Director Koratala Siva’s Devara Part 1, featuring Jr NTR and Saif Ali Khan, hits theaters with elaborate characterizations and strong performances, but falls into predictability.
Release Date: September 27, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️½ (2.5 out of 5)
Chennai, September 27, 2024 – Jr NTR, fondly known as the ‘Man of the Masses,’ returns to the big screen after a six-year hiatus in Devara Part 1. Directed by Koratala Siva, this ambitious action drama explores the theme of fear and its generational impact.
Set against the backdrop of 1996, the film follows police officer Ajay (played by Ajay) on the hunt for criminals Daya and Yethi. Their investigation leads them to Singappa (Prakash Raj), who recounts the backstory of Devara (Jr NTR) and his nemesis Bhaira (Saif Ali Khan) in the 1970s. Devara, a righteous pirate captain, grapples with the moral implications of his violent lifestyle, contrasting sharply with the brutal Bhaira.
While Devara captivates visually and delves into profound themes, the storyline remains predictable. The film’s two-hour and 57-minute runtime feels packed, often diluting emotional moments in favor of an overstuffed narrative.
Despite its flaws, Devara Part 1 showcases stellar performances from Jr NTR and Saif Ali Khan. Jr NTR excels in portraying both father and son roles, while Saif delivers a formidable performance as the antagonist. Cinematographer Rathnavel’s visual style enhances the experience, utilizing striking color palettes to convey character emotions.
Unfortunately, Janhvi Kapoor’s role as Thangam is limited and fails to contribute meaningfully to the plot. However, the supporting cast, including Prakash Raj and Murali Sharma, brings depth to their characters.
The film concludes with a cliffhanger, reminiscent of SS Rajamouli’s Baahubali, prompting viewers to question whether such ambitious narratives truly warrant two parts.
Final Thoughts: Devara Part 1 is a visually stunning film that highlights strong performances but ultimately succumbs to a predictable plot. With a rating of 2.5 out of 5 stars, it leaves audiences eager yet uncertain about the journey ahead.
