Talking to indianexpress.com, Prabhas shared the meaning of the film's title and what made him say yes to it. "We say Jai-ho, right? Saaho is something similar along those lines. Sujeeth narrated the story even before the Baahubali release. I liked the compelling screenplay, which is full of twists and turns. For every ten minutes, you’ll have a ‘surprise’. Of course, we’ve taken a few cinematic liberties here and there. I believed in Sujeeth. Saaho is his second film, but he was never tense. He’s a cool guy," he said.
Also See: Before Saaho, here are some rare photos of Prabhas
Shraddha Kapoor, who also trained for intense action sequences for Saaho, had shared how she enjoyed the thrill of doing them. She said, "This is the first time I am doing this kind of action. It was on another level all together. It was amazing as we always had experts on sets. It was more adventurous than scary. Since it is the biggest action film from India, the action sequences in the film are in true sense unbelievable. Now, I leave it for people to see it to believe it."
For @Srinu_Rasamalla, Saaho is a a good watch. His tweet read, "#Saaho #Tollywood movie ?
1st half - intro & Interval twist ? 2nd half - Superb & final 30-45 mins is packed actions from #Prabhas Proud to say Telugu maker's @madhie1 DOP great, @sujeethsign gud job @GhibranOfficial BGM ?? @UV_Creations @ShraddhaKapoor"
@MohanPaul7 tweeted, "Totally unconvincing movie with boring screenplay... Only saving grace is #Prabhas and action sequences.. Strictly one time watchable #Saaho #Saahoreview #SaahoInCinemas"
monthly limit of free stories.
with an Express account.
Nagesh V under the Twitter user name of @nageshvchethan wrote, "I'm totally don't know why this much of negative reviews for #Saaho movie it's not a disaster movie action VFX making was extraordinary with brilliant acting by #Prabhas and @ShraddhaKapoor so don't bothered about negative reviews go watch in ur nearest theatre @SaahoOfficial"
@nadupuri tweeted, "#Saaho Watched Saaho for d 2nd time on IMAX Screen. For some reason, I felt it a bit better thn d 1st time watch.Definitely Watchable. ? Special mention for BGM. It's extraordinary frm Ghibran ? Stunt sequences well Choreographed apart frm few tacky VFXscenes Watch it on IMAX"
@Im_rakesh3 tweeted, "Finally #saaho movie is full of twists n little bit confusion... But content is well #strongacting #powerfulvisuals #actionpacked I hope all must enjoy it... Last climax 30mins is goosebumps... It's such ah brilliant and clever screenplay..."
@rr26official tweeted, "#Saahoreview Hogya I.. watching #Saaho Best ever Indian action,thriller pack movie I have ever watched Top ka action tha.. ? Interval and pre climax action sequences murderrr masss? best visuals? Wishing the entire team A Huge Blockbuster? #Saahoreview ????"
A Twitter used named, @RaoJac wrote, "#Saaho #Saahoreview flop flop flop... We now know actors are not above the script and director. Prabhas hindi terrible. U can't sit in theatre. Dailogue like : kya karai wo...laughable...acting 0. Saara Bahubali ka mazaa kirkira kar diya"
@BHASKARAGNIHOT tweeted, "Seeing what happened with #Saaho I just hope #War is something that really matches the hype it has generated.Indian Cinema has learned how to execute World Class Action Sequences,we have top technicans,VFX experts but we still need to learn how to develop Stories,Ideas,Execution."
The Indian Express film critic Shubhra Gupta wrote in her Saano review, "Prabhas is perfectly suited to throwing sharp things at tattooed guys built like trucks, and mowing down a phalanx of heavies without expending too much effort. And he does have an ability to underplay and be droll."
Also read | Saaho movie review: A damp squib
@SKNonline wrote on Twitter, "Liked the fantastic action part (Never before in any Indian film) #Prabhas screen presence & thrilling twists of #Saaho film last 30 mins is fantastic @UV_Creations making standards are international level. WATCH the action on big screens."
Sumit Kadel shared earlier today, "#Sahoo Opens with BUMPER occupancy at the box office. AP/TL- 90-95% occupancy. TN/Kerela/Karnataka- 50-60% occupancy. North hindi belt (Hindi lang)- 40% occupancy."
"Done watching #Saaho. Best ever Indian action movie I have ever watched. Top notch action sequences?. Interval and pre climax action sequences murderrr masss?. Best directing with best visuals?. Wishing the entire team A Huge Blockbuster?. #Saahoreview," tweeted @anandasam_.
Sumit Kadel wrote on his Twitter account, "It would be a researching subject for all the trade analysts to figure out ? 350 cr budget spent on what? Pathetic VFX in the entire film. Torture of Highest proportion #Saaho is."
"#Saahoreview Early : End of 1st half and yes #Saaho is definitely worth of the hype. Visuals are breathtaking and the interval bang is awesome. #Prabhas carries his macho image and is excellent and @ShraddhaKapoor too performs well. Supporting cast too are good esp. @apnabhidu," wrote @FilmlineReview on Twitter.
Kamaal R Khan wrote on his Twitter account, "#Saaho is such a fantastic film that it should be kept in the Hollywood’s museum as a sign of worst film ever made in the history of this world. A challenge should be given to script writers around the world that whoever will understand it during next 100Yrs, will get ?2000Cr."
Kaushik LM shared via his Twitter account, "#Saaho 2nd half - The final 30-45 mins is packed with all the action we expect, with 'boom' & 'showtime' moments from #Prabhas. The action scenes are over the top, highly ambitious & border on superhuman. Lotsa twists, turns. @GhibranOfficial's pulsating BGM?? Overly long!" He also added,"#Saaho - Apart from #Prabhas (in a swag-macho role with many mysterious shades to thrill his fans till the very end), @arunvijayno1 also scores high in another unpredictable character.. @NeilNMukesh gets his scoring moments too." Kaushik LM suggests, "#Saaho -Better to go and watch the film without taking in any of the huge pre-release expectations and hype. Also, it'll be better to avoid comparing the film's action with Hollywood biggies. The lonngg runtime is also a drawback; the team could've trimmed off the romance & stuff."
The Indian Express film critic Shubhra Gupta gave Saaho one and a half stars. She wrote in her review, "Everything a thriller needs is in here. You settle down to a non-stop, breathless, firing-from-all-cylinders ride. But Saaho turns out to be a damp squib."
Also read | Saaho movie review: A damp squib
@MovieCrow took to Twitter to share, "#SaahoReview - Tedious and Tiresome. Too many paperboard characters with unclear characterization and motivation. Confusing screenplay is marred by relentless action sequences. Prabhas' presence lacks the spark."
@KollywoodStreet posted on Twitter, "#Saahoreview 3.75/5. First Half slow and pre intervel is just Awesome. Second Half Highly packaged with Action? #Prabhas Just Nailed it ! Sureshot Blockbuster #Saaho #SaahoMania #WorldSaahoDay #Sahoo."
"#Saaho is 2019 BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT. Plus- Prabhash Screen presence ; Minus- bad performances of too many characters ,Confusing Story, Extremely boring laughable screenplay,mediocre action ,terrible direction & so many bad songs. Watch at your own risk. Rating- ??
#SaahoReview," wrote Sumit Kadel on his Twitter account.
Sathish Kumar M tweeted, "#Saaho Extraordinary visuals, Awesome Action scenes, Mass Hero - not sufficient enough to engage the audience. Script is always the King. Director misses once in a lifetime opportunity #Saahoreview."
Indianexpress.com's Komal says, "Saaho has fantastic and very smooth action sequences. The film is not bad at all even though it has a corny love story. Prabhas is so raw and sensual. He just fits right in every frame as the superstar that he has become. Very entertaining!"
Rohit Jaiswal took to Twitter to share, "My astrologer told me months ago that I can meet an accident by end of August this year, I took his advice too lightly, and now I am going to hospital for my further treatment.. #Saaho is a STYLISH LET DOWN PATHETIC FILM, its a 350cr budget CANCER.. 1*/5 #Saahoreview #Prabhas."
Taran Adarsh wrote on his Twitter account, "#OneWordReview...#Saaho: UNBEARABLE. Rating: ?½ A colossal waste of talent, big money and opportunity... Weak story, confusing screenplay and amateur direction. ??? #SaahoReview."
Ramesh Bala said via Twitter, "#Saaho : #Prabhas has given his best.. He has satisfied everyone.. Action sequences though done on a grand scale, lack the fizz.. @ShraddhaKapoor looks great and has done well.. Screenplay could have been tighter.. Interval and climax twist work well.. One-time watch!"
Kaushik LM shared via Twitter, "#Saaho 1st half - #Prabhas steals the show & holds the film on his own. It's a mysterious character, and he showcases a lot of charm, swag & humor. As expected, we get cops, robbers & the Mafia world. But #Darling is the only one who stands tall. @ShraddhaKapoor does a neat job."
Neil Nitin Mukesh shared via his Twitter account, "The #blackbox has opened up , the secrets and mysteries are ready to unfold. Enter the world of #SAAHO people. #Prabhas @ShraddhaKapoor @evelyn_sharma @bindasbhidu @ChunkyThePanday."
Indianexpress.com's Antara says, "Saaho is too long. It has too many characters, plotlines and villains. It's confusing and tedious. I wish it was worth the hype but it's really not."
@Forumkeralam1 tweeted, "Keeping away the hype and expectations #Saaho is a watchable film with enough twists and turns coupled with terrific action blocks though it goes overboard a bit.Technically a superior product with Prabhas shining in the lead character."
A user @unknownid474 posted on his Twitter, "#Saaho is not a regular commercial film but a film with great screenplay. Action scenes are on par with some Hollywood films.There is a big suprise about #Prabhas character. Evelyn Sharma's character is main asset. ????. Finally, Shraddha Kapoor ????."
Devi Sri Prasad tweeted, "Wishing Our DARLINGGGG #PRABHAS ‘s #Saaho to be a Tremendous BLOCKBUSTERRR in all the languages and all over the WORLD !!! All d best to the entire Team @UV_Creations Director #Sujeeth @ShraddhaKapoor @TSeries @GuruOfficial @Shankar_Live. Cant wait to watch it !!! ????????."
@vinaypemmasani tweeted, "#Saaho One word!!! B-L-O-C-K-B-U-S-T-E-R!!! ? Hats off to the 28 year old Sujeeth! ?? Best Action Sequences for Indian Screen! Ghibran BGM, Visuals are breathtaking! Pacy Screenplay with Twists & Turns brring a few scenes here and there! Climax 30 min is Goosebumps stuff!"
Kaushik LM shared via Twitter, "#Saaho 1st half - #Prabhas steals the show & holds the film on his own. It's a mysterious character, and he showcases a lot of charm, swag & humor. As expected, we get cops, robbers & the Mafia world. But #Darling is the only one who stands tall. @ShraddhaKapoor does a neat job."
Ramesh Bala posted on his Twitter account, "#Saaho 1st Half : Its #Prabhas show all the way.. He dominates the proceedings so far.. Mass interval twist.. Good action sequences so far.. I guess the spectacular ones r reserved for 2nd half.. @ShraddhaKapoor has a good role.. @arunvijayno1 is ? 2nd half is key!"
Actor Manchu Manoj tweeted, "And the wait is over. Wishing a blockbuster success to Rebel star #Prabhas, @sujeethsign @ShraddhaKapoor & the entire team of #Saaho. Go watch India's biggest action film in your nearest theaters! #SaahoFeverEverywhere #SaahoDay."
"Telugu Cinema is shinning and We are really inspired by the kind of grandeur shown in #Saaho. We wish #Prabhas garu, team Saaho and @UV_Creations scores a grand box office success with their attempt. #SaahoTeluguCinema," read a tweet on Haarika & Hassine Creations' Twitter page.
@ItsHusanyS tweeted, "One word #Saaho G.I.A.N.T. The best thing about movie is #Prabhas his presence is just Superb with loads of twist & turns, Fight scenes, visual effects, Bgm, songs & Climax just Mind-blowing & mentioning @arunvijayno1terrific & especially one scene is just killed it."
Actor Nikhil Siddhartha tweeted,"Box Office Shake cheyyadaniki, ma Darling of Indian Cinema, Prabhas Anna is here today with #Saaho Taking Telugu Cinema to the World Audience ?? Wishing the team of @sujeethsign @UV_Creations @ShraddhaKapoor. A Huge Blockbuster?? .Go watch it now in cinemas now #SaahoInCinemas."
Fans make a beeline for theaters in Chennai on Friday morning.
Official Twitter page of Baahubali posted, "It's #WorldSaahoDay. Wishing our Baahubali #Prabhas and the entire team of #Saaho the very best for the GIGANTIC BLOCKBUSTER? #SaahoInCinemas @UV_Creations @sujeethsign @ShraddhaKapoor @TSeries @GhibranOfficial @arunvijayno1."
Theaters in Hyderabad put up houseful signs on Friday morning.
Sai Dharam Tej wrote on Twitter, "Wishing the team of #Saaho all the very best and for you’re dedication and determination to give us the best you deserve nothing less of a blockbuster...@UV_Creations @sujeethsign @GhibranOfficial @ShraddhaKapoor and #prabhas anna."
In a conversation with indianexpress.com, Murali Sharma said, "I used to wonder why he is called ‘Darling’ but after working with him in the film, I realised he is truly a darling. He is a very generous and warm-hearted man. I call him ‘Universal Darling.’ I enjoyed a lot working with him. He is a very hardworking person in spite of his superstardom. You have to see him to believe it."
Also Read | Saaho actor Murali Sharma: Prabhas is a universal darling
On the eve of Saaho's release, fans flocked theaters in Hyderabad.
Saaho's lack of cohesion in production, vocals and instrumentation may well be a too-many-cooks situation, but the album does have some bits where it shines.
Also Read: Saaho music review
Gulf News critic Manjusha Radhakrishnan wrote in her review, "Just short of three hours, Saaho is an exhausting film that focus on style and not substance."
"I've personally witnessed the life, efforts, love and stress @UV_Creations @sujeethsign and the huge teams used to put into #Saaho during my #Taxiwaala times. Can't wait to experience this film on the Biiiiig screen :) All my love to Prabhas anna and the entire team," Vijay Deverakonda said via Twitter.
Writer Gopi Mohan tweeted, "#Saaho The most awaited big film of this year. #Prabhas career’s biggest release. Expecting mind blowing action sequences & heroism with good content. Best Wishes & Good Luck to #Prabhas @ShraddhaKapoor @sujeethsign @madhie1 @UV_Creations & Team."
Jagapati Babu shared on Twitter, "First time in the industry.. The total industry is on one page that #Saaho should beat all records since everybody loves the darling of human kind. My love respect and wishes to my dearest SAHO PRABASA ♥ #Prabhas @UV_Creations @sujeethsign"
Sudheer Babu posted on Twitter, "Prabhas is making all our Telugu Cinema lovers dream come true by placing it on the world map...Adding the vision, blood & sweat of @sujeethsign & @UV_Creations to that, #Saaho is our responsibility & should be our celebration collectively. Cheering for #SaahoStorm Luck & Love"