Devara Movie Review: Director Koratala Siva knows how to elevate his heroes. Throughout his filmography, he has made them stars, superstars, and even demi-gods. In Devara, he goes one step further and elevates his protagonist to mythical heights. It helps that it is Jr NTR who plays the titular character, and his calm demeanour perfectly amps up the fiery avatar, to give us a hero, who is more than just fictional — he is a myth. Siva demystifies the myth through two films rather than just one, and that is where the film essentially crumbles like a salted cracker.
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While the efficiency of duologies is a debatable topic, Devara is burdened by the curious case of the underwhelming second half. Siva takes his time to acclimatise us to the people, their beliefs, history, and future, and paints a captivating bloody red picture of Devara. It is a terrific build-up that gives a method to their madness, and why Devara is a god among these bloodthirsty men. We are introduced to a fishing hamlet amidst the mountains, where there is an almost Game of Thrones-esque setup that features four different clans living harmoniously, yet seething with resentment. They have a nearly Black Panther-ish way of deciding who gets the rolling trophy of a weapon-filled throne every year. In contrast, the second half of the film feels disjointed and the cracks in the narrative widen even more with the makers’ decision to include comedy and romance in what was set up as a gritty action drama.
The film revolves around the two Jr NTRs — Devara and his son Vara — and the actor is in terrific form. While the bravado and machismo are like second nature to the actor, Jr NTR also aces the vulnerability of both the characters. While his Devara gets a well-rounded arc right from the start, we take time to warm up to Vara, and the Part 2 will be all about the latter. However, in this film, Vara lacks a sense of grounding, and emotional layers are left unexplored. But his charm and aura ensure we always want to know what the characters are up to.
Devara begins with a prologue about a cricket tournament, two important members of the underworld in hiding, and a terrorist activity planned to undermine the image of India. Points to Siva for not revealing the identity of these potential antagonists for Part 2. They, hopefully, would play a bigger part because it ties into the primary reason why Devara shifts focus from a life of thievery and thuggery to becoming conscientious citizens of the country. That entire portion with Narain and the Coast Guard beautifully captures the core of Devara, which is about deciding one’s legacy, and not being burdened by public perception. More importantly, the world of Devara needs these underworld members as Part 1 is burdened by the lack of a solid villain. Saif Ali Khan’s Bhaira appears menacing, only to be cut down to size soon after. His performance and appearance does half the job, but the writing comes up a cropper. The same happens to Janhvi Kapoor in her big South cinema debut, who is part of a completely uninteresting romance angle that does nothing to the narrative except… nope, nothing to the narrative. One random introduction that is an excuse to glam her up, a song that is yet another excuse to glam her up, two comedy scenes that act as a lead to these aforementioned excuses, and bam… Thangam disappears. The writing of the childhood version of Thangam had so much more spunk and commitment that it is a classic case of all that Thangam is not Gold.
Stills from Devara Movie featuring Jahnvi Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, and Jr NTR
What holds all of it together is Anirudh Ravichander’s massy background score that adds a unique layer to the already distinct world of Devara. It is this world that is the fulcrum of the film because the makers exude so much conviction in their outlandish vision. Yes, the protagonist dives out of water as if his legs are connected to a jetski, but we don’t mind. Yes, there is a sequence where the protagonist dives out of water as if his legs are connected to a jetski, but this time, he has lasso-ed a shark, and is using it as the said jetski. But there is so much conviction not just in the writing, but the production design (Sabu Cyril) and visuals (Ratnavelu) ensure that the extended sequences in raging water never once feel out of place.
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Honestly, dividing films into two parts should be a rarity, and not a common occurrence in every second film. It forces the filmmaker to loosen the reins, and invariably, it keeps the audience disengaged for extended portions of the runtime. Earlier, at the peak of the sequel craze, films used to end with a cliffhanger to ensure the doors were not closed for a potential second part if the first part clicked. So, there is an epilogue of sorts to tease a sequel. More often than not, these films are never made. However, with the duology craze, the first film invariably only serves as a buildup to the second, and many times, we are forced to accept sitting through three hours of a trailer for a Part 2. While Devara doesn’t go down that path completely, it does stray down that path long enough to become a meandering mess. However, the downward slide of the film is salvaged by a bloody finale that ends with a reframed version of the greatest question posed by a two-part film in Indian cinema history. Even if the promise of the answer isn’t inviting enough, I would still be back for the sequel because that’s what superstar films are all about. It puts people on the seats, come what may, and on that front, Jr NTR who is returning to the big screen as a solo hero after six years, re-establishes his credentials as one of India’s biggest superstars. Dev-aura, indeed.
Devara Movie Director: Koratala Siva
Devara Movie Cast: Jr NTR, Saif Ali Khan, Prakash Raj, Jahnvi Kapoor
Devara Movie Rating: 2.5 / 5
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