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Devara: Part 1 – A fragmented saga of charisma and chaos
A tale of two roles and one incomplete story
Devara: Part 1, the latest Telugu action film starring N. T. Rama Rao Jr. (Junior NTR), attempts to captivate audiences with its star power but ultimately falls short. Directed by Koratala Siva, the film leans heavily on Junior NTR’s charisma, casting him in dual roles. However, the narrative struggles to find its footing, resulting in a disjointed and often tedious experience.
The trend of half-films in Indian cinema
Mainstream Indian cinema seems to be embracing a trend of releasing films in parts, much like Hollywood’s Dune and Spider-Verse franchises. Devara joins the ranks of Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire and Kalki 2898 AD, focusing more on setting up future installments rather than delivering a complete story. Unlike its counterparts, Devara stumbles right from the beginning with an overlong introduction that feels more like a setup for a sequel than an integral part of the current narrative.
A convoluted beginning
The film opens in 1996 with a lengthy exposition about a terrorist conspiracy surrounding the Cricket World Cup. This 20-minute prologue, filled with discussions and suspect chases, feels disconnected from the main plot. It eventually leads to a policeman meeting an old man by the shore, who then recounts the actual story in flashbacks. This convoluted setup detracts from the film’s momentum and leaves viewers questioning its relevance.
The real story begins
Once the extraneous context is out of the way, the film shifts to a story set 12 years in the past, with hints of even older flashbacks. The narrative centers on an isolated island community led by Devara (Junior NTR), a seafaring chief who conducts nocturnal raids on shipping vessels for wealthy smugglers. Devara’s best friend, Bhaira (played by Saif Ali Khan), serves as his ideological rival, leading to the film’s most engaging and thematically coherent fight scene.
A fleeting moment of excitement
The clash between Devara and Bhaira during a heist gone wrong is the film’s standout moment. Devara’s attempt to prevent further bloodshed showcases his character’s complexity and provides a brief glimpse of the film’s potential. However, this excitement is short-lived, as the rest of the action sequences lack the same physical weight and intensity.
A descent into chaos
As the story progresses, Devara’s character arc takes a darker turn, leading to ruthless violence against his own people. The film fails to explore the motivations behind Bhaira and his followers’ actions, leaving viewers in the dark about their true intentions. Are their objections to Devara’s new edict purely ideological, or are there economic factors at play? The lack of clarity undermines the film’s emotional and thematic impact.
An island without depth
The island setting, while visually striking, lacks thematic and emotional resonance. The rituals and customs of the community, reminiscent of Black Panther, feel superficial and disconnected from the broader narrative. The film fails to establish a meaningful connection between the island and the outside world, leaving viewers with a sense of detachment.
A fleeting dance number
Amidst the chaos, the film offers a single celebratory dance number that injects some much-needed energy. Junior NTR shines in his dual roles as the mighty Devara and his less capable son, Vara. However, Vara’s romantic subplot with Thanga (Janhvi Kapoor) feels forced and ultimately goes nowhere. Saif Ali Khan delivers a powerful performance, but the dubbing by his Telugu voice actor, P. Ravi Shankar, may be jarring for those familiar with Khan’s usual voice.
A protracted setup
Devara: Part 1 suffers from a protracted three-hour setup that culminates in a climactic cliffhanger. The film hints at a more interesting story that could have been told had it chosen to reveal its cards earlier. Instead, it drags on, leaving viewers with a sense of unfulfilled potential.
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