his fans post-Baahubali. Be it his macho screen presence or the manner in which he carries the film on his shoulders, Prabhas is pretty good and is a feast for the fans.

Shraddha Kapoor makes an impressive Tollywood debut with Saaho. She is beautiful, shares superb chemistry with Prabhas and at the same time, does her action part quite convincingly. Star Bollywood actors like Jackie Shroff, Neil Nithin Mukesh play their roles in a very stylish manner. They give the film a complete edge and make it suave. Chunkey Pandey as the main villain is pretty good in the film.

Murali Sharma is neat in his role of a cop and so was Vennela Kishore. The action sequence which is shot in Dubai is an edge of the seat ride. The songs also need special mention as they have been shot lavishly.

Minus Points:

Prabhas does his part well but his makeup, hairstyle and costumes in many areas is not up to the mark as the star hero looks lazy and dull in a few scenes.

he story is quite predictable and is a rip of several recent Indian films. It has just been given a stylish touch. The film needs trimming of over 10 minutes to make things better.

One of the main drawbacks is the screenplay which is confusing and not up to the mark. The normal audience can get very confused as to what is happening in the film as so many things happen at the same time.

The first half is so boring and all the expectations created on the film come down crashing. The manner in which Prabhas and his cop set up are induced in the story lacks basic sense. Sujeeth has surely not utilized the full potential of Prabhas in a proper manner.

Technical Aspects:

Production values of the film are on another level altogether. UV Creations have shed their blood and soul to make this film rich and it does in every which way. Right from the small property to the lavish visuals, everything looks good. Madhie has shot the action part well. The fights, in particular, have been elevated superbly and give the audience a grand sight. Dialogues are pretty good.

Ghibran takes the film a notch higher with his BGM. The music composed by different musicians is also good. Special mention to the production design as the full credit should go to Sabu Cyril for giving the mafia setup a stylish and suave look. Lyrics in all the songs are just about okay.

Coming to the director Sujeeth, he has surely lost out on a big opportunity given by Prabhas. His script is big on paper but his execution is below par. He could not utilize the stardom of Prabhas well and shows him in a very dull manner. There are many areas where he could have elevated things but Sujeeth failed to do that and spoilt the first half. He makes it up in the last half an hour as the manner in which he has designed the action is good. But rest of his work is not up to the mark.

Verdict:

On the whole, Saaho surely does not live up to all the expectations and hype laid upon it. Prabhas leads from the front and the action part is very good. But all this only comes in the last half an hour. Rest of the film has an improper screenplay and confuses the audience. Sujeeth’s inexperience takes the film down in many areas. The real test for the film will start once the long weekend is over. So, all those who are watching this film need to lower your expectations completely down as Saaho does not have the adrenaline pumping moments which were boasted off.

SAAHO LIVE UPDATES:

• Finally, the film comes to an end on a happy note. Movie done. Keep watching the space for the complete review

  Date & Time : 04:15 AM August 30, 2019

• Arun Vijay and Neil Nitin Mukesh are unveiling the details behind mysteries Black Box. A confrontation scene is on between Prabhas and Chunky Pandey.

  Date & Time : 04:00 AM August 30, 2019

• Pre-climax fight sequence is on between the protagonist and antagonist gang

  Date & Time : 03:55 AM August 30, 2019

• Time for yet another high-voltage action sequence. Prabhas is trying hard to escape from the villain’s gang

  Date & Time : 03:42 AM August 30, 2019

• After a series of attacks on the lead pair, now Prabhas is all set to take on the villain’s gang. The entire fight is for the magical Black Box

  Date & Time : 03:30 AM August 30, 2019

• Baby Won’t You Tell Me song has some great visuals and chemistry between the lead pair is adorable.

  Date & Time : 03:23 AM August 30, 2019

• The villain’s gang plan an attack on Prabhas, Shraddha. The lead pair escapes from the gang. The proceedings lead to yet another duet named Baby Won’t You Tell Me between the pair

  Date & Time : 03:18 AM August 30, 2019

• Chunky Pandey, who flashes, in the beginning of the movie makes a re-entry at a crucial junction. A serious discussion is on regarding the Black Box

  Date & Time : 03:07 AM August 30, 2019

• Jacqueline looks absolutely stunning and Prabhas surprises with nice dance movements in the stylish Bad Boy song

  Date & Time : 03:05 AM August 30, 2019

• Post-interval, breathtaking visuals are being showcased and its time for much-awaited Bad Boy song

  Date & Time : 03:00 AM August 30, 2019

• The actual identity of the Prabhas is revealed and now the film comes halfway. Break time

  Date & Time : 02:41 AM August 30, 2019

• An unexpected twist in the tale and the proceedings lead to a racy chase scene

  Date & Time : 02:38 AM August 30, 2019

• Neil Nitin Mukesh enters the scene as Jai and his also desperately in search for the Black box. The mystery behind the Black box is not yet revealed

  Date & Time : 02:32 AM August 30, 2019

• On the other hand, a few emotional scenes are going on between the lead pair which lead to Ye Chota Nuvvunna song. A nice romantic duet picturized at beautiful locations.

  Date & Time : 02:27 AM August 30, 2019

• Villain’s gang is in search of the Black Box key. Crucial developments in the plotline

  Date & Time : 02:23 AM August 30, 2019

• A few fun scenes between the lead pair leads to Psycho Saiyaan song. A lavishly canned pub number

  Date & Time : 02:09 AM August 30, 2019

• Prabhas, Shraddha planning to attack the robbery gang. A few crucial scenes are on now

  Date & Time : 02:04 AM August 30, 2019

• After a few key scenes between Ashok (Prabhas), Amritha (Shraddha), now Ashok finds a clue regarding the robbery case.

  Date & Time : 01:52 AM August 30, 2019

• Tamil actor Arun Vijay makes an entry now. After a few fun scenes between Prabhas, Murali Sharma and Vennela Kishore, now its time for heroine Shraddha Kapoor’s entry as crime branch officer, Amritha Nair

  Date & Time : 01:45 AM August 30, 2019

• Now, its time for the mass entry of Rebel star Prabhas with an action scene. Roaring response in the auditorium

  Date & Time : 01:33 AM August 30, 2019

• As showcased in the trailer, a serious discussion is on between the police officers regarding Rs.2000 crores robbery case

  Date & Time : 01:30 AM August 30, 2019

• Bollywood actor Jackie Shroff has been introduced as Roy. Vennela Kishore also joins the scene

  Date & Time : 01:26 AM August 30, 2019

• A brief introduction is going on regarding the villain’s gang. Senior actor Tanikella Bharani makes an entry now

  Date & Time : 01:20 AM August 30, 2019

• The film has just started and its duration is 171 minutes

  Date & Time : 01:15 AM August 30, 2019

• Amidst huge cheers and whistles, Saaho’s screening started at Vijayawada

  Date & Time : 01:13 AM August 30, 2019

• We are bringing you the live updates from Saaho’s special screening in Andhra Pradesh, shortly

  Date & Time : 01:00 AM August 30, 2019

A day ahead of its release in India, the first reactions to Saaho have arrived online. Touted as one of the most expensive action films ever produced in the country, the Prabhas and Shraddha Kapoor-starrer is generating mixed early response from those who have seen it in the UAE, where it releases on Thursday.Deccan Chronicle quoted a distributor, who said that the film relies too heavily on a couple of action sequences. “There are two elaborate action sequences, each lasting for more than ten minutes. The entire impact of the film hinges on these two action sequences,” the source said. The action isn’t enough to sustain the film, which is bogged down by a poor script. The source added, “If they are hoping to acquire blockbuster status on the basis of two action scenes then it is worrisome. Audiences expect a lot more than stunts in their movie experience. On the other hand Shankar’s dubbed 2.0 became a moneyspinner without a coherent plot merely on the starpower of Rajinikanth and Akshay Kumar.”

To the contrary, a UAE journalist wrote on Twitter that the film has blockbuster written all over it. Umair Sandhu wrote, “If you are looking high-octane action scenes, sleek visuals, melodious music and if you love masala movies, then Saaho should definitely be your pick for weekend. Prabhas is India Biggest star now.”

He continued, “Prabhas makes absolutely no mistakes in getting his act together. There’s no denying the fact that he plays the perfect Pan India hero in this film,who can acts effortlessly, fight in style and charm the audiences. Saaho is a definite must watch. Breathtakingly shot with gorgeous cinematography, this edition notches higher than its preceding films in terms of thrills and mostly in terms of soul. You wouldn’t want to miss a defining moment in the history of commercial films of Tollywood.”

Saaho’s climax ‘the best part of the movie’. They wrote that the film has a “Crazy storyline masked with breathtaking visuals & action. Action scenes are on par with Hollywood, some are way better TBH.”

Produced on a reported budget of Rs 350 crore, the film also boasts of the most expensive action sequence ever filmed in Indian cinema’s history. The cost of the sequence is said to be around Rs 90 crore, according to reports. Saaho is expected to open to a collection of anywhere between Rs 60-70 crore on Friday, which would make it the second biggest opener in history of Indian cinema.

Trade analyst Girish Johar told Hindustan Times, “The film should open at roughly Rs 35 crore in Telugu, Rs 15 crore in Tamil and Rs 3-5 crore in Malayalam. The film should open across India at around Rs 60-70 crore in all languages.”