Telugu superstar Jr. NTR’s highly anticipated film Devara: Part 1 has finally hit the screens but does it live up to the massive expectations? The answer like the film itself is a bit mixed.
Rating: 3/5
A Mixed Bag of Emotions
The movie starts off on the right foot with a solid setup and an intriguing introduction to Devara’s character. The first half keeps the audience hooked with its world-building, showcasing the culture, surroundings and relationships of the characters. The story unfolds gradually drawing viewers in and raising curiosity about what lies ahead.
However, while the first half has its strong moments, it lacks emotional depth. The events happening on-screen are engaging enough to keep viewers interested but there’s little connection to the characters themselves. The pre-interval sequence, meant to be a mass moment feels somewhat predictable and doesn’t pack the punch it should have.
A Sharp Turn After Interval
The second half is where Devara: Part 1 starts to falter. It almost feels like you’re watching a different movie altogether with the introduction of a new narration involving the character Vara. Unfortunately this shift in storytelling feels out of place and leaves the audience confused. The cringeworthy scenes that follow don’t help either, breaking the flow and immersion of the movie.
While the pre-climax twist could have been a game-changer, it’s disappointingly predictable. The climax although decent, lacks the emotional impact needed to elevate the film. One of the biggest disappointments is the cliffhanger that sets up Part 2 it feels unnecessary and leaves viewers wondering if a second part was really needed.
Music and Performances Save the Day
If there’s one aspect of Devara: Part 1 that truly shines, it’s Anirudh Ravichander’s music. His background score adds life to the film and keeps the energy flowing, especially in the action sequences. Even when the screenplay falters, Anirudh’s music keeps the audience engaged and invested in the story.
Jr. NTR’s performance is another highlight. He brings his usual intensity to the role, keeping viewers glued to the screen. His portrayal of Devara has moments of brilliance, even though the weak writing doesn’t always do justice to his talent.
The supporting cast including Saif Ali Khan and Janhvi Kapoor deliver good performances, though their characters don’t have much depth.
Final Thoughts
Devara: Part 1 is a movie that had the potential to be great. The first half sets the stage beautifully building a world that draws you in but the second half lets it down with a weak narrative and predictable twists. The film does have its moments, especially thanks to Anirudh’s music and NTR’s performance, but it ultimately falls short of being the blockbuster it could have been.
For those not looking for deep storytelling or logic Devara can still be an entertaining watch, especially for the big-screen experience and Anirudh’s thumping score. But for those expecting an emotionally gripping narrative, the movie might leave you wanting more.
Verdict
Devara: Part 1 is an entertaining film with some good moments but it suffers from inconsistent storytelling and a lack of emotional depth. It’s a decent one-time watch but it leaves you wondering if Part 2 will truly be worth the wait.
Check out our full review of Pottel, a recent Telugu release with a bold storyline but mixed execution. Read more on Cinesparsh.