Review: NTR Jr.'s heroic act sails the ship of 'Devara - Part 1'

Devara: Part 1, directed by Siva Koratala, is a highly anticipated film featuring NTR Jr. in a dual role, alongside Saif Ali Khan, Murali Sharma, Prakash Raj and Janhvi Kapoor. Set in Ratnagiri, a fictional coastal village, the film blends action, drama, and emotions revolving around smuggling, vengeance, and complex character dynamics.

Plot and Premise

The film's story is set against the backdrop of Ratnagiri, a village by the Red Sea, where smuggling from ships is rampant. Devara (played by NTR Jr.), initially a part of this underworld operation led by the ruthless Muruga (Murali Sharma), has a moral awakening. He tries to convince his fellow associates, including Bhaira (Saif Ali Khan), to abandon their illicit ways. However, Bhaira betrays Devara, resulting in a violent conflict that leaves Devara mysteriously missing.

The film fast-forwards twelve years, with Bhaira now ruling Ratnagiri but still consumed by a thirst for revenge against Devara. Meanwhile, Devara's son, Vara (also played by NTR Jr.), grows up unaware of his father's legacy and ends up allying with Bhaira, unknowingly setting the stage for a major confrontation. The premise suggests a classic revenge drama. 

Screenplay and Execution

Siva Koratala is known for his ability to mix mass appeal with meaningful narratives, and Devara: Part 1 tries to follow that formula. However, the screenplay, especially in the second half, feels predictable. The first half of the film sets up the characters and their motivations with some powerful moments, but the narrative loses momentum as the story progresses.

The film introduces multiple characters, but many of them lack sufficient depth, which results in the story feeling overcrowded. The second half feels particularly drawn out, with scenes that could have been tighter to maintain the pacing.

Performances

NTR Jr. delivers a standout performance, portraying two distinct characters—Devara and his son, Vara—with equal finesse. As Devara, NTR Jr. embodies a morally conflicted leader trying to steer his village away from darkness, while as Vara, he plays a young, innocent man caught in the crossfire of his father's legacy. Jr NTR's ability to distinguish between the two characters is impressive, and his performance is the heart of the film.

Saif Ali Khan as Bhaira, the power-hungry antagonist, is effective in the first half, but his character loses steam as the narrative progresses. Bhaira's motivations and backstory could have been explored further to make him a more formidable villain throughout the film.

Janhvi Kapoor, though making her Tollywood debut, is underutilized in the film. Her role is disappointingly brief, with limited scenes and minimal impact on the overall plot. Fans of the actress might find her role lacking substance. The supporting cast, including Murali Sharma and Srikanth, deliver solid performances, though many characters, like those played by Srikanth and Prakash Raj, could have been given more screen time and depth.

Action Sequences, Visuals & BGM

One of the film's strongest aspects is its action choreography. The high-octane fight scenes, especially between Jr NTR and Saif Ali Khan, are intense and well-executed. The film's larger-than-life visuals, shot by cinematographer Ratnavelu, are breathtaking, particularly the water sequences. The smuggling operations at sea, involving massive cargo ships and pirates, are visually captivating and give the film a grand scale.

The technical aspects of Devara: Part 1 are undoubtedly impressive. The CGI and visual effects, particularly in scenes involving water and ships, are adequate, though not groundbreaking. These scenes offer a visual spectacle that will appeal to audiences looking for action-packed moments, though they sometimes overshadow the film's emotional beats.

Anirudh Ravichander's music and background score elevate the film's emotional and dramatic moments. The score effectively complements the action sequences, heightening the tension and adding to the overall atmosphere. However, the songs in the film, surprisingly, don't leave much of an impression. The lack of memorable songs is a missed opportunity, given the film's grand scale.

Missed Potential

Devara: Part 1 is a visually rich film with impressive action sequences, but it suffers from shortcomings. The film's biggest flaw is its thin storyline, which feels stretched over its runtime. The narrative follows a predictable trajectory, and the writing could have benefited from more originality. There are clear inspirations from other films from down south, following a similar foot print to move towards the climax. Another issue is the film's reliance on spectacle over substance. While the visuals and action scenes are commendable, they can't compensate for the lack of emotional depth in the characters.

The Verdict

In conclusion, Devara: Part 1 is an ambitious film that delivers on action and visual spectacle but falls short in terms of narrative depth and character development. NTR Jr's powerful double performance, along with impressive cinematography and action sequences, are the film's highlights. Fans of action-packed dramas might enjoy the film for its grand visuals and intense confrontations, but those seeking a more emotionally engaging experience might leave the theater wanting more.

Rating

***1/2(3.5/5) stars