Devara Part 1 REVIEW: Jr NTR mass supremacy fails to save this lacklustre action flick; Saif Ali Khan remains underutilised

Film:
Devara Part 1

Director: Koratala Siva

Writer: Koratala Siva

Star cast: Jr NTR, Saif Ali Khan, Janhvi Kapoor, Prakash Raj, Srikanth, Shine Tom Chacko

Runtime: 2 hours 57 mins

Where to watch: In theatres

Devara Part 1 movie review

Story

Set against the backdrop of India’s remote and overlooked coastal regions, the film introduces a world where smuggling illegal weapons is a routine operation for the local villagers, who act as enforcers to ensure their consignment moves smoothly. However, the status quo is disrupted when Devara, the film’s protagonist, enters the scene. With his unique and forceful approach, Devara not only shakes up this illicit trade but also unravels a deeper narrative that goes beyond the surface-level conflict. There’s a sense that this story is not just about stopping crime but about transforming a community trapped in a cycle of corruption. While the villains maintain their grip on the coastal economy, Devara’s arrival signals a shift in power dynamics, hinting at larger themes of redemption, justice, and the impact of one man’s actions on an entire region. Here’s a detailed review on Devara…

What’s good

Visual effects: From the moment the trailer dropped, it was clear that the VFX in Devara would be a game-changer. Well, the film certainly lives up to those expectations. VFX supervisor Yugandhar T has crafted a visually arresting spectacle that elevates the entire narrative. Whether it’s the sweeping shots of the rugged coastal landscapes or the intense fight sequences, the visual effects are seamlessly integrated, adding depth and grandeur to the storytelling. The VFX doesn’t just serve as eye candy; it plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall experience of Devara. The coastal settings feel alive with atmospheric details. Yugandhar’s work not only adds aesthetic value but also keeps the audience engaged.

Music and background score: Devara is unquestionably a theatrical experience, not only because of its visual splendour but also because of its electrifying music. Anirudh Ravichander, the film’s music composer, delivers a soundtrack that perfectly complements the film’s grandeur. The songs are a powerful force in the narrative, heightening the film’s emotional and dramatic beats. Songs like “Dheere Dheere” and “Ayudha Pooja” stand out with their pulsating, massy rhythms. They add energy and intensity in abundance to pivotal scenes.

The background score is equally impressive. Ravichander’s music enhances the tension, excitement, and emotional depth of the film, ensuring that each moment feels larger than life. Combined with the film’s stunning visuals, the music creates a captivating atmosphere that begs to be experienced on the big screen.

What’s bad

Length of the movie: Devara clocks in at a lengthy 2 hours and 57 minutes, and unfortunately, the film’s runtime is one of its major drawbacks. Much of the film could have benefited from tighter editing, as the unnecessary stretch of the narrative adds no meaningful depth. Editor Sreekar Prasad seems to have hesitated when it came to trimming down the film, likely to enhance the drama and emotions. However, this decision ultimately backfires, as the film takes too long to reach its key moments, causing the pace to drag.

Given that Devara is intended as part of a trilogy, the concern over pacing and length becomes even more pronounced. If this first instalment already struggles with pacing, it raises questions about how the remaining films will be structured—especially when the story itself feels stilted at times. The film stutters in its progression, with certain scenes failing to contribute to the overall plot. While Devara has potential, the excessive length and slow pacing detract from what could have been a more tightly woven narrative.

Storyline: At its core, Devara tells the story of a brave man who stands against corruption and fights for a better future for his village. The themes of bravery, justice, and confronting the evil within are central to the narrative. However, despite these compelling elements, the story doesn’t offer anything particularly fresh or innovative. The plot feels formulaic, following familiar beats seen in many films with similar premises. While the execution, driven by strong performances and visually captivating sequences, elevates the film to a degree. The lack of novelty in the storyline prevents it from standing out in a meaningful way.

Script analysis and direction

Directed and written by Koratala Siva, Devara Part 1 is an ambitious project starring Jr NTR and Saif Ali Khan that shines in its visual storytelling but falters in narrative depth. The first half of the film successfully sets up Devara (NTR) and Bhairava (Saif) as friends from the same village. But their lives take a drastic turn. Siva skillfully establishes the dynamics between the two, slowly building tension as Devara abandons the smuggling trade, choosing instead to protect the sea, and inevitably becoming Bhairava’s enemy.

One standout moment is the symbolic wrestling match between Devara and Bhairava. They tie their hands together in a show of brotherhood. As the fight intensifies, the cloth that binds them catches fire, foreshadowing the fiery end of their friendship. The scene is a masterclass in visual storytelling, using symbolism to enhance the emotional weight.

Devara Part 1 poster

Choose Filters

Normal

1977

Crema

Ludwig

Moon

Willow

Image source: Jr NTR Instagram

Siva’s direction truly shines in the film’s action sequences, particularly the way he blends violence with cinematic beauty. One visually striking moment is when Devara slays his enemies, and the blood splatters into the sky, turning a crescent moon into a full moon. A stunning blend of nature and violence, perfectly captured by cinematographer Rathnavelu ISC. The underwater fight scenes are also brilliantly choreographed, adding a fresh dimension.

However, the second half of Devara loses steam. The story begins to drag, and the overdramatization makes the plot feel predictable and formulaic. Janhvi Kapoor’s character, introduced in the second half, unfortunately adds little to the story. Her presence feels more ornamental than essential. That being said, the climax brings back the excitement. With a surprise twist reminiscent of Baahubali, it leaves the audience intrigued for the next part. Despite its flaws, Devara Part 1 succeeds in delivering a visually stunning experience. It struggles to keep the narrative as engaging as its grand visuals.

Performance

Jr NTR reaffirms his status as a mass hero in Devara, effortlessly dominating the screen with his stellar performance. Whether through his electrifying action sequences, flawless dance moves, or impeccable dialogue delivery, NTR brings a commanding presence to every frame. His portrayal is filled with earnestness and intensity, leaving a lasting impression and reinforcing why he’s such a beloved figure in Indian cinema.

Saif Ali Khan, however, feels underutilised in the film. Despite being a powerhouse of talent, his character doesn’t receive the depth or screen time it deserves. It leaves us questioning whether this was a deliberate choice or a missed opportunity. Yet, even in his limited scope, Saif’s performance carries a certain gravitas, and he infuses his role with a weight that’s hard to ignore.

As for Janhvi Kapoor, her presence in Devara feels almost negligible. In a film that runs close to three hours, her character barely makes an impact. With just about five minutes of screen time outside of the three-minute song “Dheere Dheere”, Janhvi’s performance was a letdown. Unfortunately, her role seems to serve little purpose beyond adding a glamour quotient. Her character’s lack of significance in the plot feels like a wasted opportunity, especially in a film of this scale.

Conclusion

To sum up, Devara Part 1 is a visually stunning spectacle, brimming with jaw-dropping action sequences and grand production value. Jr NTR shines in the lead role, delivering a performance that elevates the film’s action-packed moments. However, when it comes to the storyline, the film falls short. Beneath its glossy exterior and breathtaking visuals, Devara lacks the narrative depth to fully engage the audience. While the film is undeniably styled with grandeur, it ultimately feels hollow at its core. The plot struggles to deliver anything fresh or compelling, relying too heavily on its visual appeal to carry the weight of the experience. Despite these shortcomings, the film’s climax manages to keep viewers intrigued by adopting a cliffhanger approach reminiscent of Baahubali. Yet, whether the upcoming parts will offer more substance remains the real question.

Hope the review of Devara gives you an idea about the movie and its technicalities.

Watch the trailer of Devara Part 1 after the review

Also read: Binny & Family REVIEW: Pankaj Kapur, Anjini Dhawan starrer is all heart; a coming-of-age, heartwarming drama