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Devara Movie Review: Jr NTR, Saif Ali Khan starrer is a violent action fairytale that loses momentum due to subpar execution
Jr NTR starrer Devara: Part 1 is finally in theaters after much await. So, here’s the Pinkvilla review if you plan to watch the movie this weekend!
Name: Devara: Part 1
Director: Koratala Siva
Cast: Jr NTR, Saif Ali Khan, Janhvi Kapoor, Shruti Marathe, Prakash Raj, Srikanth, Shine Tom Chacko, Narain, Kalaiyarasan, Murali Sharma
Writer: Koratala Siva
Rating: 3/5
Devara: Part 1, starring Jr NTR, has finally hit the big screens after much anticipation. Directed by Koratala Siva, this action drama marks Jr NTR's portrayal of dual roles, playing both father and son.
The epic tale also features Saif Ali Khan and Janhvi Kapoor (making her Telugu debut) as co-leads, along with an ensemble cast that includes actors like Shruti Marathe, Prakash Raj, Srikanth, Shine Tom Chacko, Narain, Kalaiyarasan, and many more in key roles.
If you're planning to watch the movie in theaters, here’s the Pinkvilla review of the Jr NTR starrer!
The Plot:
Devara: Part 1 starring Jr NTR in the lead role, tells the story of a man who is both feared and respected across four villages in a coastal region known as Devara. The movie follows his journey as a dacoit and how he eventually turns against crime, becoming an urban legend.
Due to his fearsome reputation, other villagers hesitate to engage in crime, while several adversaries struggle to regain control. Amidst this, his son Vara tries to build a life for himself, standing in stark contrast to his father’s persona and legacy.
The remainder of the film revolves around Devara’s opponents as they attempt to subdue him and diminish his legendary status, while the enigmatic figure hides among them, ready to defend his position.
The Good:
Devara: Part 1 is a violent fairytale of sorts, driven by Jr NTR’s immense star power and the larger-than-life presence he brings to the screen. Koratala Siva’s direction benefits from adapting a tale that transcends time, creating a myth designed to invoke fear.
The central theme of the movie is fear, which is effectively woven throughout the narrative, serving its purpose well. The film portrays grandeur in the depiction of people from a mountainous village, and it manages to captivate the audience with the performances of its lead characters, Jr NTR and Saif Ali Khan.
The movie is a collection of great ideas, each seamlessly integrated into the subplots, making the writing commendable. From a technical perspective, the film’s biggest asset and soul is undoubtedly Anirudh Ravichander’s music.
True to his "Rockstar" title, Anirudh delivers an epic background score that is not only whistle-worthy but also guaranteed to give the audience goosebumps. His contribution elevates the movie’s musical dimension significantly.
In addition to Anirudh’s score, the film excels visually. The magical cinematography and lighting by R. Rathnavelu stand out, as do the meticulous editing by Sreekar Prasad, the stunts coordinated by Kenny Bates, and the stunning production design by Sabu Cyril.
The Bad:
When it comes to the underwhelming aspects of Devara: Part 1, the Jr NTR starrer suffers significantly from lackluster execution. Despite having a great premise and some highly entertaining concepts, the film struggles to maintain audience focus due to its inconsistent direction.
From a writing standpoint, while the movie offers a solid tale of action and urban legend, its lengthy runtime and abrupt shifts in narration make for an uncomfortable viewing experience. The first half takes us to a high point, maintaining concise world-building and a focused narrative. However, the sudden tonal shift in the second half causes a loss of interest.
Moreover, while some characters are introduced to build an emotional connection with the protagonist and show how he is affected by his surroundings, these attempts fall short of resonating with the audience. Janhvi Kapoor’s character, in particular, feels underutilized, and the placement of the Chuttumalle song feels abrupt and out of place.
Additionally, the film's VFX and CGI, which should have supported its grand scale, feel underwhelming. The movie misses the opportunity to deliver some truly compelling visuals, which could have made it stand out in Indian cinema.
Lastly, the cliffhanger, intended to hook us for the next chapter, feels derivative, almost as if it has been borrowed from another blockbuster in Telugu cinema, leaving the audience with a sense of déjà vu instead of excitement.
The Performance:
The biggest asset and the man on whose shoulder the entire movie rested was none other than Jr NTR. The actor with impeccable aura and suave dance moves made us excited, brightening up the screen every time he made his appearance.
The manner in which the actor played both father and son, especially with contrasting natures reaffirms the actor’s skill as a performer. Along with him, Saif Ali Khan gave us a character who is a text-book antagonist that was easily adapted by the actor, making the character his own to its core.
The Verdict:
Devara: Part 1 is an action-packed tale of fear and betrayal that manages to pass as an entertaining watch. While the full story is yet to unfold, the film offers a one-time watchable experience, particularly for fans of Jr NTR.
Watch the release trailer of Jr NTR starrer Devara: Part 1
ALSO READ: Devara: Jr NTR's huge cutout catches fire at Sudarshan Theater 35MM; videos go viral
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