Prabhas’s larger-than-life screen persona ensures that the films he takes up gain momentum of their own. The latest is Prashanth Neel’s multilingual film ‘Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire’, where he shares the screen with acclaimed actor-director Prithviraj Sukumaran The two portray characters bound by a strong brotherly connection in a film that boasts of high-octane action, which is often the highlight of films headlined by Prabhas.

In an interview with BT, the actor, known to be a man of few words, talks about his latest venture, which releases on Friday.

Prabhas attributes more than one reason that sets this film apart from other movies of the same genre. He shares, “‘Salaar’ explores a powerful brotherly bond between Prithviraj and me, set against an intense action and emotionally driven backdrop. The storyline is captivating, distinctly blending action and emotions, which sets it apart in this genre. However, one of the highlights of the experience for me was the off-screen bonding with Prithviraj and Prashanth, which was fantastic. It has also contributed positively to the on-screen chemistry and our overall camaraderie. It has been a fulfilling experience working with them.”

Given the kind of characters Prabhas takes on as an actor, there is often a demand for physical transformations as well as mental prep, but with ‘Salaar’, he chose to be more specific. Elaborating on the preparation he undertook for the film this time, he says, “While working on this role, the emphasis was more on physical preparation with muscle building. It didn’t require a major transformation, but the effort involved a dedicated fitness routine and emotional nuances to bring authenticity to the character.”

The trailer of ‘Salaar’ generated a massive response, heightening the expectations surrounding the film. The actor, however, seems to appear calm amidst the excitement around the release. Ask him if the pressure of the audience’s expectations gets a bit much to handle, and he says, “I like to focus on the positives, and in this case, it is the love and support of my fans. If they like what they see, our job is done. Handling the pressure of a larger-than-life image involves a balance of staying true to my craft and choosing projects that challenge me. In fact, apart from the substance in the script, it is the audience’s expectations that drive my choices in choosing a project.”

Everyone has been raving about the emergence of pan-India cinema, a trend that technically took off with the record-breaking ‘Baahubali’ films (2015 and 2017), which was also instrumental in making Prabhas a pan-India star. The actor is elated by the rise of collaborative projects between various film industries in the country. “Witnessing the emergence of pan-India cinema since ‘Baahubali’ is gratifying. It also feels like a significant moment to be part of this transition, fostering a healthy exchange of culture and stories and contributing to the collaborative growth of both industries,” he explains.

South Indian cinema is making significant strides, not only nationally but also internationally. Prabhas feels that this kind of recognition is positive for the growth of Indian cinema. “The growing national and international recognition of South Indian cinema, exemplified by the recent Oscar win for ‘RRR’, is a testament to its global appeal. It’s a positive trend that showcases the industry’s creative prowess and potential on a broader stage,” he says.