Koratala Siva on Creating ‘Devara’: A Two-Part Vision

On September 27, NTR and Janhvi Kapoor’s much-anticipated film “Devara” will premiere in theaters worldwide. As the release date approaches, director Koratala Siva has shared fascinating insights about the movie. Here are some highlights from the interview.

“Devara” inspired by a true incident that took place in Andhra Pradesh?

Media reports may have suggested that the plot is rooted in real events, but the reality is that “Devara” is a completely fictional story. It is not based on any actual incidents.

What is the core story of “Devara”?

The film explores the concept that fearlessness is not necessarily a virtue; it can often lead to folly. We all harbor fears, often without acknowledging them. It’s essential for everyone to abide by the laws of society. Take traffic lights, for instance—when we see a red light, we instinctively stop. We do this because we understand the importance of following the law. This form of fear is crucial for our survival. This message is central to the narrative of “Devara.”

When did NTR agree to the story?

My relationship with NTR is truly special; I can speak candidly with him, and he always shares his thoughts honestly. When I presented him with the one-line concept of “Devara,” he was instantly on board and eager to develop it further. It took us six months to bring “Devara” to the production stage as we worked on creating an ocean on a studio floor and figuring out how to capture its effects. That’s why we dedicated so much time to the project.

Why did you decide to split the plot into two parts after filming for a few months?

The narrative of “Devara” is quite extensive, running about four hours in length. On paper, it spans roughly 6-7 hours. After the second filming schedule, I recognized that three hours wouldn’t be enough to convey the full story. Therefore, we opted to divide it into two parts—not for commercial reasons, but because I wanted to do justice to NTR’s portrayal of both characters: Devara and his son, Vara.

How was your experience working with Janhvi Kapoor?

Janhvi Kapoor, being the daughter of the late actress Sridevi, brings a strong work ethic to her role. She puts in a tremendous amount of time and effort, often requesting the scene scripts a week or ten days in advance to practice. On the first day of shooting, after completing her first scene, NTR raised his hand to commend her performance, stating we made the right choice in casting her. From that moment on, it was a pleasure to witness her talent unfold on set.

Why did you choose Saif Ali Khan as the antagonist?

I felt that Saif Ali Khan’s look in Bollywood’s “Omkara” would perfectly suit the villain role I envisioned for “Devara.” Initially, he was unsure about whether he was right for the character of Bhaira. However, after we conducted a look test, it became clear that he would be a great fit for the film. His performance exceeded my expectations and truly brought the character to life.

People say the “Acharya” debacle damaged your relationship with megastar Chiranjeevi?

I’ve always had a great rapport with Chiranjeevi. Even after the setback of “Acharya,” he was the first to reassure me that I would find success again. Our relationship is not strained at all.

Which actor will star in your next film?

Right now, my primary focus is on “Devara.” I haven’t made any decisions about my future projects yet.