Story
A police officer, Shivam (Ajay), finds himself thrust into the heart of Ratnagiri, a southern region of India bordered by the infamous Red Sea. His mission: to apprehend the notorious Deva and Yeti brothers, who have devised a sinister plot to ass assinate world leaders during the upcoming World Cup tournament in India.
As Shivam delves deeper into his investigation, he encounters the enigmatic Singappa (Prakash Raj), who unveils a series of stunning events involving Devara (NTR) and Bhairava (Saif Ali Khan), events that have profoundly impacted the lives of the region’s inhabitants. These revelations unravel a complex web of interconnected characters, including Devara’s son, Vara (NTR), the Thangam (Janhvi), Rayappa (Srikanth), Kora (Shine Tom Chacko), Kunja (Kalaiarasan), Muruga (Murali Sharma), and DSP Tulasi (Abhimanyu Singh).
Their intertwined destinies form the core of the unfolding narrative.
Performances
NTR’s magnetic screen presence once again takes center stage in “Devara.” He seamlessly slips into his roles, delivering breathtaking stunts, powerful dialogues, and captivating emotions with his signature flair. He shoulders the film with his dynamic dialogue delivery, expressive acting, and genuine emotions, elevating every scene he graces. NTR even introduces new dance moves to delight his fans.
While he attempts to portray variations in both roles, the differences, though subtle, could have been more pronounced. Perhaps exploring bolder distinctions in both characters could have further amplified his impact.
Saif Ali Khan tries his best to match NTR’s energy and captivate viewers with their shared scenes. However, his strong presence in the first half unfortunately becomes diluted in the second half.
Janhvi Kapoor, making her Tollywood debut, delivers a stunning visual treat on screen. She exudes charm and dances gracefully in the romantic song. Her dialogue delivery is confident. But her role feels clichéd.
The supporting cast, including Shruthi Marathe, Prakash Raj, Srikanth, Shine Tom Chacko, Narain, Kalaiarasan, Murli Sharma, Ajay, and Abhimanyu Singh, all do justice to their respective roles.
Analysis
Koratala Shiva crafts a fictional narrative aimed at elevating NTR’s heroism. Shiva effectively establishes a diverse cast of characters and their initial camaraderie before expertly showcasing their subsequent unraveling, culminating in a powerful interval sequence that leaves viewers eager for the second half.
Koratala Siva has managed to build his drama around the theme of ‘fear’. His ideas for action episodes, such as Bhaira’s army of young fighters emerging from the water and the Devara character’s attack on villains, are superb.
But the story’s predictability becomes its problem. While the initial narrative unfolds intriguingly, it soon falls into familiar tropes. It needed more strong moments to justify the theme of fear. The director redeems himself with a breathtaking final episodes.
The climax section, which initiates the story of the second part, should have had a greater impact.
The introduction of Janhvi’s character in the second half is another sore point. Shiva presents Janhvi in a visually stunning manner, showcasing her glamour, but the lackluster dialogue for her character fails to do justice to her potential.
Sreekar Prasad’s editing, particularly in the second half, could have been more refined. Rathnavelu’s cinematography is commendable, beautifully capturing the scenes and presenting them in a visually appealing manner.
Anirudh Ravichander’s music is a strong point, particularly the songs “Ayudha Pooja” and “Chuttamalle,” which are both well-executed. His background music elevates the scenes significantly. The production values are commendable.
Positive Elements
NTR’s performance
Stunning action episodes
Anirudh’s BGM
Drawbacks
Predictable sequences
Cringe elements
Final Take
The strong suit of “Devara” is NTR’s powerhouse performance and undeniable screen charisma. Director Koratala Siva also designs some stunning action episodes. However, “Devara” falls short of expectations due to its lackluster screenplay and weak emotional strength of the story. But NTR fans will be thrilled with his screen dominance.
Rating: 2.75/5
Reviewed by: TC Team
Film: Devara Part 1
Cast: NTR, Janhvi Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, Srikanth, Prakash Raj, Shine Tom Chacko, Ajay, Murali Sharma, Abhimanyu Singh and others.
Music: Anirudh Ravichander
DOP: Rathnavelu ISC
Production Designer: Sabu Cyril
Editor: Sreekar Prasad
Producers: Sudhakar Mikkilineni – Kosaraju Harikrishna
Written and directed by: Koratala Siva
Release Date: Sep 27, 2024
