The review of the film 'Devara: Part 1' highlights the heightened intensity brought forth by NTR and Anirudh in this extended action drama.
Director Koratala Siva and NTR deliver a gripping action drama, significantly enhanced by Anirudh Ravichander's contributions. However, the latter segments falter as the narrative attempts to extend itself excessively in anticipation of a sequel.
Nine years after SS Rajamouli's Baahubali – The Beginning captivated audiences with the mystery surrounding Kattappa's motives for killing Baahubali, a series of ambitious films have emerged, each with the potential for sequels. This phenomenon presents a dual challenge. On one hand, filmmakers are afforded the opportunity to explore characters in greater depth and to expand the narrative universe. On the other hand, there is a risk of narrative overextension. Several questions remain unresolved, leaving audiences in suspense for potential sequels. The latest film to adopt this approach is Devara, directed by Koratala Siva and featuring NTR, Saif Ali Khan, and Janhvi Kapoor. This Telugu film, which has been dubbed and released in various languages, includes several breathtaking sequences complemented by Anirudh Ravichander's dynamic musical score, ultimately leading to speculation about the necessity of a sequel.
Devara: Part 1
Director: Koratala Siva
Cast: NTR, Janhvi Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan
Duration: 178 minutes
Storyline: In a fictional seaside community, a law enforcement officer embarks on a mission to combat crime on the open waters and discovers the myth of Devara, which presides over the maritime realm.
The term "devara" refers to male deities venerated by coastal communities. NTR portrays Devara, an enigmatic character situated in a fictional coastal area near the mountains. The narrative commences in 1996, coinciding with India's preparations to host the Cricket World Cup, and delves into the past to recount the tale of Devara, who is believed to command the vast oceans. Koratala Siva efficiently sets the scene as a police officer named Ajay encounters a startling underwater phenomenon, prompting village elder Singappa, played by Prakash Raj, to recount the legend of Devara.
The story transports us to a coastal region inhabited by four clans, where we are introduced to the erra samudram, or red sea. The plot examines human behavior through the lenses of bravery and trepidation. Departing from the frequently depicted narrative of a village under oppression seeking a hero for salvation, this film investigates the potential actions of individuals in the absence of fear. As Devara attempts to distinguish between the courage necessary for survival and the reckless bravery that can lead to destruction, his moral insights are often overlooked by those around him, including Bhaira, portrayed by Saif Ali Khan.
An intricately crafted sequence aboard a container-laden ship effectively illustrates the stealthy operations of the men, led by Devara and Bhaira, on the open seas. Devara recognizes that he is not a virtuous individual, yet he remains unaware of the consequences of his covert activities until later in the narrative. He conveys to his young son, Vara (NTR portraying the adult son), that, in contrast to their forebears who fought for liberation, he considers himself inconsequential. This moral perspective of Devara serves as a catalyst for the growing rifts among the four clans.
The film does not explore the backstory of how Devara and Bhaira, hailing from different clans, forged their friendship and partnership; instead, it gradually reveals the disparities in their moral beliefs. Characters portrayed by Kalaiarasan and Tom Shine Chacko further exacerbate the divide between Bhaira and Devara. A detailed Ayudha pooja sequence highlights the importance of the festival and the traditional weaponry associated with these clans. The Telugu title is derived from the assembly of weapons of various forms, and a glimpse of a fish-shaped knife resonates with the coastal communities depicted in the film.
Numerous scenes and segments—such as the container sequence and the Ayudha pooja celebrations—gain significance as the narrative unfolds, rather than existing as isolated incidents. Even seemingly minor moments, like Vara's casual remarks about hair dye and the interactions between Devara and Vara on a stone hedge, yield meaningful outcomes later, although some plot twists are predictable.
The narrative maintains a vigorous and captivating pace for over an hour as it establishes the intricate world of Devara. However, in the latter sections, the intensity gives way to a rather mundane romantic subplot involving Vara and Thangam (Janhvi Kapoor), while Bhaira's brooding demeanor becomes increasingly tedious. By the conclusion, when the film poses a question reminiscent of Baahubali, it lacks the necessary impact and ultimately feels unresolved.
The film's cohesion, despite the shortcomings in writing, is primarily attributed to its technical aspects. Rathnavelu’s cinematography skillfully captures the scenes set against the dark blue sea at night, juxtaposing them with the warm glow of oil lamps and bonfires in the villages. Sabu Cyril’s production design imbues the coastal landscape with both beauty and an air of mystery. Anirudh Ravichander stands out for his vibrant contributions; his music alternates between rock-inspired compositions and traditional dol and dappu rhythms, injecting vitality into the narrative.
In this male-driven action drama, several characters, such as Zarina Wahab's mother, who has endured numerous losses, and another woman who believes education is the key to her son's future, are overshadowed. Some supporting roles, portrayed by Prakash Raj and Srikanth, manage to leave a mark, while others, including Murali Sharma, Kalaiarasan, and Tom Shine Chacko, fade into the background. A deeper exploration of Bhaira’s character would have been beneficial. Saif Ali Khan's performance is largely characterized by brooding, while Janhvi Kapoor is underutilized in a role that can only be described as trivial.
NTR's portrayal of a character navigating the waves in a seaside setting can be viewed as an extension of his role as Bheem in RRR, where he was associated with water, contrasting with Ram's fiery nature. In Devara, NTR excels in expressing the moral complexities of his character. As Vara, he attempts to elevate a poorly written role.
Devara: Part 1 is a mix of engaging moments and tedious stretches. A single-part film might have offered a more cohesive experience.
Devara: Part 1 is currently showing in theaters.
