‘Devara: Part 1’ review- NTR’s show

“Devara: Part 1” has finally hit the big screens, starring Jr NTR, Janhvi Kapoor, and Saif Ali Khan, under the direction of Siva Koratala. With massive anticipation surrounding this high-budget entertainer, the film has generated considerable buzz prior to its release. But does it live up to expectations? Let’s dive into the review.

Plot

The story is set in Ratnagiri, a coastal village by the Red Sea, where Devara (Jr NTR), Bhaira (Saif Ali Khan), Rayappa (Srikanth), and Muruga (Murali Sharma) operate as influential figures. Together, they assist in smuggling activities, but Devara begins to realize the wrongs behind their actions. However, Bhaira disagrees, leading to tension and a plan to eliminate Devara. Following Devara’s mysterious disappearance, twelve years pass, and Bhaira takes over Ratnagiri. Devara’s son, Vara, seemingly aligns with Bhaira. The plot thickens as viewers are left wondering whether Vara is defying his father or has an ulterior motive. The fate of Devara and Bhaira’s intent to kill him unravel as the story progresses.

Performances

Jr NTR excels in his dual roles as Devara and Vara. His portrayal of Devara, both humble and fierce, contrasts sharply with Vara's innocence, highlighting his versatility. He effortlessly commands attention, giving the film its heart and soul. Saif Ali Khan as vengeful Bhaira, delivers an impressive performance, providing a strong antagonist to Jr NTR. Janhvi Kapoor, though her role is limited, brings charm, and her interactions with young NTR are refreshing. Supporting actors like Srikanth, Prakash Raj, and Murali Sharma also contribute well, though some characters deserved more development.

Technicalities

Siva Koratala succeeds in directing a visually appealing film. However, the writing falters slightly, especially in the second half, where the screenplay becomes predictable. The cinematography by Ratnavelu is top-notch, capturing the essence of Ratnagiri and its coastal charm. Anirudh Ravichander’s music elevates the movie, especially during action sequences, while Sreekar Prasad’s editing is efficient, though some parts of the film could have been trimmed for better pacing. The action choreography is outstanding, ensuring the high-octane moments are memorable, and the production values are commendable.

Analysis

Devara: Part 1 primarily rides on the strength of Jr NTR's powerhouse performance, which holds the film together. His ability to embody both Devara’s destructive yet compassionate nature and Vara’s innocence is the film’s greatest asset. While Saif Ali Khan delivers a strong performance as the vengeful antagonist, his character lacks depth in the second half, making the climax feel somewhat abrupt. The plot, while engaging in the first half, becomes predictable as it progresses, with some emotional beats not explored fully. Koratala Siva's direction shines during the action scenes but could have benefited from tighter writing in character arcs and a more compelling screenplay, especially post-interval. The film, however, remains an entertaining watch, delivering on action and emotional moments.

On a whole, Devara: Part 1 is a solid action-drama that largely succeeds thanks to Jr NTR's brilliant performance and captivating action sequences. While some underdeveloped characters hold it back slightly, it's still a movie worth watching, especially for fans of high-octane drama and action.

Review by: SUHAS SISTU