Director: Koratala Siva
Star cast: Jr NTR, Saif Ali Khan, Janhvi Kapoor, Prakash Raj
Where to watch: In cinemas
Rating: 3.5 stars
Devara (Jr NTR) and his associates from three villages burglarise huge ships crossing the Red Sea and supply the loot to the black marketers In exchange for money. Soon, Devara realises the worth of his legacy, and his conscience awakens. He becomes the guardian of the blue, slaying baddies left, right and centre, and promises to protect the sea. Devara's friend-turned-foe Bhaira plans to hunt him down and has been waiting for the right opportunity for ages. Will he be able to bring Devara down, as he teams up with Devara's son Vara (Jr NTR)? That forms the rest of the plot.
Devara Part One is Jr NTR's return to the big screen after SS Rajamouli's mammoth blockbuster RRR. The expectations were already noch higher when Saif Ali Khan was announced as the main antagonist and the excitement went higher. However, Devara ended up becoming an example of how over-ambition can kill the logic, and affect the overall product. Devara had many things right. From the performances of the cast to the action set pieces, screenplay, and the basic plot. However, the movie fell flat during the last moments. After a breathtaking climax, we are left with a cliffhanger that will rather leave you furious than amazed.
The film starts on a slow note, but soon Jr NTR and his troupe pull the attention by showing some impressive combat skills. The underwater sequences are well shot and they maintain the momentum. The fast-paced screenplay keeps you on the edge of your seat. The conflict between Devara and Bhaira, and Devara's arc from a grey-shade character to a demi-God is perfectly established. The film has a terrific first half, and it leaves you with anticipation for the second half. Post-interval, the film takes an interesting twist as Devara's son takes centerstage and his timid behaviour also gives a few laughs. As the movie reaches to big climax, you will be hooting for Vara. Unfortunately, the film ends on a sad, rather disappointing note, hampering the overall experience of the film.
Speaking about the performances, Devara is Jr NTR's show all the way. He transpires you on his journey with his captivating performance. He dances like liquid electricity, and is excellent in action scenes. Saif Ali Khan is a worthy addition to the film as Bhaira. Whenever he comes on screen, he ups the ante. Janhvi Kapoor, who has made her Telugu debut along with Saif, has delivered a fine performance. Though her character enters in the second half, she makes sure to grab the attention. Prakash Raj was decent enough but gave a major KGF hangover.
The songs are average, saved by Jr NTR's dance moves. Dialogues were okay. Action scenes were well choreographed and shot. Overall, Devara had the full potential to become next big pan-India blockbuster, a landmark film in the Indian film industry. But, it has been let down by its messy, rushed cliffhanger that hampers the overall impact.
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