Devara Part 1 Movie Review; Visually Stunning But Overinflated
Rating: 3/5
Director: Koratala Siva
Cast: Jr. NTR, Saif Ali Khan and Janhvi Kapoor
Storyline:
Devara (Jr NTR) hails from a once-glorious clan of warriors, who defended the country and turned the sea red with their enemies’ blood. However, the descendants of these warriors are reduced to a pathetic plight and have to resort to smuggling illegal cargo to make ends meet.
While Devara and Bhaira (Saif Ali Khan) work in unison to carry out Muruga’s (Murali Sharma) contracts, there is an undertone of rivalry in their relationship.
But when one heist goes wrong, it reawakens Devara’s conscience about their illegal activities. Bhaira then conspires to carry out mutiny. Years later, the terror unleashed by Devara still has the village in a chokehold.
Will Devara’s timid son Vara (also Jr NTR) be able to carry forward his righteous legacy as a protector? Or will Bhaira take over? Watch Devara Part 1 to see the blood-thirsty saga!
The beautiful Janhvi Kapoor appears as Vara’s love interest – Thangam.
Devara Part 1 Movie Review:
Devara Part 1 is a visually stunning action spectacle but it begs the question – did this really have to be cut up into two parts? We’re witnessing a tiresome trend of overinflating films with stretched out sequences to milk them up for sequels. And that is exactly what happens here.
Devara Part 1 still manages to be fairly engaging and its main strength lies in the massy action set pieces, though there is a liberal use of slow-mo. It carries a rustic charm and the fierce interval block has some stunning imagery as well. The first half, while slow and repetitive at times, establishes the world-building decently.
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Devara Part 1 Movie Review:
Jr NTR has a meaty, dual role as Devara and Vara but there’s not too much variation in how he plays the two characters. The 1st half sees him in a larger-than-life, terror-inducing avatar – showcased through scenes of ample bloodlust. His physical prowess is commendable and he appears particularly agile in a cleverly choreographed festival fight in the 2nd half.
The twist in the climax can be spotted from a mile away, but it works because of the high intensity execution.
(Also Read: Saif Ali Khan Intense Training & Combat Regimen For Devara)
Saif Ali Khan is convincing as the antagonist Bhaira. While Jr NTR screen presence is more about his character’s brutish strength, Saif portrays the equally formidable Bhaira’s sinister energy and cunning perfectly. The hostile dynamic between Devara-Bhaira keeps the tension running high in the film.
Coming to Janhvi Kapoor – she appears after the interval, in a limited capacity and is reduced to a flowerpot, one-dimensional role. The romance between Jr NTR and Janhvi Kapoor is rather lacklustre as well.
Prakash Raj lends adequate support as Singappa, the narrator who witnessed the bloodthirsty saga unfold.
Fans of massy action can head to the nearest cinemas and catch Devara Part 1!
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