Indian cinema has witnessed a resurgence of grand, multi-part epics ever since Baahubali and KGF set the standard for mass-appeal blockbusters. However, while these films succeeded in captivating audiences with strong narratives, breathtaking visuals, and intense performances, not every attempt at replicating this formula has met the same success. Devara: Part 1, directed by Koratala Siva, falls short of its potential, leaving viewers with a sense of déjà vu and a lot of missed opportunities.
The film, led by N. T. Rama Rao Jr., who plays dual roles, also boasts an ensemble cast that includes Saif Ali Khan, Janhvi Kapoor, Prakash Raj, and others. With such star power and a renowned director at the helm, Devara seemed poised to join the ranks of modern cinematic spectacles. However, the movie struggles with a thin plot that’s stretched too far, ultimately becoming more about filling time than telling a compelling story.
The Plot: An Overstretched Narrative
At the core of Devara lies a story that could have been a tightly-knit action drama, but instead, it feels unnecessarily padded. The narrative focuses on themes of revenge, power, and familial conflict, all typical of this genre, yet fails to bring anything new to the table. The decision to split the story into multiple parts appears to be more of a commercial move rather than a creative necessity. Unlike Baahubali, where the two-part structure was justified by its intricate storytelling, Devara‘s plot feels diluted, with many scenes dragging on simply to prolong the runtime. This contributes to a sense of fatigue, with audiences waiting for the plot to take off but finding themselves stuck in repetitive sequences.
Dual Roles – But Little Distinction
N. T. Rama Rao Jr. takes on the challenge of playing two roles, but unfortunately, the distinction between these characters is more cosmetic than meaningful. His performances feel familiar, lacking the depth needed to make the dual roles impactful. Unlike the effective use of de-aging technology combined with Vijay’s energetic performance in G.O.A.T, there is no significant effort to differentiate between the two roles played by N. T. Rama Rao Jr. in Devara beyond superficial changes. This becomes a missed opportunity, as with the right direction and character development, the dual roles could have added complexity to the film.
Performances: A Mixed Bag
One of the film’s biggest disappointments is the wasted potential of its stellar cast. Saif Ali Khan, who plays the antagonist, is completely underutilized. His character feels one-dimensional, and the actor, known for his versatility, seems to sleepwalk through the role. In a film where a powerful villain could have elevated the stakes, Saif’s lackluster portrayal fails to leave an impression.
Janhvi Kapoor, in her Telugu debut, fares no better. Her character is severely underwritten, leaving her with little to do other than serve as a glamor quotient. While she looks stunning on screen, her role does little to push the narrative forward or add any emotional depth. It’s a shame, as this could have been an opportunity for her to showcase her acting range, but she is sidelined in a hero-centric movie.
The supporting cast, including veterans like Prakash Raj and Murali Sharma, try to breathe life into the film, but even their experience isn’t enough to save it from the mediocrity of the script. Most of the actors appear disinterested, as if aware that the film doesn’t offer much for them to work with.
Direction and Screenplay: A Step Back for Koratala Siva
Koratala Siva, once celebrated for his gripping storytelling in films like Srimanthudu and Bharat Ane Nenu, seems out of sync with contemporary cinematic trends in Devara. The screenplay lacks the punch and urgency that we’ve come to expect from his previous work. While there are moments where his directorial flair shines through, particularly in the grandiose action sequences, they are few and far between.
The biggest issue lies in the pacing. At nearly three hours, the film feels bloated, with too many scenes that add little to the overall story. Instead of building tension and momentum, the film lingers on trivial moments, making it hard for the audience to stay engaged. The reliance on narration to push the plot forward feels outdated, reminiscent of KGF, but without the gritty, high-energy storytelling that made that series work.
Visuals and Action: Mixed Results
Visually, Devara is a mixed bag. The cinematography by R. Rathnavelu is commendable, particularly in the action sequences shot at sea. There’s an attempt to create a moody, atmospheric setting with scenes often taking place in dark, stormy environments. However, this over-reliance on dim lighting sometimes works against the film, as it makes certain action scenes difficult to follow.
The VFX work, while serviceable, isn’t groundbreaking. Compared to the visual extravagance of films like Baahubali or the futuristic aesthetic of Kalki 2898 AD, Devara’s special effects feel underwhelming. The film had the potential to deliver some breathtaking set pieces, especially with its sea-based action sequences, but they come across as just passable rather than awe-inspiring.
Music and Score: A Saving Grace
If there’s one aspect where Devara manages to hold its own, it’s Anirudh’s music and background score. The songs, especially the chartbusters Fear Song, Ayudha Pooja and Chuttamalle, serve their purpose within the film, and the background score does a commendable job of elevating certain scenes, especially during the action sequences. Anirudh’s score injects some much-needed energy into the film, keeping it from completely sinking into monotony.
Conclusion: A Patience-Testing Experience
In the end, Devara: Part 1 is a film that tests the audience’s patience more than it rewards them. Despite having all the ingredients for a blockbuster—an A-list cast, a seasoned director, and a promising setting—the film falls flat due to its lackluster screenplay, underdeveloped characters, and drawn-out runtime. The film could have been a concise, impactful action drama, but instead, it feels like a half-baked attempt at epic storytelling. For those looking for a gripping, engaging cinematic experience, Devara might not be the film that delivers.