Devara: First Review Highlights Jr NTR as ‘Terrific’

After a six-year absence from the protagonist’s role, Jr NTR, celebrated as the man of the masses, makes a grand return to the silver screen. Directed and written by Koratala Siva in their second collaboration, ‘Devara’ has generated immense anticipation. The film premiered on September 27 worldwide in five languages to an overwhelming reception. Jr NTR takes on a dual role in the movie, marking a significant moment, while Janhvi Kapoor makes her Tollywood debut alongside Saif Ali Khan. The music and score are composed by Anirudh Ravichander, adding to the movie’s allure.

Devara Story:

Devara (Jr NTR) leads Erra Samudram, a coalition of four villages nestled in the hills near Ratnagiri. He, along with Bhaira (Saif Ali Khan) and Rayappa (Srikanth), earns money by plundering container ships for Muruga (Murali Sharma). When Devara discovers that one shipment contains weapons used against their own people, he decides to end their illicit activities, sparking Bhaira’s fury. Bhaira manipulates Rayappa to orchestrate Devara’s assassination. Surviving the attack, Devara issues a stern warning to both villagers and Bhaira, vowing severe consequences for any future smuggling attempts at sea.

Twelve years later, Vara (Jr NTR), Devara’s son, has grown into a timid individual. Bhaira compels Vara to engage in stealing a shipment loaded with weapons at sea. Did Devara really betray his own son? What happened to Devara after he disappeared? These questions lie at the heart of ‘Devara: Part 1’

Analysis of Jr NTR’s performance and the movie “Devara”:

“Jr NTR continues to be a charismatic crowd-puller known for his stellar performances. His acting prowess and unique dance style, executed effortlessly even without rehearsals, never fail to impress. In ‘Devara’, Jr NTR takes on a dual role, a challenge he has tackled less successfully in the past. However, portraying Devara and Vara, two characters with contrasting traits, showcases his versatility and ability to connect with fans and cinephiles alike. Tarak shines in action sequences and emotional scenes, demonstrating his skill under Koratala Siva’s direction. While the storyline may be predictable, the film delivers a paisa vasool experience for his admirers.”

Performances:

Jr NTR delivers an impressive and applause-worthy performance in his dual roles as Devara and Vara. Saif Ali Khan has a substantial role, though his presence is notably reduced in the second half. Janhvi Kapoor, introduced in the latter part of the film, has a limited role with just four scenes and a song, leaving little room for her character to develop, especially in the first half. The character arcs for actors like Prakash Raj and Srikanth could have benefited from deeper exploration. Additionally, the narrative choice of having Prakash Raj’s character recount Devara’s story to Ajay’s character raises some questions. Fans will likely enjoy the theatrical experience of the ‘Aayudha Pooja’ and ‘Fear’ songs, although the ‘Daavudi’ song was cut due to runtime constraints.

Technical aspects:

Anirudh Ravichander’s background score and music significantly enhance the film, contributing to the overall atmosphere of Devara. Rathnavelu’s expertise as a leading cinematographer is evident in every frame, showcasing his mastery of visual storytelling. The film boasts impressive production values and technical execution, with particular commendation for its outstanding VFX work.

Positives:

• Jr NTR’s Performance: Delivers a captivating and powerful portrayal in his dual roles.
• Music: Anirudh Ravichander’s score enhances the film’s emotional depth and energy.
• Action Sequences: Well-choreographed and thrilling, adding excitement to the narrative.
• Cinematography: Rathnavelu’s work brings a visually stunning quality to every scene.

Negatives:

• Predictability: The plot lacks surprising twists, making it somewhat formulaic.
• Engagement: The screenplay fails to fully engage the audience, particularly in certain stretches.
• Janhvi Kapoor’s Screentime: Limited presence diminishes the impact of her character.
• Rushed Climax: The conclusion feels hurried and lacks the depth needed for resolution.
• Second Half: The pacing falters, affecting the overall flow of the story.

Final Verdict:

Jr NTR impresses once again with a compelling dual performance in Koratala Siva’s Devara. The film is a must-see on the big screen, offering a stunning visual and aesthetic experience.

Devara Movie Review Rating: 3 out of 5