Devara Part 1 Review: The movie is a captivating visual spectacle driven by Jr NTR’s energetic performance and director Kortala Siva’s vision. The film opens with a nail-biting sequence featuring Jr NTR in an awe-inspiring action scene. He is seen pushing a massive ship consignment off a cliff, battling dangerous sea creatures and even returning from the dead. Jr NTR’s portrayal of both a rugged action hero and a sentimental family man is convincing. He strikes a fine balance between ferocity and softness, making him equally compelling in both intense fight scenes and heartfelt emotional moments.

The movie begins with a police crackdown on a group of villagers who are involved in looting ships. Set against the backdrop of Ratnagiri near the Red Sea, four neighbouring villages live harmoniously, holding an annual inter-village competition called Sangram to decide who gets to keep the weapons for a year. The first 15 minutes feel slightly disjointed as the groundwork is laid for the rest of the story.

The plot focuses on Devara (Jr NTR) and his conflict with Bhairava (Saif Ali Khan), once his friend and now a formidable foe. Bhairava, driven by greed and ruthlessness, plans to smuggle illegal arms and cause mayhem. Devara, however, refuses to be a part of this crime and turns into a vigilante, joining forces with the Indian Coast Guard to thwart Bhairava’s plans. Things take a twist when Devara’s son, Vara (also played by Jr NTR in a dual role), unaware of his father’s past, gets manipulated by Bhairava. This sets the stage for a face-off between father and son, who must eventually unite to bring Bhairava down.

One of the film’s highlights is its stunning coastal setting. Majestic shots of the ocean, beach celebrations and high-octane action sequences amplify the visual appeal of the film. Kortala Siva’s direction ensures that each frame captures the raw beauty and danger of the sea. The coastal environment becomes an integral part of the narrative, almost like an additional character, reminiscent of Disney’s Moana, with its focus on the power and allure of the ocean.

However, the action sequences, though choreographed well, are let down by inconsistent visual effects. In some parts, the VFX feels choppy and cartoonish, especially during Jr NTR’s entrance scene, which involves him springing out of water and climbing a ship in slow motion. While these scenes may come across as underwhelming for some, fans of Jr NTR are likely to overlook these flaws and cheer him on.

 
 
 
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jr NTR (@jrntr)

Saif Ali Khan emerges as the victorious villain of the movie. He convincingly portrays Bhairava as the villain who is blinded by greed. His screen presence matches Jr NTR’s intensity, making their confrontations engaging to watch. While Janhvi Kapoor, as Thangam, plays Vara’s love interest, her role is not an important part of the plot. She has minimal screen time and only adds a touch of glamour to the otherwise action-heavy film. Her chemistry with Jr NTR’s character lacks depth, making her presence leave less of an impact.

The supporting cast, including Srikanth as the traitorous Rayappa and Murali Sharma as the smuggling kingpin Muruga, deliver decent performances. Shruti Marathe, who plays Devara’s wife and Vara’s mother, adds an emotional layer to the film.

Anirudh Ravichander’s music stands out in Devara: Part 1. The songs Daavudi and Ayudha Pooja infuse a festive vibe into the narrative and remind fans of Jr NTR’s dance prowess. Anirudh’s background score adds intensity to the action sequences and elevates the film’s overall impact.

While Devara: Part 1 is a visual treat with powerful performances, it suffers from a predictable storyline and a lengthy runtime. The plot’s predictability, especially with the revelation of Vara’s identity as Devara’s son, leaves little room for suspense or surprises. Moreover, at nearly three hours long, the film drags in certain parts, particularly during its build-up phase.

The film's first half does a good job of setting up the story and culminates in an intense pre-interval fight sequence. However, the momentum dips in the second half, making it feel like a stretched affair. The audience can guess the conclusion long before it happens, making the latter part less engaging.

Devara Part 1 Review | Final Verdict

Rating: 3/5

Devara: Part 1 is a commendable big-scale film that is sure to please Jr NTR’s ardent fans. While it doesn’t match the grandeur or gripping nature of mass movies like RRR or Jawan, it is still a decent watch. The movie thrives on Jr NTR’s charisma, Saif Ali Khan’s villainous turn and the breathtaking coastal visuals. However, its predictable storyline and long runtime hold it back from becoming a truly exceptional film.

With the promise of a second part, Devara sets the stage for a continuation that could further explore its characters and narrative.

Also Read: The Buckingham Murders Review: Kareena Kapoor Khan Shines Bright In Hansal Mehta's Crime Thriller Movie