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Devara Part 1 Movie Review Rating:
Star Cast: NTR Jr., Janhvi Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, Shruti Marathe, Prakash Raj, Shrikant
Director: Koratala Siva
What’s Good: Unalloyed heroics, shot on a grand scale and with style and finesse
What’s Bad: Too testosterone heavy—the women here hardly seem to matter!
Loo Break: Can be taken whenever you feel some sequences are prolonged
Watch or Not?: Overall, yes!
Language: Hindi (Dubbed)
Available On: Theatrical release
Runtime: 177 Minutes
Devara Part 1 Movie Review: A Thrilling Action Odyssey
Set against the vibrant backdrop of the 1980s and 1990s, Devara Part 1 presents an exhilarating tale of courage, betrayal, and redemption. The film revolves around Devara, a dedicated man from a coastal village, who embarks on a perilous journey into the depths of the sea to protect his community. However, not everyone shares his noble intentions. His brother, Bhaira, harbors a selfish agenda and conspires against him. This tension sets the stage for a gripping saga of good versus evil, ultimately questioning whether Devara’s timid son, Vara, can rise to the occasion and confront Bhaira’s malevolence.
A Tale of Loyalty and Betrayal
The script, penned by Koratala Siva, is a masterclass in audience gratification, weaving a story that pits the virtuous against the wicked in four neighboring fishing villages. At the center of it all is Devara, played by the charismatic NTR Jr. His words carry weight, resonating like an edict among his people—a sentiment reminiscent of the iconic line from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham: “Jo keh diya, bas keh diya!” While Devara’s declaration may not achieve the same legendary status, it underscores his role as a figure of authority and goodness.
Initially, Devara and his tribe engage in activities they believe to be harmless. However, they soon find themselves embroiled in illegal and anti-national endeavors at sea. Upon realizing the gravity of their actions, Devara swiftly commands his community to refrain from participating in activities that threaten their village’s integrity. This act of defiance incites Bhaira’s ire, prompting him to plot Devara’s downfall.
The tension escalates when Devara agrees to attend the wedding of Rayappa’s blind sister. Under the cover of celebration, a swarm of assailants ambushes him at the beach. In a display of resilience and valor, Devara fights back fiercely, leaving a haunting message inscribed in the blood of his attackers upon the rocks—his declaration that he will depart from the village to monitor the anti-national elements threatening their way of life.
A Legacy of Valor and Cowardice
Fast forward twelve years, and we meet Vara, played once again by NTR Jr., now grown and steeped in tales of his father’s bravery. Yet, Vara is a stark contrast to the heroic legacy of Devara. While his father could face over twenty armed adversaries, Vara resorts to drugging his competitors to secure victory in the annual puja ritual for weapons—an event where the winner takes the weapons to their village.
A chain of unforeseen events thrusts Vara into Bhaira’s world of illicit activities. He finds himself compelled to join Bhaira’s gang in their nefarious schemes, which involve stealing contraband and plotting to eliminate his father. As tensions mount, the duo of Bhaira and Vara must navigate their loyalty to one another while simultaneously working to thwart Devara’s impending return.
This gripping narrative unfolds through the lens of Singappa, portrayed by Prakash Raj, a confidant and admirer of Devara, who recounts this tale to a present-day officer investigating criminal activities. The film cleverly concludes with a mystery reminiscent of Bahubali: Devara is no longer alive. While he successfully fended off countless attackers, a devoted ally ultimately takes his life. This shocking twist sets the stage for what promises to be an explosive Devara Part 2.
Action-Packed Spectacle
Devara Part 1 is an action-packed extravaganza that seamlessly blends intense fight sequences with emotional depth. The script, while focusing heavily on male-centric narratives, could have benefitted from stronger female character arcs. Devara’s mother, portrayed by Zarina Wahab, and other grieving women receive some attention, yet the roles of Janhvi Kapoor as Vara’s love interest and Shruti Marathe as Devara’s wife feel underdeveloped and lack the depth needed to resonate with the audience.
One might argue that the film’s logic takes a backseat to its entertainment value—questions about plausibility are met with a shrug as the action unfolds. NTR Jr. has firmly established himself in Hindi cinema, not just due to his iconic role in RRR, but also through his upcoming performance in War 2. In Devara Part 1, he delivers a powerhouse performance that captivates audiences, yet he is unfortunately limited by the absence of a dual character showcase that could have allowed him to engage in a more profound self-reflection.
Saif Ali Khan, who has honed his skills in portraying villains over the last two decades, infuses Bhaira with a blend of subtlety and raw brutality. He manages to embody the multifaceted nature of his character, oscillating between the cunning of his early roles and the unrefined ruthlessness seen in Omkara. Supporting performances from Shrikant as Rayappa and Narain as Kunjara’s son add depth to the ensemble cast, creating a rich tapestry of characters that enhance the narrative.
Supporting Characters and Underdeveloped Women
Prakash Raj shines as Singappa, bringing depth and gravitas to the narrative. Meanwhile, Zarina Wahab embodies the archetype of the long-suffering Indian mother, grounding the film’s emotional core. However, the treatment of female characters leaves much to be desired. The roles of Rameshwari as Jogula, Shruti Marathe as Devara’s wife, and others feel relegated to the sidelines, failing to make significant contributions to the plot. Janhvi Kapoor, in particular, suffers the most, appearing for less than ten minutes in a superficial role that lacks depth and significance.
Koratala Siva’s script strikes a balance between his roles as writer and director, crafting a film that can be described as an exhilarating celebration of mainstream masala cinema. The scale of the production is massive, complemented by R. Rathnavelu’s stunning cinematography, A. Sreekar Prasad’s meticulous editing, and Sabu Cyril’s captivating production design. Anirudh Ravichander’s background score elevates the film’s emotional moments, although the songs themselves fail to leave a lasting impact due to uninspired lyrics by Kausar Munir and Manoj Muntashir.
Conclusion: A Cinematic Triumph
In comparison to the recent father-son dual role featuring Thalapathy in G.O.A.T., NTR Jr. delivers a more compelling performance in Devara Part 1, showcasing his versatility and charisma. The film’s pacing feels brisk despite its lengthy runtime, drawing viewers into its thrilling narrative.
Released on September 27, 2024, Devara Part 1 offers an adrenaline-fueled cinematic experience that marries action and emotion. While there are areas for improvement—particularly in the portrayal of women—the film stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in cinema. As audiences eagerly await the sequel, the promise of uncovering the mystery surrounding Devara’s demise looms large, ensuring that the adventure is far from over.
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