Deva, also known as Cutout (Prabhas), lives near a coal mine with his mother in the remote village of Tinsukia. His peaceful life as a mechanic is disrupted when he shelters Aadhya from danger. Meanwhile, in the city of Khansar, a coup unfolds as Raja Mannar's succession plan triggers chaos. Vardha seeks Deva's help amidst a threat of bloodshed. Will Deva save Vardha and bring about a ceasefire?

Salaar: Part 1 - Ceasefire, directed by Prashanth Neel, is a dynamic film set in the politically charged landscape of Khansar. Starring Prabhas as Deva and Prithviraj Sukumaran as Vardharaja, the action-packed movie blends drama, swag, and intense action. Neel intricately crafts the dystopian city of Khansar, introducing a range of characters within a narrative spanning from 1747 to the present. Similar to Black Panther, the empire comprises 101 tribes with unique characteristics and divisions like Kaparlu (clan leaders) and Doralu (council members).

Prabhas shines with powerful dialogues and stylish action, delighting his fans in the film. Prashanth skillfully elevates Deva aka Salaar, portraying him as a larger-than-life protagonist. The first half unfolds slowly, taking time to establish Deva's character and building anticipation for what lies ahead.

Prashanth Neel takes an unconventional approach in narrating the dystopian world and characters, drawing inspiration from international cinema. Similar to the KGF franchise, he embraces a dark color palette. The film skips typical dance numbers and romantic melodies, opting for situational anthems sung by school children and the Mahara tribe in the first and second halves, respectively, adding to the drama. Exploring themes of power, loyalty, betrayal, and the right to leadership, the movie delves into political complexities and personal allegiances, providing a compelling commentary on power struggles.

Prabhas captivates as Deva, seamlessly blending electrifying intensity with docile emotional depth. His Salaar portrayal showcases a remarkable balance between raw aggression and subtle nuances. Prithviraj Sukumaran, portraying Vardha, skillfully embodies the vulnerability and determination of a young heir navigating political turmoil with strategic calculations. His evolving performance adds complexity to the narrative, exuding strength as the story unfolds. Shruti Haasan, as Aadhya, provides a balanced presence, though her role is prominent mainly in the first half and a few scenes in the second.

Jagapathi Babu, as Raja Mannar, delivers a commanding performance, while Bobby Simha, Tinnu Anand, Easwari Rao, and others contribute significantly to the story's depth. The supporting cast, including Sriya Reddy, Ramachandra Raju, Madhu Guruswamy, John Vijay, Saptagiri, Prudhvi Raj, Jhansi and Mime Gopi, adds layers to the narrative.