Fans eagerly awaited the release of Devara: Part 1, especially with stars like Junior NTR and Saif Ali Khan. Directed by Koratala Siva, this film promises everything you’d expect from a big-budget South Indian film—intense action, a powerful storyline, and emotional depth. It ticks all the boxes with themes like revenge, family bonds, a father-son dual role, and exciting action sequences. But despite having all the right elements, the film’s story leaves much to be desired. Let’s dive into Devara: Part 1 and what makes it worth watching.
The Story of Devara: Part 1
The film begins with a national security crisis. The country is about to host the World Cup, and the government receives intelligence about a potential terrorist attack. To prevent this, a special task force is deployed to track down the terrorists. Their investigation leads them to Ratnagiri’s coastal region, where they uncover a smuggling ring in a nearby area close to the Red Sea. This smuggling operation is run by the powerful leaders of four villages, including Devra (Junior NTR), Bhaira (Saif Ali Khan), and Rayappa (Srikanth).
Devra is not just a smuggler but a protector of his people. He soon realizes that the weapons being smuggled by his group have caused harm, even leading to the death of a young boy from his village. Feeling guilty, Devra decides to stop the smuggling activities. However, Bhaira is not willing to give up the lucrative business and continues to work against him. This sets up a conflict between the two, with Devra taking on the role of protector for his people, battling both enemies and his guilt.
Years pass, and even though Devra disappears, his legacy remains. His son Vara (also played by Junior NTR) grows up in a world still controlled by smuggling and violence. Surprisingly, Vara chooses to join Bhaira, his father’s enemy. Why does Vara make this choice, and will Devra return to protect his people once again? These questions form the crux of the story.
What Makes Devara: Part 1 Different?
Devara: Part 1 isn’t just another action-packed South Indian film. While it does rely on some familiar tropes—revenge, loyalty, family dynamics—it brings a fresh take on these themes. One of the film’s most compelling aspects is the complex father-son relationship between Devra and Vara. Both characters, played by Junior NTR, offer contrasting personalities. Devra is a strong, moral figure, while Vara is timid and easily influenced. This dual role showcases Junior NTR’s acting range and adds depth to the storyline.
Saif Ali Khan, playing the antagonist Bhaira, also leaves a strong impression. His character is ruthless, driven by greed and ambition, which sets up an exciting face-off between him and Junior NTR. However, Bhaira’s character could have been more developed to make the conflict even more gripping.
Action and Cinematography
If there’s one thing that Devara: Part 1 excels at, it’s the action sequences. From underwater smuggling scenes to hand-to-hand combat, the film delivers high-octane action that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The action choreography is top-notch, with well-coordinated fight scenes between Junior NTR and Saif Ali Khan. These moments are some of the film’s most thrilling, giving fans exactly what they came for—pure entertainment.
Cinematographer R. Rathnavelu has done an outstanding job capturing the grandeur of the film. The coastal locations, the smuggling ships, and the fight scenes are beautifully shot. The sea becomes an integral part of the story, not just as a setting but as a symbol of power and control. The smuggling scenes, in particular, are visually striking, adding to the film’s overall appeal.
However, the film’s visual effects (VFX) don’t quite match the high expectations set by the action and cinematography. Some of the VFX work, especially in the underwater scenes, feels underwhelming. This slightly detracts from the otherwise impressive visual experience.
Characters and Performances
Junior NTR steals the show with his portrayal of both Devra and Vara. His performance is the highlight of the film, as he effortlessly switches between the roles of a brave leader and a naive young man. As Devra, he commands the screen with his powerful presence, and as Vara, he brings out the character’s vulnerability. This contrast between the two roles keeps the audience engaged.
Saif Ali Khan as Bhaira does justice to his negative role, but as mentioned earlier, his character could have been fleshed out more. His performance is strong, but the lack of depth in his character makes him feel like a typical villain rather than a fully realized antagonist.
Janhvi Kapoor’s role in the film is minimal, with her presence limited to just one song and a few scenes. While her performance is adequate, her character feels underutilized. Her role was more about adding glamour and romance to the film rather than contributing to the storyline.
Prakash Raj, playing a supporting role, delivers a memorable performance, as always. He brings a sense of gravitas to the film, adding depth to the secondary characters. Murali Sharma and Srikanth also provide solid performances, making their characters stand out despite their limited screen time.
The Length and Story Pacing
One of the film’s drawbacks is its length. At nearly three hours, Devara: Part 1 feels a bit stretched, especially in the first half. The story takes time to develop, and while this helps establish the characters and the world they inhabit, it also slows down the pacing. The screenplay lacks the tightness needed to maintain momentum throughout the film. Some scenes feel repetitive, and the focus on setting up the story for Part 2 can make the first half feel like a long build-up.
Despite these issues, the second half of the film picks up pace, with more action and conflict coming to the forefront. The climax, in particular, leaves the audience with a lot of anticipation for the sequel. The film ends with a major cliffhanger, much like Baahubali’s famous “Why did Kattappa kill Baahubali?” moment. In Devara, the big question is: “Why did Vara betray Devra?” This intriguing twist sets up Part 2 perfectly, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the part 2.
Music and Soundtrack
The music in Devara: Part 1 plays a relatively minor role in the film. The standout track is “Dheere Dheere,” which fits well within the story but doesn’t leave a lasting impression. The film focuses more on its action and drama rather than relying on a memorable soundtrack. However, the background score adds intensity to key moments, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
A New Twist on a Familiar Story
At its core, Devara: Part 1 is a story of good versus evil, much like many other South Indian films. But what sets it apart is the emotional depth it brings to its characters. The father-son dynamic, the conflict between loyalty and ambition, and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters make the story more engaging. It’s not just about action and revenge; it’s about the personal struggles of each character.
Director Koratala Siva deserves credit for bringing this emotional depth to the film. While the story may not be entirely original, his direction and storytelling make it feel fresh. He has taken a familiar formula and added his twist, making Devara: Part 1 stand out from the crowd.
Devara: Part 1 may not be perfect, but it delivers on its promises of action, drama, and entertainment. Fans of Junior NTR and lovers of South Indian action films will find plenty to enjoy, especially with the thrilling cliffhanger ending that sets up an exciting Part 2.
