The term “Devara” refers to a male deity worshipped by coastal communities. In the story, NTR portrays Devara, a mysterious figure in a fictional coastal region near the mountains. The narrative begins in 1996, as India prepares to host the Cricket World Cup, and reflects on Devara’s story, believed to rule the high seas.
Director Koratala Shiva doesn’t waste time: a police officer named Ajay sees something unsettling underwater, prompting an elder from the village, Singappa (played by Prakash Raj), to recount the tale of Devra.
Devara: Part 1 Review:
Rating: 3.0
The film transports us to a coastal area inhabited by four tribes and introduces us to the concept of Erasamadram (Red Sea). It explores human behavior in terms of courage and fear. Unlike typical stories where the oppressed seek salvation, this film delves into what some individuals might do in the complete absence of fear.
As the film attempts to differentiate between the courage needed to live and the deadly bravery required in perilous situations, many around him, including Bhaira (played by Saif Ali Khan), struggle to grasp the morality of his statements
Review: Directed by Koratala Shiva, the film offers a visually stunning and action-packed experience, though it falls short in narrative depth and character development. Junior NTR shines in his dual role as Devara and Var, delivering a powerful performance that elevates the film, especially in action sequences.
His expressive gestures and dance skills stand out, but the storyline lacks the same level of intrigue. While the first part is engaging, establishing the world of Erra Samudram effectively, the second part suffers from pacing issues and predictable plot developments. Saif Ali Khan, in his debut Telugu film, plays the vengeful Bhaira convincingly, but his character lacks the depth that would make him a truly formidable antagonist.
Janhvi Kapoor’s role in “Devara”:
Janhvi Kapoor‘s role as Thangam is limited and underutilized, which is disappointing given the potential for deeper character integration.The supporting cast, including Prakash Raj, Srikanth, Kalaiyarasan, Shruti Marathe, Murali Sharma, Abhimanyu Singh, and Ajay, deliver capable performances. Technically, the film excels, with R. Rathnavelu’s cinematography standing out in key action scenes. Anirudh Ravichander’s background score adds intensity to the action and breathes life into otherwise dull moments.
The visual effects and CGI are well integrated, although there’s room for improvement.The film ends with a cliffhanger intended to build anticipation for “Devara: Part 2”, but it lacks the impact seen in other major cinematic franchises, leaving viewers comparing it to iconic moments like “Why did Kattappa kill Bahubali?” Here, the moment doesn’t carry the same weight, despite trying to evoke a similar feeling.Overall:
The film is visually impressive but narratively underwhelming. Junior NTR’s strong performance, high production values, and Anirudh’s score make it worth watching, though those seeking a more thrilling cinematic experience might be disappointed by the predictable plot developments for the next installment.