Devara: Part 1 Movie Review – A High-Octane Action Saga with Mixed Results, the much-anticipated Telugu action drama, hit theaters on September 27, 2024, riding a wave of hype as Jr NTR’s first solo lead since the global phenomenon RRR. Directed by Koratala Siva, this film promises a grand cinematic experience with a star-studded cast, including Saif Ali Khan and Janhvi Kapoor in their Telugu debuts. With its ambitious scope, breathtaking visuals, and intense action sequences, Devara: Part 1 aims to be a pan-Indian blockbuster. But does it live up to the expectations? In this detailed, spoiler-free review, we’ll dive into the plot, performances, technical aspects, audience and critic reactions, box office performance, and more to give you a comprehensive look at this coastal epic.
Movie Details of Devara: Part 1 Movie
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Aspect |
Details |
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Title |
Devara: Part 1 |
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Release Date |
September 27, 2024 |
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Director |
Koratala Siva |
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Cast |
N.T. Rama Rao Jr., Saif Ali Khan, Janhvi Kapoor, Prakash Raj, Srikanth, Shine Tom Chacko |
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Genre |
Action, Drama, Thriller |
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Runtime |
2 hours 56 minutes |
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Music |
Anirudh Ravichander |
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Cinematography |
R. Rathnavelu |
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Editing |
A. Sreekar Prasad |
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Production Companies |
Yuvasudha Arts, N.T.R. Arts |
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Budget |
₹250 crore (US$30 million) |
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Box Office |
₹521 crore (US$62 million) |
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Languages |
Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada |
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Formats |
Standard, IMAX, 4DX, ScreenX, D-Box, MX4D, PVR ICE |
Spoiler-Free Plot Overview
Set in a fictional coastal region during the 1980s and 1990s, Devara: Part 1 Movie Review – A High-Octane Action Saga with Mixed Results weaves a tale of bravery, betrayal, and legacy. The story centers on Devara (N.T. Rama Rao Jr.), a fearless village chieftain who navigates the treacherous waters of the Red Sea, initially involved in smuggling operations. A pivotal moment leads Devara to take a moral stand, sparking conflict with his rival, Bhaira (Saif Ali Khan), and setting the stage for an intense feud. Years later, the narrative shifts to Devara’s son, Vara (also played by Jr NTR), whose seemingly timid nature hides deeper complexities. The film unfolds as a dramatized tale narrated by a village elder, blending myth, action, and emotion in a saga that explores themes of courage, loyalty, and sacrifice.
Without giving away spoilers, the plot is structured as the first part of a planned duology, ending on a cliffhanger that leaves audiences eager for the sequel. While the first half is action-packed and engaging, the second half introduces lighter moments and a romantic subplot, though it struggles to maintain the same momentum. The story’s coastal setting and nautical themes give it a unique flavor, distinguishing it from other Telugu epics while drawing parallels to films like Baahubali and KGF in its grand storytelling approach.
Cast Performances
N.T. Rama Rao Jr. as Devara and Vara
Jr NTR, often called the “Man of Masses,” is the heart and soul of Devara: Part 1. His dual roles as the fierce Devara and the seemingly meek Vara showcase his versatility and commanding screen presence. As Devara, he exudes raw intensity, dominating action sequences with a mythic warrior-like aura. His dance moves in songs like “Ayudha Pooja” and fight scenes, including a standout moment where he rises from the sea, are tailor-made for his fans, eliciting roars of applause in theaters. As Vara, Jr NTR brings a nuanced vulnerability, though some critics note that this character arc feels underdeveloped. His ability to carry the film, despite its flaws, reaffirms his status as a powerhouse performer.
Saif Ali Khan as Bhaira
Saif Ali Khan makes an impressive Telugu debut as the antagonist Bhaira. His portrayal of the vengeful, menacing chieftain is a highlight, particularly in the first half, where his confrontations with Devara crackle with tension. Saif’s rugged look, especially in the latter part of the film with curly locks, adds to his menacing presence. However, some reviews suggest his role loses impact in the second half due to limited screen time and weaker writing, leaving audiences wanting more from this formidable villain.
Janhvi Kapoor as Thangam
Janhvi Kapoor’s Telugu debut as Thangam, Vara’s love interest, is visually striking but narratively underwhelming. Her character is introduced late in the film and feels like an afterthought, with minimal dialogue and a role that critics describe as “blink-and-miss.” While her traditional attire and dance in “Chuttamalle” are visually appealing, the lack of depth in her character limits her impact. Many reviews point out that her inclusion seems more like a marketing move to attract North Indian audiences than a meaningful contribution to the story.
Supporting Cast
The supporting cast, including Prakash Raj, Srikanth, Murali Sharma, and Shine Tom Chacko, delivers competent performances but struggles with underdeveloped roles. Prakash Raj, as the narrator Singappa, provides exposition that ties the story together but feels underutilized. Srikanth and Shine Tom Chacko have fleeting moments, while other characters, including female roles, are sidelined, reinforcing the film’s male-centric narrative. Critics note that the supporting cast’s potential is hampered by the script’s focus on Jr NTR.
Direction by Koratala Siva
Koratala Siva, known for films like Janatha Garage, brings his signature mass-appeal style to Devara: Part 1. His direction shines in the first half, where he crafts a visually grand and emotionally intense narrative. Scenes like Devara’s sea-based action sequences and the “Ayudha Pooja” ritual are executed with flair, catering to Jr NTR’s fanbase. However, the second half falters, with pacing issues and a forced romantic track that dilutes the film’s intensity. Critics argue that Siva’s ambition to create a two-part epic leads to a stretched narrative, with a cliffhanger that feels more like a setup than a satisfying conclusion. While his vision for a pan-Indian spectacle is evident, the execution lacks the polish of predecessors like Baahubali.
Screenplay and Storytelling
The screenplay, penned by Koratala Siva, starts strong with a simple yet effective premise centered on Devara’s moral awakening and conflict with Bhaira. The first half is engaging, blending action, drama, and myth-making with a coastal twist. However, the second half introduces inconsistencies, with a romantic subplot and Vara’s arc feeling disconnected from the main narrative. Critics have called the screenplay predictable, with some scenes echoing Baahubali and Rangasthalam. The dialogue, while occasionally impactful, lacks the emotional depth needed to elevate the drama. The decision to split the story into two parts has drawn criticism, with many feeling the sequel hook is unnecessary and dilutes the film’s impact.
Cinematography
R. Rathnavelu’s cinematography is a standout, capturing the rugged beauty of the coastal setting with a blue-gray palette that enhances the film’s mythic tone. Iconic shots, like Devara emerging from the sea or the underwater action sequences, are visually spectacular and elevate the film’s grandeur. However, some critics note that certain water-based VFX shots and green-screen usage feel artificial, detracting from the immersion. Despite these flaws, the cinematography is one of the film’s strongest technical aspects, making it a visual treat on IMAX and 4DX screens.
Music by Anirudh Ravichander
Anirudh Ravichander’s background score is a saving grace, injecting energy into action sequences and emotional moments. Tracks like “Ayudha Pooja” and “Fear Song” are well-picturized and resonate with audiences, though songs like “Dheere Dheere” feel forced. While the score is heroic and elevates Jr NTR’s mass moments, some reviews suggest it doesn’t match the heights of Anirudh’s work in films like Jailer. The music complements the film’s scale but lacks originality, with a few tracks feeling repetitive.
Visual Effects (VFX)
The VFX in Devara: Part 1 Movie Review – A High-Octane Action Saga with Mixed Results are a mixed bag. Standout sequences, like the underwater battles and Devara’s shark-riding moment, are ambitious and visually striking, earning praise for their scale. However, critics have pointed out inconsistencies, with some CGI appearing outdated or poorly integrated, particularly in water-based scenes. The film’s ₹250 crore budget suggests high production values, but the VFX don’t always match the expectations set by global blockbusters. Fans, however, appreciate the effort, especially in premium formats like IMAX.
Strengths
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Jr NTR’s Performance: His dual roles and magnetic screen presence are the film’s biggest assets, delivering moments that thrill fans.
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Action Sequences: The high-octane fights, especially in the first half, are well-choreographed and visually engaging.
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Cinematography: R. Rathnavelu’s visuals create a grand, atmospheric world that enhances the film’s epic feel.
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Background Score: Anirudh’s music adds intensity and elevates key scenes, making them memorable.
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Scale and Ambition: The film’s coastal setting and pan-Indian appeal showcase Tollywood’s ambition to compete on a global stage.
Weaknesses
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Weak Second Half: The pacing slows, and the romantic subplot feels forced, diluting the narrative’s intensity.
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Underdeveloped Characters: Supporting characters, especially female roles, lack depth and agency, limiting their impact.
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Predictable Screenplay: The story borrows heavily from other epics, making it feel formulaic at times.
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Inconsistent VFX: While ambitious, some CGI falls short, breaking immersion in key scenes.
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Unnecessary Sequel Setup: The cliffhanger ending feels contrived, leaving audiences wanting a more complete story.
Audience and Critics’ Reactions
Audience Reactions
Devara: Part 1 has been a polarizing experience for audiences. Jr NTR’s fans have embraced the film, with theater screenings marked by enthusiastic cheers, especially during action sequences and dance numbers. Social media posts highlight the “goosebumps moments” and praise NTR’s mass appeal, with some calling it a “visual spectacle.” However, others expressed disappointment, citing a lack of emotional depth and a weak second half. The film’s runtime and sequel setup have also drawn criticism, with some feeling cheated by the abrupt climax.
Critics’ Reactions
Critics have given Devara: Part 1 mixed reviews, with a 33% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 18 reviews, averaging 5.7/10. Positive reviews, like Mahpara Kabir’s from ABP Live (3.5/5), praise NTR’s stellar performance and the film’s action-packed first half. However, others, like Simon Abrams from Roger Ebert (2.5/3), find it formulaic, with a convoluted plot and misogynistic undertones. Critics from The Indian Express and NDTV (both 2.5/5) note the film’s visual appeal but criticize its predictable story and weak character development. The consensus is that while NTR and the technical aspects shine, the screenplay and pacing hold the film back.
Box Office Buzz
Devara: Part 1 Movie Review – A High-Octane Action Saga with Mixed Results has been a commercial juggernaut, grossing ₹521 crore (US$62 million) against a ₹250 crore budget, making it the third highest-grossing Telugu film of 2024 and the fifth highest-grossing Indian film of the year. Its opening day was the second-best for a Telugu film, driven by Jr NTR’s star power and the film’s pan-Indian release in multiple languages. The Hindi dubbed version has performed well, expanding NTR’s reach in North India. Despite mixed reviews, the film’s theatrical run has been bolstered by premium formats like IMAX and 4DX, with fans flocking to experience its grandeur.
Comparisons to Other Films
Devara: Part 1 Movie Review – A High-Octane Action Saga with Mixed Results invites comparisons to other Tollywood epics like Baahubali and KGF due to its two-part structure and mythic storytelling. Like Baahubali, it ends on a cliffhanger, but critics argue it lacks the emotional weight and narrative coherence of SS Rajamouli’s masterpiece. The coastal setting and action sequences draw parallels to Aquaman, though Devara leans heavily into Indian masala elements. Some scenes, like Janhvi’s village attire, echo Rangasthalam, while the Devara-Bhaira dynamic resembles Baahubali’s hero-villain clash. However, the film’s reliance on fan service and a weaker second half sets it apart as a less polished effort compared to these benchmarks.
Final Verdict
Devara: Part 1 Movie Review – A High-Octane Action Saga with Mixed Results is a visually stunning, action-packed spectacle that thrives on Jr NTR’s electrifying performance and Koratala Siva’s ambitious vision. The first half delivers thrilling set pieces and a gripping premise, but the second half stumbles with pacing issues, a predictable screenplay, and underdeveloped characters. While the cinematography and music elevate the experience, inconsistent VFX and a forced sequel setup leave audiences wanting more. For Jr NTR fans, it’s a must-watch for its mass-appealing moments, but casual viewers may find it lacking depth. It’s a bold but flawed entry in Tollywood’s pan-Indian wave, best enjoyed on the big screen with a rowdy crowd.
