On August 30, 2019, South Indian superstar Prabhas's highly anticipated film, Saaho, graced the silver screen, marking its fifth anniversary this year. This cinematic venture was notable not only for its ambitious scale but also for being the inaugural collaboration between Prabhas and Bollywood actress Shraddha Kapoor in leading romantic roles. Despite its grandeur and high production values, Saaho experienced a mixed reception at the box office, with its performance varying significantly across different languages.
A Tale of High Hopes and Mixed Outcomes
Directed by Sujeeth, Saaho was produced by a consortium of prominent figures including Pramod Uppalapati, Vinod Bhanushali, Bhushan Kumar, and V. Vamshi Krishna Reddy. The film was released in four languages—Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam—catering to a diverse audience. While Saaho found some success in Hindi, the film floundered in the other three languages, failing to meet the high expectations set by its substantial budget.
Despite its financial challenges, Saaho remains available on various OTT platforms, allowing viewers to reassess its merits and determine if it aligns with its larger-than-life reputation.
Highlights and Behind-the-Scenes Intrigues
Saaho boasted a remarkable ensemble cast featuring both South Indian and Bollywood stars. The film’s production was marked by several intriguing details:
Language Mastery: Prabhas undertook the task of learning Hindi specifically for Saaho. Demonstrating his commitment, he personally dubbed his lines for the Hindi version, a move that underscored his dedication to the project.
Teaser Timing: The teaser for Saaho was released on April 28, 2017, in conjunction with the release of Prabhas's previous blockbuster, Baahubali 2. This strategic timing aimed to maximize the buzz surrounding the film.
Shraddha Kapoor’s Efforts: For the Telugu version of the film, Shraddha Kapoor delivered her dialogues despite not initially understanding them. She employed a translator to help grasp the nuances of her lines, showcasing her dedication to her role.
Epic Climax: The film’s climax featured an elaborate battle scene involving 100 participants, who were recruited from across the globe, including Hollywood and other international film industries. This segment, the most expensive of the film, accounted for approximately ₹120 crore of the ₹350 crore budget.
