Devara Movie Review
“Devara,” featuring Jr NTR, begins with great intensity and captivates the audience from the outset. Director Koratala Siva has a knack for elevating his protagonists, and in this film, he takes it to another level. Jr NTR’s portrayal of Devara transcends fiction, turning the character into a mythical figure. His calm demeanor accentuates the fiery role, creating a hero who seems larger than life. Siva’s attempt to demystify this legend through a two-part story, however, is where the film struggles.
The first half of Devara is riveting, drawing us into a world filled with rich culture, history, and fierce power dynamics. The setting, a fishing hamlet nestled amidst mountains, features clans with simmering rivalries reminiscent of “Game of Thrones,” while their selection process for leadership evokes memories of “Black Panther.” The buildup is effective, illustrating why Devara is revered as a god among these men. However, the second half falters with an uneven narrative, particularly with the inclusion of romance and comedy, which dilutes the gritty tone established earlier.
Jr NTR shines in dual roles as Devara and his son, Vara. While his portrayal of Devara is powerful and multifaceted from the start, Vara’s character arc takes time to unfold. Though the second part of the film will likely explore Vara’s journey further, his emotional depth in this installment feels underdeveloped. Still, Jr NTR’s charisma ensures that both characters remain intriguing.
The film holds together due to Anirudh Ravichander’s gripping background score and the stunning visuals by Ratnavelu, especially during the action-packed water sequences. Though over-the-top at times, these scenes are executed with conviction and elevate the film’s mythic tone.
While splitting films into two parts can often drag the story, Devara manages to stay engaging enough to leave audiences anticipating Part 2. Jr NTR’s long-awaited return to the big screen reaffirms his status as one of India’s biggest superstars, and fans will undoubtedly be back to see how the story unfolds.
Cast: Jr NTR, Saif Ali Khan, Prakash Raj, Jahnvi Kapoor and others
Director: Koratala Siva
Rating….3.6/5
–Suresh chandraa PRO