Jr. NTR returns as the solo hero in the film Devara Part 1 (Devara), directed by Koratala Siva. The film marks the debut of Janhvi Kapoor as the female lead, with Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan playing the antagonist. But the big questions remain: Has Jr. NTR managed to step out of Rajamouli’s shadow for the third time? And has Koratala Siva regained the credibility he lost with Acharya? Read our review to find out.
Devara (Jr. NTR) becomes the undisputed leader of four villages, commanding such respect that no one dares oppose him. However, Bhaira (Saif Ali Khan) is determined to challenge Devara’s authority, using brute force to resist his influence. Devara, driven by a desire to end smuggling in the village, takes it upon himself to protect both the people and the sea, instilling fear that any wrongdoing will be met with his wrath. Fourteen years later, Bhaira is still waiting for a chance to kill Devara. Meanwhile, Devara’s son, Vara (Jr. NTR), struggles to live up to his father’s legacy.
What happened to Devara? Why did he guard the sea for so long? Will Vara be able to uphold his father’s honor? These questions form the crux of Devara Part 1.
Performances: NTR shines in two distinct roles, showcasing his versatility as Devara, the fearless hero of an entire town, and Vara, a timid character. His performance, along with his energetic fight sequences and dances, especially in the Ayudha Pooja song, is sure to thrill fans. Saif Ali Khan effectively portrays the villain, though his lip-sync is off in some scenes. Despite this, his presence as NTR’s formidable adversary stands out.
Janhvi Kapoor makes her entry in the second half, adding glamour to her brief appearance. Her graceful moves in the Chuttamalle song are sure to captivate.
Srikanth impresses in a key role as Rayappa, while Prakash Raj, as the film’s narrator, and Ajay, as a pivotal character, deliver solid performances. Supporting actors Shine Tom Chacko and Kalaiyarasan remain in the background as side characters.
Technical Aspects: Devara’s standout feature is Rathnavelu’s stunning cinematography, particularly the 20-minute Red Sea fight sequence during the interval, which is a major highlight. The way the action is captured makes Rathnavelu’s work highly impressive. The underwater fight sequence in the last 15 minutes is also well-executed, with Hollywood stunt choreographer Kenny Bates delivering some well-composed action scenes. Although Anirudh’s background score feels out of place in certain scenes, NTR shines in the elevation moments and songs. Anirudh has given a decent score for the film. However, the production design and artwork are top-notch, with no expense spared by the producers.
Analysis: Director Koratala Siva is known for delivering socially relevant messages through his films, and he attempts the same with Devara. However, the impact isn’t as strong as expected. While the first half shows Siva’s strength as a writer and director, the second half feels disjointed. More crucially, the lead-up to the second part which has no set release date fails to generate interest.
The lack of proper character development for both Devara and Vara is a major flaw, leaving their arcs unresolved and reflecting poorly on Siva’s writing. Overall, after the setback of Acharya, Siva delivers a passable film with Devara, but it falls short of his usual standards as a writer and director.
In the 177-minute runtime, the signature Koratala mark is visible for only about 20 minutes, with the rest relying heavily on action choreography and NTR’s performance. Splitting the film into two parts is a risky move. When Baahubali ended on a cliffhanger, the audience initially criticized it, but Rajamouli’s hook about why Kattappa killed Baahubalicreated excitement, making the second part a blockbuster.
In Devara’s case, the lack of a strong hook and weak character development hurt the film, along with a poorly structured screenplay and an underwhelming ending. That said, Devara is still worth a watch for NTR’s solo performance after six years, Rathnavelu’s exceptional cinematography, and Anirudh’s background score. One needs to go in with an open mind to enjoy the film.
Verdict: Overall, Devara Part 1 is an okay action drama with NTR’s amazing performance. The goosebumps moments are missing in the film but the grand visuals, star cast, and a few action blocks make this film a one-time watch in the theaters.
Bottom Line: Action clicks but drama fails
Devara Rating: 2.5/5
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