Movie Name : Devara
Telugumopo.com Rating : 2.75/5
Release Date : 09/26/2024 (USA)
Cast : N.T.Rama Rao.JR, Janhvi Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, Prakash Raj, Shruti Marathe, Srikanth, Shine Tom Chacko etc…
Director : Koratala Shiva
Music Director : Anirudh Ravichander
Story:
Set in the coastal village of Ratnagiri near the Red Sea, the story revolves around Devara (Jr NTR), Bhaira (Saif Ali Khan), Rayappa (Srikanth), and other influential figures who dominate their respective villages. They aid Muruga (Murali Sharma), a powerful smuggler, in transporting illicit goods from ships. However, Devara soon realizes the immorality of these activities and decides to distance himself, which sparks a conflict with Bhaira. Bhaira, unwilling to let Devara stand in his way, plots to kill him. In a surprising turn, Devara vanishes, and twelve years pass.
During this time, Bhaira seizes control of Ratnagiri, still obsessed with finding and eliminating Devara. Meanwhile, Vara, Devara’s son, grows up innocent and unaware of his father’s past. However, as circumstances unfold, Vara finds himself aligning with Bhaira, raising questions. Is Vara betraying his father’s ideals? Does he harbor resentment toward Devara? And most importantly, where is Devara? Is he alive, or has Bhaira succeeded in his mission?
The movie unravels these mysteries, revealing the reasons behind Bhaira’s pursuit of Devara and the fate of both father and son.
Review:
The movie shows promise but falls short in certain areas, particularly in the second half, where the narrative becomes more predictable. Koratala Siva could have crafted a tighter screenplay, adding complexity and surprise to keep viewers engaged. Some key scenes feel underwhelming due to lackluster execution, and refining these moments could have significantly elevated the impact.
Jr NTR once again showcases his immense talent in Devara: Part 1, delivering captivating performances in two contrasting roles – Devara and Vara. As Devara, he masterfully embodies both humility and ferocity, while his portrayal of Vara highlights innocence and vulnerability. With skillful nuance, Jr NTR balances these distinct characters, keeping audiences thoroughly engaged throughout the film.
Janhvi Kapoor’s role is minimal, which might disappoint her fans as she isn’t given enough screen time to truly shine. Prakash Raj does a commendable job, but his character lacks a strong backstory, limiting his emotional depth and connection to the plot.
Saif Ali Khan also suffers from a lack of development, especially in the latter half of the film, where his character’s presence dwindles. The climax, in particular, feels abrupt and leaves viewers in shock, missing the build-up needed for a satisfying resolution. Improving these aspects could have made the film more memorable and engaging.
Koratala Siva impresses with his dialogue and scene writing in the first half, creating an engaging setup. However, in the second half, the film falters, lacking the powerful drama and high-energy sequences that the story demands. The momentum slows down, and the emotional intensity fades, affecting the overall impact.
Anirudh’s brilliant background score is a saving grace, enhancing the film’s pacing and elevating key moments. The “fear” song, in particular, stands out as a major highlight. Ratnavelu’s cinematography is visually stunning throughout, adding richness to the film’s coastal setting.
Yuva Sudha Arts makes a strong debut, showcasing impressive production values. Producer Sudhakar Mikkilineni, in partnership with NTR Arts, has mounted the film on a grand scale, contributing to the film’s larger-than-life feel.
Bottom Line: ‘A Balanced Act with No Highs or Lows’
