Robin Bhuyan
Fans of Jr NTR and those who prefer larger than life action films have been excited for Devara: Part 1, a Telugu-language action drama directed by Koratala Siva, starring N. T. Rama Rao Jr. in dual roles. The film, which is Jr NTR’s first film since RRR, is set in the coastal regions of India, and the story weaves themes of valor, sacrifice, and moral dilemmas. Any movie buff might have noticed that Devara aims to carve its place by copying the formula of Baahubali, starting with its title format “Part 1’. Like Baahubali, the film features a larger-than-life hero who cares for the common folk and is dedicated to justice, and an antagonist who was once a friend of the hero, who is ruthless and selfish. On top of that, like Baahubali we have a father-son duo who are exact replicas of each other, though their personalities are somewhat opposite.
Rama Rao Jr. plays both his parts quite well, firstly, Devara a character known for his strength and charisma, and Vara, son of Devara, who unlike his father, is timid and weak. Supporting him are an impressive ensemble cast, including Saif Ali Khan as the menacing Bhairava, a friend-turned-foe and Janhvi Kapoor, whose character, though was unnecessary, adds to the film’s glamour.
The film’s pacing initially poses a challenge, particularly in the first 40 minutes, where you might feel so annoyed that you might want to walk out of the theatre! However, this slow build-up eventually serves a purpose, and the plot gets interesting when the Indian Navy manages to capture Devara and his team of looters. One of the Naval Officers speaks passionately about how Devara’s forefathers, who revolted against the British by plundering their ships, inspired him to enlist in the Navy, yet he is disheartened to witness their sons have unfortunately become looters of common ships.
While the storyline is engaging, the film’s biggest problem is that it lacks emotional depth. Yes, the story is definitely good, but if you compare it to Jr. NTR’s previous film, it doesn’t even half the emotional impact of RRR! Despite this, throughout the story, the film effectively conveys themes of loyalty, redemption, and the consequences of one’s choices, keeping the audiences tied to the seat till the end.
Visually, Devara: Part 1 is definitely a feast for the eyes. The cinematography, crafted by R. Rathnavelu, beautifully captures the film’s epic scale and dynamic action sequences. Koratala Siva’s direction is commendable, creating a captivating world that resonates with both action enthusiasts and drama lovers. Whether you are a fan of Jr NTR or not, you shall definitely love the film, if you are into action dramas.
In conclusion, Devara: Part 1 is not a perfect film, but considering the below average larger-than-life movies we have been seeing in the past 3-4 years, the film is definitely worth a one-time watch. While it shares thematic elements with Baahubali, it successfully establishes its own identity and sets the stage for a sequel by ending on a cliffhanger that leaves audiences with a big question mark. While the film does manage to impress us and keep us captivated, is the story really worth two movies? That is for you to decide!
Rating: 7 out of 10 stars
