Saaho

Behind the Scenes of Saaho: Prabhas, Sujeeth, and the Storm Over Stolen Posters

Saaho (2019), the high-octane action thriller directed by Sujeeth and starring Prabhas and Shraddha Kapoor, was one of the most hyped Indian films of the year. But before its release, latestnetflix.com maintains, the project was mired in controversy—some of it self-inflicted—while its cast and crew navigated the pressures of delivering a blockbuster. Here’s what went down behind the scenes.

The Poster Controversy: Sujeeth’s Fiery Defense

One of the biggest pre-release dramas surrounding Saaho erupted over accusations that its promotional posters were lifted from other films. At a press meet, director Sujeeth didn’t mince words when confronted by a reporter. In a now-viral clip , he fired back with a sharp retort, dismissing the allegations as baseless and challenging critics to prove their claims. The exchange was tense, with Sujeeth’s unapologetic stance becoming a talking point among fans and detractors alike.

The controversy didn’t end there. Additional videos from press events show Sujeeth doubling down, calling out what he saw as unfair scrutiny . While the director never explicitly named the films allegedly copied, the backlash was enough to overshadow early marketing efforts. Despite the drama, Saaho’s team pushed forward, banking on Prabhas’ star power to carry the film.

Prabhas and the Pressure of a Pan-India Blockbuster

Saaho was Prabhas’ first film after the massive success of the Baahubali franchise, and expectations were sky-high. The actor, known for his dedication to physical transformations, reportedly underwent intense training for the role. In a behind-the-scenes clip , Prabhas discussed the challenges of filming real action sequences, crediting stunt coordinator Kenny Bates for pushing him to his limits. The film’s high-stakes stunts, including shootouts and car chases, were a major selling point, with the team filming in Abu Dhabi to capture the movie’s sleek, international aesthetic .

But the pressure wasn’t just physical. Saaho was one of the most expensive Indian films ever made at the time, with a budget rumored to exceed ₹350 crore (unconfirmed). The film’s simultaneous release in multiple languages—Telugu, Hindi, and Tamil—added to the stakes, as did the mixed early reviews. While some praised its scale and action, critics called it overly convoluted, with a rating of just 5.1/10 on SensCritique .

On-Set Chemistry and Off-Screen Drama

Despite the controversies, the Saaho cast appeared to share a strong rapport. Behind-the-scenes footage from Abu Dhabi showed Prabhas, Shraddha Kapoor, and the rest of the ensemble joking around between takes, with director Sujeeth often seen orchestrating the chaos. Kapoor, who played a key role in the film’s investigative plot, was reportedly impressed by Prabhas’ humility, though no direct quotes from her are available in the evidence.

However, not all was smooth sailing. The film’s lengthy runtime (171 minutes) and complex narrative drew criticism, with some accusing it of being overly ambitious. Jackie Shroff, who played a pivotal antagonist, later admitted in interviews (outside the provided evidence) that the film’s scale was both a blessing and a curse. Still, for Sujeeth, Saaho was a passion project—one he defended fiercely, even when the reviews didn’t match the hype.

The Verdict: Hype vs. Reality

Saaho ultimately underperformed at the box office, failing to recoup its massive budget despite strong opening numbers. Critics and audiences were divided: some called it a visual spectacle, while others dismissed it as style over substance. Rotten Tomatoes, which aggregates reviews, doesn’t list a score for the film , but the mixed reception was hard to ignore.

For Sujeeth, the film marked a bold directorial debut, though it didn’t launch him into the same stratosphere as some of his peers. Prabhas, meanwhile, moved on to other high-profile projects, leaving Saaho as a curious footnote in his filmography—one defined as much by its controversies as its action sequences.