Set in the coastal village of Ratnagiri near the Red Sea, "Devara" follows the tumultuous lives of key figures including Devara (Jr NTR), Bhaira (Saif Ali Khan), and Rayappa (Srikanth), who are involved in smuggling operations led by the powerful Muruga (Murali Sharma).
Story:
Set in the coastal village of Ratnagiri near the Red Sea, “Devara” follows the tumultuous lives of key figures including Devara (Jr NTR), Bhaira (Saif Ali Khan), and Rayappa (Srikanth), who are involved in smuggling operations led by the powerful Muruga (Murali Sharma). As Devara grapples with the morality of their actions, tensions rise between him and Bhaira, who plans to eliminate Devara. In a shocking twist, Devara disappears, and twelve years pass, allowing Bhaira to assert control over Ratnagiri, all while seeking revenge. The plot thickens with the introduction of Vara, Devara’s son, who initially seems innocent but later allies with Bhaira. This alliance raises questions about Vara’s loyalties and memories of his father. As the narrative unfolds, viewers are left pondering Devara’s fate—Is he alive? Can Bhaira find him? What drives Bhaira’s desire to kill Devara? These mysteries promise to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
Pros:
In “Devara: Part 1,” Jr NTR showcases his remarkable talent by delivering compelling performances in two contrasting roles—Devara and Vara. As Devara, he captures a blend of humility and destructiveness, while his portrayal of Vara highlights innocence and cowardice, expertly balancing both characters to engage the audience. Saif Ali Khan makes a strong impact as Bhaira, a vengeful character seeking retribution against Devara, marking a commendable debut in Tollywood. Janhvi Kapoor provides adequate support, with her scenes alongside young NTR adding a lighthearted dynamic to the film. The action sequences stand out, expertly crafted to captivate viewers and evoke enthusiastic responses. Furthermore, several impactful dialogues enhance Devara’s character, injecting an entertaining essence into the narrative. The supporting cast, including Srikanth and Prakash, delivers solid performances, contributing positively to the film’s overall appeal. Together, these elements create a gripping cinematic experience that keeps audiences enthralled throughout.
Cons:
While “Devara: Part 1” is entertaining, it leans toward predictability. Koratala Siva could have refined certain aspects, especially in the second half, where the screenplay lacks engagement. Some scenes feel poorly executed, and enhancing these moments could have significantly improved the film. Janhvi Kapoor’s limited role may disappoint her fans, as she has few opportunities to showcase her talent. Prakash Raj delivers a decent performance, but his character’s backstory needed more depth. Similarly, Saif Ali Khan’s role feels constrained during the latter half, and the climax arrives abruptly, leaving audiences shocked. Overall, while the film has strong moments, addressing these issues could have elevated it further.
Technical Aspects:
Siva Koratala excels as both writer and director in “Devara: Part 1,” but the writing could use refinement, particularly in the second half. The emotional depth of the story deserves more exploration. Ratnavelu’s cinematography and Anirudh Ravichander’s music significantly enhance the cinematic experience, adding to the film’s overall impact. While Sreekar Prasad’s editing is satisfactory, there’s room for improvement in the latter half. The action choreography is impressive, and the production values are commendable, contributing to a visually appealing and engaging film that captivates audiences despite its narrative shortcomings.
Verdict:
“Devara: Part 1” is an action-packed drama that offers solid entertainment. Jr NTR shines with an outstanding performance, while Janhvi Kapoor adds charm, and Saif Ali Khan impresses in his role. However, the film suffers from a predictable storyline and some sluggish scenes in the second half, which detracts from its overall impact. Despite these shortcomings, the engaging performances and thrilling action make it worth a watch. Don’t miss out, grab your tickets and enjoy a special weekend!
#Rating: 3.25/5
Director: Koratala Siva Starring: NTR, Janhvi Kapoor, Prakash Raj, Srikanth, Shruti Marathe, and Saif Ali Khan, among others. Music Director: Anirudh Ravichander Cinematographer: R. Rathnavelu Editor: A. Sreekar Prasad Producers: Abdullah Al Sajid, Nandamuri Kalyan Ram, Kosaraju Harikrishna, and Sudhakar Mikkilineni