Devara review: This Jr NTR movie is bold on action, thin on storytelling

Telugu superstar Jr NTR's latest film Devara: Part 1 plunges into familiar waters, revisiting a well-worn theme in cinema: legacy, and the age-old tale of a son fulfilling the unfinished business of his father. The movie, directed by Koratala Siva, has the ambition to deliver an epic saga, but falls short in maintaining consistent narrative depth and focus.

The film sets up an intriguing backdrop. Devara (played by Jr NTR) hails from a tribe of once-revered warriors who, over time, have turned into sea pirates. Devara leads raids at sea, smuggling dangerous goods into the country, despite an inner struggle to reform his people. His efforts to steer his tribe away from their criminal ways are opposed by the sinister Bhaira (Saif Ali Khan), who serves as the primary antagonist. Bhaira, feeling overshadowed by Devara’s authority, plots to overthrow him, leading to a power struggle that forms the core of the narrative.

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While the setup promises a clash of ideals, it stumbles along the way. One of the highlights of Devara: Part 1 is Jr NTR’s performance. His portrayal of a man torn between loyalty to his people and the moral duty to change their path is sincere and compelling. The action scenes, especially those set underwater, are visually impressive and well-executed, showcasing director Koratala Siva’s technical prowess.

However, the film suffers from uneven pacing and moments that feel shoehorned in for fan service. The romance between Devara and Thangam (Janhvi Kapoor) is textbook and uninspired, serving little purpose other than to check the box of a hero’s love interest. Thangam’s character offers no real depth, falling into the common trope of being a mere accessory to the protagonist. In contrast, Varadha (also Jr NTR), is given more narrative weight. His journey from being a perceived coward to reclaiming his family’s legacy mirrors themes of redemption and self-discovery, though the parallels to The Lion King’s Simba are hard to ignore.

Unfortunately, Saif Ali Khan’s Bhaira doesn’t add much to the film either. His performance, dominated by grimaces and scowls, lacks nuance, leaving the background score by Anirudh Ravichander to do the heavy lifting in terms of building tension. Prakash Raj, a seasoned actor, is underutilized to the point where his character, Singappa, could have been replaced by an inanimate object with no noticeable change to the story’s impact.

The film attempts to explore mythmaking, where Devara becomes a legendary figure, feared and revered in equal measure. But this intriguing concept gets lost amid a series of disjointed scenes that fail to blend into a compelling whole. Siva’s writing often meanders, sidetracking with elements that dilute the tension and drama.

The film ends on a cliffhanger, setting the stage for Devara: Part 2. But the question remains: will audiences care enough to return for the sequel? Unless you're a die-hard fan of Jr NTR, Devara: Part 1 might leave you with more ambivalence than anticipation.