Devara Part 1: A new chapter in Indian cinema
A cinematic reunion
Devara Part 1, the highly anticipated film from Indian star NTR Jr, marks his return to the big screen following the monumental success of “RRR,” which garnered both Golden Globe and Oscar accolades. This action-packed saga, set against the backdrop of India’s coastal regions, reunites NTR Jr with director Koratala Siva, known for their previous collaboration on “Janatha Garage.” Siva’s last directorial venture was “Acharya,” featuring megastar Chiranjeevi and “RRR” star Ram Charan.
The film boasts a stellar cast, including Janhvi Kapoor, known for her role in “Ulajh,” and Saif Ali Khan, who recently starred in “Vikram Vedha.” The ensemble is further enriched by the talents of Prakash Raj, Srikanth Meka, Tom Shine Chacko, and Narain.
Behind the scenes
Produced by Kosaraju Hari Krishna and Sudhakar Mikkilineni under the banners of NTR Arts and Yuvasudha Arts, respectively, “Devara Part 1” is presented by Nandamuri Kalyan Ram. The film features a musical score by Anirudh Ravichander, known for his work on “Leo,” and cinematography by R. Rathnavelu, who previously worked on “Sarileru Neekevvaru.” The production design is helmed by Sabu Cyril, and the editing is done by A. Sreekar Prasad, both of whom contributed to the success of “RRR.”
A multilingual release
“Devara Part 1” is set to be released in two parts, catering to a diverse audience by offering versions in Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam. The film has already made waves in the U.S., grossing over $1 million from ticket sales for opening night screenings, setting a new record for Indian cinema. Prathyangira Cinemas is responsible for the U.S. release.
The grand trailer launch
The trailer for “Devara Part 1” was unveiled at a star-studded event in Mumbai, attended by NTR Jr, Janhvi Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, Koratala Siva, and Indian media personality Karan Johar. Johar, along with AA Films, acquired the rights for the film’s North India theatrical distribution. He described the film as “one of the most awaited films of Indian cinema,” expressing pride and privilege in presenting “Devara” in Hindi.
Cast reflections
Janhvi Kapoor shared her excitement about working with NTR Jr, stating, “I had so much fun. I learned so much. And I think everyone knows what a big fan of him I’ve always been, and I think I’ve become a bigger fan of him after having worked with him.”
Saif Ali Khan, who plays the antagonist Bhaira, recounted his experience: “I remember my first shot speaking Telugu, and I had a bit of sweat running down my back. I felt very nervous in a very, very different way. We come from the same country, but sometimes our states are really like different to one another. Movies made in the south recently have been mind-blowing, and to get a chance to act in a film like this… I felt like a newcomer. I’m really excited because I’ve spoken the language. It was a new language for me, and I love the movie, and I love what I’ve done in it also.”
A record-breaking start
NTR Jr attributed the film’s record advance ticket sales in the U.S. to “God’s blessings and the love which has always been showered by the fans and the audience.” He emphasized the film’s expansive setting, stating, “The film is set against the forgotten lands of coastal India, and the canvas is too big. As we started shooting the film, the canvas revealed itself and started getting bigger and bigger. Every character in the film has its own weight and they need to be explored and established in depth and in detail, which we can’t justify in one part. So, we took the decision to tell this big story and canvas in two parts. The story won’t change in shape but will thrive in scale.”
Final thoughts
“Devara Part 1” promises to be a cinematic spectacle, blending action, drama, and a rich cultural tapestry. With its impressive cast, experienced crew, and a story that spans the vast coastal regions of India, it is poised to captivate audiences worldwide. For those eager to dive into this epic saga, the trailer offers a tantalizing glimpse of what’s to come.