Devara: Part 1, directed by Koratala Siva and starring N.T. Rama Rao Jr. (Jr NTR), Saif Ali Khan, and Janhvi Kapoor, was one of the most highly anticipated Telugu-language releases of 2024. The film, which spans nearly three hours, is set in the coastal lands of a fictitious region, weaving a tale of vengeance, legacy, and moral dilemmas. While its visual grandeur and Jr NTR’s commanding performance capture attention, Devara struggles with predictability, an undercooked screenplay, and a lack of emotional depth. Let’s dive into an in-depth review of this high-octane action drama.
Storyline: Epic Yet Predictable
At its core, Devara: Part 1 attempts to blend mythic proportions with grounded human emotions. The plot follows Devara (Jr NTR), a former pirate leader who has a change of heart after realizing the consequences of his illicit activities. Devara renounces his criminal past, but this sets him on a collision course with his former ally Bhaira (Saif Ali Khan). Bhaira, enraged by Devara’s moral awakening and subsequent betrayal, becomes the embodiment of vengeful wrath.
The story also introduces Vara, Devara’s son, who is played by Jr NTR in a dual role. Vara, unlike his father, is fearful and uncertain, creating an interesting dynamic between the two characters. However, despite the potential for psychological depth, the narrative becomes bogged down by predictability. The plot of Devara could have taken bold, nuanced directions but instead relies on formulaic storytelling, often reducing characters to stereotypes and the central conflict to a basic revenge saga(
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The movie’s length—nearly three hours—doesn’t justify the material it presents. Much of the film’s runtime is devoted to elaborate action set pieces and backstory-building, which slow the pacing considerably. For a story that could have been effectively told in a shorter span, the film stretches thin and feels overstuffed with subplots that fail to coalesce(
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Performances: Jr NTR Shines in a Dual Role
One of the key strengths of Devara is Jr NTR’s performance. Taking on the dual roles of Devara and his son Vara, the actor once again proves why he is known as a “Man of the Masses.” Devara, the righteous father, contrasts sharply with the timid and fearful Vara. Jr NTR navigates these contrasting personalities with ease, injecting vigor into the film’s larger-than-life moments. Whether he is unleashing fury in combat sequences or engaging in introspective moments of moral dilemma, Jr NTR keeps the audience engaged.
Saif Ali Khan as Bhaira brings a chilling intensity to the role of the villain, though his character feels underutilized, especially in the second half of the film. Bhaira is meant to be a fearsome adversary, but the lack of depth in his motivations leaves him feeling one-dimensional. Saif Ali Khan’s portrayal of a pirate kingpin evokes memories of his earlier roles in period dramas like Tanhaji, but the screenplay does not give him enough material to truly stand out(
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Janhvi Kapoor, who plays Thangam, is relegated to a brief and largely inconsequential role. Her character, like many other female roles in the film, exists mostly as a plot device to support the male protagonist. In the few scenes she appears, Kapoor brings charm, but her role could have been much more integral to the story. This lack of significant female representation is a glaring shortcoming of Devara(
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Visuals and Cinematography: A Grand Canvas
Visually, Devara is stunning. Cinematographer Rathnavelu brings a painterly quality to the film’s landscapes, blending striking coastal scenery with dramatic fight sequences. The use of color, particularly in the combat scenes, is notable. The blue-gray hues of the sea blend with the blood-soaked earth, creating a haunting atmosphere that fits the film’s themes of betrayal and revenge(
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One of the standout visual moments comes during a sequence in which Devara is ambushed on the beach by assassins emerging from the ocean. The choreography of this scene, with its slow-motion capture of Devara’s fight against an army of sea creatures, is one of the few moments where the film truly shines. Unfortunately, these instances of visual creativity are few and far between, and much of the film’s direction feels pedestrian(
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The film’s production design also deserves mention. The sets, particularly those representing the coastal village and pirate camps, are intricately detailed and lend an air of authenticity to the world of Devara. However, the grandeur of the visuals cannot fully compensate for the film’s lack of narrative engagement(
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Music and Sound: Elevating the Drama
Composer Anirudh Ravichander’s score is another bright spot in the film. His background music, particularly the recurring Fear Song theme, elevates even the more mundane scenes. Ravichander’s score complements the film’s darker, more intense moments, adding layers of tension to the already fraught narrative. However, the songs in Devaradisrupt the flow of the story, acting more like speed bumps rather than enhancing the film’s emotional journey(
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Weaknesses: Script and Pacing
The biggest flaw in Devara is its script. Director Koratala Siva, known for his previous successful collaborations with Jr NTR, seems to have aimed too high without sufficient support from the writing. The characters, especially the supporting cast, feel half-baked, their motivations unclear and their arcs underdeveloped. For instance, Prakash Raj’s character, though integral to the plot, appears and disappears without leaving a lasting impact. Similarly, the characters of Murali Sharma and Srikanth seem like afterthoughts(
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The pacing of the film is also problematic. After a strong opening act, the film meanders through its midsection, bogged down by repetitive scenes and a lack of meaningful progression. The climax, though packed with action, feels rushed and unsatisfying. The cliffhanger ending, while aiming for a Baahubali-style shock factor, falls flat due to insufficient emotional build-up(
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Conclusion: A Visual Spectacle With Emotional Shortcomings
Devara: Part 1 is a film that delivers on spectacle but falters in substance. Jr NTR’s powerful dual performance and the film’s breathtaking visuals are not enough to compensate for its underdeveloped script, predictable plot, and lack of emotional depth. Fans of Jr NTR will undoubtedly find much to cheer for in his action-packed sequences, but the film struggles to resonate on a deeper level.
While Devara sets the stage for an epic conclusion in the forthcoming sequel, one cannot help but wonder if the story warranted being split into two parts. With tighter editing, more focused character development, and a greater emphasis on emotional stakes, Devara could have been an unforgettable cinematic experience. As it stands, it’s a visually striking yet narratively underwhelming film(
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