 "Devara Part 1 Movie Review")
Cast: Janhvi Kapoor, N. T. Rama Rao Jr, Chaitra Rai, Saif Ali Khan
Director: Koratala Siva
If entertainment, larger than life experience and majestic visuals are what you are looking at, then Devara Part 1 is a movie for you to watch. The plot is just too predictable for my refined taste buds. Kortala Siva’s film is engaging no doubt, but what could have been a next-level blockbuster was killed by the not so fine writing of the film. It’s entertaining, but lacks substance.
This full-on action entertainer could have been a sure shot hit, but the plot did the final massacre. And secondly, I am surprised that Janhvi Kapoor who was one of the leading actors of the film, her role was negligible and she came in in the second half and hardly had any screen time. Every now and then while watching the film, I felt that the director’s only intention was to make it look like the next Baahubali. The first half is no doubt engaging, but the second half is totally bland and underwhelming.
Devara Part 1 is set in a coastal village in Ratnagiri. The three main characters Devara (Jr NTR), Bhaira (Saif Ali Khan), Rayappa (Srikanth) are seen to be working for Muruga (Murali Sharma) and an important office in the police forces. They are into illegal arms deals. Muruga is seen using the most powerful men in the village for this and he pays them handsomely. In fact, that is seen to be the main source of income other than a little bit of money that the villagers get from fishing.
The intense underwater sequence is a treat to the eyes. Combining Jr NTR’s dedication with technical precision, the scene delivers a thrilling, immersive experience that will leave audiences in awe. Shot over an incredible 30 to 35 days, the sequence is a key part of the film’s high-stakes action and takes place in the coastal regions of India.
The protagonist Devara, who otherwise is a good man and has a heart of gold is also a part of these illegal arms deals. These men from Ratnagiri are shown to be inherently strong and skilled warriors. But once a young boy in the village dies because of bombing and that makes Devara realise that helping the arms dealers is causing them harm. He promises to himself and orders other men in the village that nobody will participate in this illegal activity which is harmful for the nation. Bhaira (Saif Ali Khan) disagrees with him and threatens to kill him. Devara disappears for 12years and nobody has ever seen him. But is he alive is the big question and that is the entire theme of the film.
Though it is good to see the star of the masses, Jr NTR return to the big screen after six long years, but I feel it is Saif Ali Khan who plays the role of a villain Bhaira shines in the film. His body language, expressions, and cruelty shown through his eyes is perfect for the role. He is a villain who spares none, not even his near and dear ones.
Jr NTR plays a double role. One the brave father who is one of the finest warriors and another one is his son Vara who is a coward. He balances both the roles with a magical skill. His performance too is engaging, but as a craftsman I feel Saif Ali Khan stands out. And it is good to see him evolve with each of his films.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Watch the trailer of NTR Jr’s Devara Part 1 here:
Lachmi Deb Roy is the entertainment editor of Firtspost, Network18. She reviews films and series with a gender lens. Her interviews are called 'Not Just Bollywood' because she takes huge interest in world cinema. OTT over theatrical releases is her preference unless and until its a King Khan film. She takes interest in fashion, food and art reviews too.