2023 was always going to be a crucial year for Prabhas. The Telugu star is one of the biggest stars of the country. The fanbase that he possess might even make the Khans jealous. Two of the star’s biggest releases were lined up in 2023- Adipurush and Salaar. Adipurush was Om Raut’s magnum opus that was mounted on an unimaginable scale of rs. 600-700 crores. Part of the reason that this is budget was assigned had to be Prabhas being Ram. Salaar is Prashant Neel’s next movie after making the two KGF movies which are the most successful films of the Kannada film industry. Such an important year in Prabhas’ career and it certainly hasn’t started the right way. Adipurush is facing massive backlash and Indian audiences are rejecting the movie meaning it would be a huge financial failure. So, what does this mean for Prabhas and his upcoming release Salaar?
Salaar Might Be Prabhas’ Last Chance!
So, Adipurush’s financial failure puts Prabhas in a dire situation. A situation that only Salaar can pull him out of. After Prabhas’ humungous success of the Bahubali series, the star hasn’t been able to live up to the pan India success that is expected of him. His last three releases after 2017’s Bahubali: The Conclusion are Saaho (2019), Radhe Shyam (2022) and Adipurush (2023)- all have miserable box office returns. Starting with Saaho, made for rs. 350 crores and earned rs. 407 crores (worldwide).
It might seem that the film made its budget back but do note that 50% of the film’s theatrical collection goes to the exhibitors (theatre owners). Now coming to Radhe Shyam, made for rs. 300-350 crores once again. The film only earned rs. 190 crores (worldwide) making it a box office nightmare. I can’t imagine the amount of money that the makers have lost. Finally, I don’t need to tell you about Adipurush, made for rs. 600-700 crores and it has only earned rs. 345 crores* (worldwide) until now.
It is definitely not making its money back. So, now you understand why Salaar suddenly becomes like a do or die for Prabhas as if he delivers a fourth box office dud on a trot then people won’t be investing in his brand anymore. The star has definitely been pressured into delivering pan India blockbusters ever since the Bahubali series. Every film mounted on an extravagant budget with no real substance simply trying to bank on Prabhas’ stardom. This is the problem with most of the pan India films currently. Example: Liger (2022).
His films have lost too much money for any investor to be interested in putting in more money in his upcoming films. He might not be able to mount himself on such a huge canvas anymore if Salaar doesn’t become a Pathaan. In my opinion, Prabhas should simply do a good movie, like he used to in his pre Bahubali era where he didn’t have the pressure of performing on the pan India scale. Regardless of Salaar’s success or failure, Prabhas should simply go back to simpler times. Something that his loyal fans will enjoy.
The film is also important for Prashant Neel. I know he has delivered one of the biggest blockbusters as his last film but still to solidify his name as S.S. Rajamouli who after the success of the Bahubali series delivered once again with RRR. The worldwide craze of the film is unmatched. It won an Oscar, I mean what else could one possibly want. If Salaar becomes a huge blockbuster then Neel’s ability as a visionary director will be firmly cemented.
So, as you can see both Prabhas and Prashant Neel need Salaar to be a blockbuster and the possibility of that happening is high. There are many theories that somehow tie Salaar together with the KGF franchise. If that’s the case then the Indian audiences will go crazy. A KGF: Chapter Three with Yash and Prabhas together will break the box office.
Salaar is slated to release in theatres near you on 28th September 2023.
If you have any questions regarding the Salaar, feel free to ask in the comments below and stay tuned. As usual, like, subscribe and share our articles as we here are trying to build a community of people High on Cinema!
