Devara Part-1 movie review: Koratala Siva’s ambitious idea fails to translate effectively on the big screen in this Jr NTR-Saif Ali Khan starrer.
Cast: Jr NTR, Saif Ali Khan, Janhvi Kapoor, Shine Tom Chacko, Prakash Raj, Srikanth, Ajay, Shruti Marathe, Zarina Wahab
Director: Koratala Siva
Writers: Koratala Siva
There is a ‘superhero’ scene in Devara Part-1 where a bunch of men try to stop Devara (Jr NTR) from pushing a container truck, filled with ammunition, off the cliff, but our man manages to achieve the ‘explosive’ feat.
This is somewhat the literal representation of Koratala Siva’s latest action drama. Here, the opponents are the inept direction and bland writing. While Jr NTR succeeds in defeating every hurdle and brings the film to its finishing line, the result is devoid of fire!
What’s Yay: Jr NTR, R Rathnavelu’s cinematography
What’s Nay: Inconsistent writing, dreary execution.
Story
Devara- Part 1 kicks off in the year 1996 where India is gearing up for the World Cup event. A group of senior police officials in Bombay (Mumbai) hold a board room meeting to discuss a topic of national interest. There’s tension in the air as they are perturbed by the news of a mafia don planning to create mayhem in the country. One of his associates, Yethi, a crime lord has put up a disappearing act, and apparently sought refuge in Ratnagiri, a coastal place in Andhra Pradesh.
To nab him, the officials send a cop (Ajay) down the south who, in disguise, throws a bait to Bhaira (Saif Ali Khan). The latter, however, refuses to help him. That’s when the cop and his team come across an aged man, Singappa (Prakash Raj) who narrates to them the heroics of Devara (Jr NTR), the man who stood against his own, and unleashed a bloodbath in pursuit of righteousness and for the betterment of his people.
Years ago, Devara (Jr NTR), Bhaira (Saif Ali Khan), Rayappa (Srikanth) and Kora (Tom Shine Chacko) were the chieftains who, each, ruled over one of the four villages that co-existed on the mountain that was surrounded by the sea. Their forefathers were once warriors who defended the sea, but later, post independence, were reduced to being pirates for their livelihood.
ALSO READ: Devara: Jr NTR Hated Shooting For This Scene In The Film; Says ‘It Took A Lot Of Time’
The four chieftains, along with a group of people, would whisk away illegal consignments from sailing ships for Muruga (Murali Sharma). During one such heist, Devara grows a moral backbone upon learning a revelation, and goes loggerheads with Bhaira and the other chieftains over their illegal activities.
“Aadmi mein bas jeene ki himmat honi chahiye; kisi ko marne ki nahi. Aur agar tumne phir se yeh karne ki himmat ki, toh main woh darr banunga jo uss himmat ko mita dega,” he boldly announces and one day, after a bloody confrontation, disappears into the sea. Will it be easy for him to get rid of the violence and greed that has seeped deep in their blood, and stop them from tarnishing the legacy of their ancestors?
Direction
On paper, as an idea, Devara Part 1 has all the elements of an entertaining, larger than life film. Unfortunately, Koratala Siva’s writing pen runs out of ink when it comes to fleshing out solid character arcs for some of the most pivotal characters in his film. His thalassic landscape, at times, becomes too salty with his run of the mill treatment. As a result, the occasional twists that are meant to sweep you along, barely create a ripple when they play out on screen.
The filmmaker’s flat execution doesn’t allow you to dive deep into Devara and his world. That’s quite disheartening because the movie rather starts on a promising note. The scene where Devara, Bhaira and their men loot goods and escape right under the nose of the customs officials keeps you on the edge. Even the Ayudha puja sequence is top-notch. Sadly, Koratala stumbles midway and the anchor gives way.
He tries to hold his ship (film) steady with Jr NTR’s underwater scenes that are fun to watch, but then a poor version of a Baahubali-esque cliffhanger in the end plays havoc, and undoes all the efforts.
Performances
Jr NTR is one of the reasons why Devara Part-1 stays afloat even when the execution misses a mark. Both as Devara and his son Vara, the actor gets his nuances right and offers two distinct performances. He dances seamlessly, and is poetic even with his scythe. Though this might not be counted amongst Saif Ali Khan’s best performances, the actor’s sincere efforts don’t go unnoticed. He makes sure that his scenes with Jr NTR keep your eyes glued to the screen even when the writing loses its spark.
With not a single memorable scene to her credit in her limited screen time, Janhvi Kapoor barely gets to rise above her eye candy role. It’s disappointing that debut in Telugu cinema is far away from being ‘sand’-sensational. The rest of the women in Devara Part-1, Shruti Marathe and Zarina Wahab are just gentle souls meant to shed tears. Tom Shine Chacko is underutilized. Srikanth is good in his role.
Technical Aspects
Besides Jr NTR, the other hero is Devara Part-1 is cinematographer R Rathnavelu. His rich, mythical frames bring Koratala Siva’s world and the characters inhabiting it to life. Be it Jr NTR gliding like a fish in the shark-infested waters, a trail of blood completing the circle of the moon or a top shot of a horde of assassins crawling like creepy reptiles towards an intoxicated Devara, his camera work reeks of brilliance.
Sreekar Prasad is not in his best form with his editing scissors, but then a part of the reason for the same is Koratala Siva’s meandering script.
Music
When it comes to the impressive part of Devara Part-1’s album composed by Anirudh Ravichander, you can’t miss Shilpa Rao’s velvety rendition of ‘Chuttamalle’ with Anirudh’s unmissable ‘ah’. The Ayudha Puja song has vibrant visuals and infectious energy. The ‘Fear Song’ is noteworthy, whereas ‘Daavudi’ doesn’t make it to the final cut of the film.
Verdict
Jr NTR sinks his teeth into his dual roles, and delivers a ‘jaw-some’ performance in Koratala Siva’s stormy waters. Despite that, the film keeps you hooked only in parts and pieces.
