Salaar is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated upcoming action thrillers starring Prabhas in the lead role. The film has generated immense buzz among fans as it marks Prabhas’ return to hardcore action after a gap of many years. It is also director Prashanth Neel’s first straight Telugu film after the blockbuster success of KGF Chapter 2.
Initially slated for a worldwide release on September 28, 2023, rumors have been rife about Salaar’s release being postponed. Let’s analyze the reasons why this ambitious Prabhas-starrer might have been delayed and what the next probable release date could be.
Is Salaar’s Release Date Postponed to Avoid Clash With Biggies?
The industry grapevine suggests that Salaar has postponed its September 28 date to make way for Shah Rukh Khan’s actioner Jawan, releasing on September 22. Salaar’s production house Hombale Films is yet to confirm this officially.
Big Breaking – #Salaar is Postponed due to #Jawan unprecendent wave and is pushed to an unknown date đ€Żđ€Żđ„ , Official Announcement Soon.
First #Adipurush was postponed due to #Pathaan and now SALAAR .
Dinasaur can stay in Jurrassic Park for now because its the Lion Month đ„đ„⊠pic.twitter.com/GjbW6ZLK3m— YOGESH (@iamyogesh22) September 1, 2023
However, the theory does seem plausible as a clash between the two big films could have led to division of screens and audiences. Another reason cited is Salaar wanting to avoid locking horns with Mani Ratnam’s magnum opus Ponniyin Selvan II, also eyeing September.
Hence, the makers appear to have taken a pragmatic call by delaying Salaar’s release and finding a more suitable date later in 2023. This also gives Prabhas ample time to wrap up pending shooting schedules.
Has the VFX Work for Salaar Been Delayed?
As per several media reports, director Prashanth Neel is unhappy with the VFX progress on Salaar so far. Hence, he wants the VFX to be redone which requires more time. Salaar is said to be a visually extravagant actioner with heavy VFX use in action sequences and backdrops.
Prashanth Neel is known to be a perfectionist who does not compromise on technical finesse. The KGF franchise set high standards for VFX among Indian films. For Salaar, the director needs more time to deliver on the grand visual promise. The film may release in December 2023 or January 2024 after the VFX work is completed to Neel’s satisfaction.
How Complete Is Salaar’s Shooting?
Salaar went on floors in January 2021 but its shooting progress was hampered due to various reasons. The COVID-19 pandemic led to delays in 2021. In early 2022, the shooting again came to a standstill after Prabhas fractured his shoulder during the Abu Dhabi schedule.
Also Read: The Freelancer Episode 5 Release date Announced?
As per some media reports, the film’s principal photography is approximately 60% complete as of mid-2023. Crucial portions featuring Prabhas are yet to be shot. The pending shooting portions include an extravagant fight sequence and a dance number with Prabhas and a leading lady. Hence, the shooting timeline also warrants postponing Salaar’s release date.
What’s Causing the Delay in Salaar’s Post Production?
In addition to VFX, Salaar’s editing and post-production work have also been severely delayed. Director Prashanth Neel is reportedly unhappy with the first cut of Salaar edited by Ujwal Kulkarni. He felt the narrative was lagging and the run-time was too long.
Additional scenes are being shot to make the story crisper before re-editing the final version. This has further postponed the release timeline. Moreover, the delays faced during filming itself has had a cascading effect on the post-production schedule.
Massive Box office Budget of Salaar (2023)
Salaar is being mounted on a mammoth budget of Rs 300 crore, making it one of the costliest Indian films. Prabhas is being paid a towering remuneration of Rs 100 crore for this gangster action saga. Such a high budget film naturally requires abundant time to recoup its investment.
The producers want to avoid hiccups and release it at the perfect time to maximize revenues. Hence, they seem to have preferred delaying Salaar over compromising on the output quality. But such delays also shoot up the budget further due to interest costs.
What’s the Buzz Around Salaar’s Teaser and Songs?
The teaser of Salaar was released in July 2023 and racked up a record 100 million views within 24 hours. Fans are amazed by Prabhas’ robust action avatar. However, the full trailer and audio launch plan are on hold for now due to the delay in finalising the release date.
Salaar’s soundtrack is composed by maestro Ravi Basrur of KGF-fame. The teasers of two songs have crossed 50 and 20 million views respectively on YouTube. Again, uncertainty looms over the music album’s release schedule. The makers intend to time it closer to the film’s theatrical release.
Fans’ Reaction to Prabhas’ Salaar Postponed Rumors
Prabhas fans are feeling extremely disappointed that they have to wait longer for this action bonanza. Many of them took to social media platforms like Twitter to vent their frustration after reports of the postponement surfaced.
Die-hard Prabhas fans were eagerly awaiting his return to form after the disappointing response to Radhe Shyam and Adipurush. Salaar had restored the fandom’s hopes. Its delay beyond September 2023 is being seen as an anticlimax. However, a section of the loyal fans don’t mind waiting if it results in an even better theatrical experience.
Love & Respect #PrashanthNeel #Salaar #Postponed
Does not matter, whatever it is, we will be respecting your #Salaar #Postponed decision.#Salaar #RespectToPrashantNeel#SalaarCeaseFire pic.twitter.com/WhKOODVyOH— ShowWala đ„¶ (@ruralcodespace) September 1, 2023
Salaar’s Probable Next Release Date
- December 23, 2023 – A week before Christmas, to target family audiences.
- January 12, 2024 – Pongal weekend, a lucrative period for South Indian films.
- February 9, 2024 – To make the most of Valentine’s Day sentiment.
- April 14, 2024 â Telugu New Year weekend. A slot that warrants maximum footfall.
The makers are closely tracking the calendars of other major film releases before zeroing in on Salaar’s new date. An official announcement should be expected by September 2023.
The producer Vijay Kiragandur and director Prashanth Neel would not want Salaar to be hurried. Their priority is to give Prabhas’ fans a stand-out theatrical experience that is worth its hype. Delays are inevitable in the creative process but the wait will be worthwhile.
In Short:
- Salaar likely postponed from September 2023 due to avoidance of clash with SRK’s Jawan and Mani Ratnam’s PS-2.
- Shooting pending due to delays caused by COVID-19 pandemic and Prabhas’ injury.
- Director Prashanth Neel unhappy with film’s VFX progress; wants it reworked.
- Additional shots being filmed to make story crisper; delays in post-production work.
- Salaar made on massive budget of Rs 300 crore; producers want perfect launch.
- Prabhas fans disappointed but optimistic about better output. Next release date unconfirmed.
Conclusion
Notwithstanding speculations over release delays, the excitement for Salaar remains unabated. The film promises to be a complete action fest with Prabhas reprising his massy avatar after a long gap. Salaar may be postponed but only for the bigger picture.
The film boasts of many firsts – Prashanth Neel’s maiden straight Telugu film, Prabhas in a violent action role after Baahubali franchise, and Shruti Haasan as the leading lady opposite Prabhas. Billed as the biggest action extravaganza from Sandalwood, Salaar will hopefully live up to audience expectations when it ultimately releases.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Prabhas’ Salaar Movie Postponed it’s Release Date?
Yes, as per various media reports, the release date of Salaar has been postponed from September 28, 2023 to a later date in late 2023 or early 2024. However, there is no official confirmation of this postponement yet from the makers.
2. Why has Salaar’s release been postponed?
The potential reasons include unfinished VFX work, delays in shooting progress due to COVID-19 and Prabhas’ injury, pending post-production tasks, and avoiding clash with big releases like Jawan.
3. When will Salaar release now?
The new release date for Salaar is not officially announced yet. Based on speculations, it is expected to release in late 2023 or early 2024, during Christmas, Pongal weekend, or Valentine’s Day period.
4. Who is the director of Salaar?
Salaar is directed by Prashanth Neel who earlier helmed the KGF franchise. This is his first direct Telugu film.
5. Who are the lead actors in Salaar?
The lead cast includes Prabhas, Shruti Haasan, Prithviraj Sukumaran, and Jagapathi Babu. Prabhas will be seen in an intense action avatar after many years.
6. Why are Prabhas fans disappointed?
Die-hard fans of Prabhas were eagerly waiting for Salaar after his last few films failed to impress. The delay beyond September 2023 has left many fans disappointed as they have to wait longer for this action bonanza.
