The Indian film industry, particularly the Telugu cinema, is no stranger to grand productions that captivate audiences.
One such film that recently made headlines is Devara Part 1, directed by Koratala Siva and starring Jr NTR, Janhvi Kapoor, and Saif Ali Khan. Released on September 27, 2024, Devara has quickly gained momentum, drawing attention for its star-studded cast, gripping action sequences, and emotional storyline. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the film's performance, themes, and what audiences can expect from Part 2.
The Star Power Behind Devara
One of the significant draws for Devara is the star-studded cast. Jr NTR, fresh off the global success of RRR returns to the big screen in a dual role as Devara and Varadha.
His performance has been met with praise, particularly his portrayal of Devara as both a mythical figure and a man grounded in the struggles of his coastal community. Saif Ali Khan, another major player in the film, delivers a powerful performance as the antagonist Bhaira.
Despite being a Bollywood star, Khan manages to make a convincing entry into Telugu cinema. Meanwhile, Janhvi Kapoor's debut in the South film industry as Thangam has garnered mixed reviews, with critics questioning the depth of her character.
Devara Part 1 plot
In 1996, during a high-security meeting, officials discuss threats to the 1996 Cricket World Cup from Daya and his brother Yethi.
The police arrest Yethi's henchman to interrogate him about Yethi’s location. Yethi was last seen with Muruga, a politician and smuggler. When they learn Muruga is dead, they pose as undercover smugglers to investigate.
They approach DSP Tulasi, who advises them to visit the Red Sea villages in the Ratnagiri mountains. There, they meet Bhairava "Bhaira" but are violently rejected. They then meet Singappa, who takes them offshore. The officer offers Singappa a diamond ring, but Singappa throws it into the sea. As the officer dives for the ring, he finds skeletons at the seabed. Singappa then begins narrating the story, starting in the 1980s.
These villages were once warriors defending the seas, but after Indian independence, they were reduced to smugglers in the Red Sea, named for the bloodshed defending their land. Devara was a village chieftain and smuggled goods for Muruga, alongside Bhaira, chief of another village. Without realizing it, they smuggled illegal arms used in a robbery near the villages.
Caught by the coast guard, the commander, Irfan, reveals their illegal activities and expresses disappointment in their dishonor as descendants of warriors.
Devara, having a change of heart, decides to end smuggling, which angers the other chieftains, including Bhaira, who plot to kill him but fail.
Devara successfully halts the smuggling operations and then disappears after a failed assassination attempt. He leaves a message on a rock near the shore, vowing to kill anyone who smuggles. Over time, the villagers turn to fishing for survival, as Devara, hidden from sight, kills smugglers.
His son, Varadha "Vara", grows up to be his opposite—timid and non-confrontational. Thangam, a childhood friend and love interest, withholds her affections until Vara does something to honor his father.
Vara, however, wants to distance his family from Devara’s legacy, believing his father abandoned them. Meanwhile, Bhaira assembles a private army to kill Devara, with Yethi and Muruga offering Bhaira an opportunity to eliminate Devara and resume smuggling.
Bhaira’s men harass Devara's daughter and wife to find his location at sea, while Vara avoids conflict. During the annual Ayudha Pooja fight, Vara surprises everyone by defeating Bhaira’s men, even unknowingly killing one after his sister is harassed.
Bhaira threatens to destroy his village unless Vara joins his army.
Vara agrees to a smuggling mission and to kill Devara. Singappa reveals to Devara’s wife that Devara is long dead, and it is Vara, disguised as his father, who has been killing the smugglers since Devara’s death.
Vara’s timid behavior is an act to keep the villagers from suspecting him, and he wrote the message on the rockbed himself to make the villagers believe Devara was still alive and protecting the Red Sea.
Vara kills Bhaira’s men, bringing their bodies ashore, and marks himself as having defied his father in front of Singappa and Devara’s loyalists.
When the undercover officer asks about Devara’s killer, Singappa reveals it was Vara who killed Devara the day Bhaira’s men attacked.
Box Office Performance and Reception
Devara Part 1 had an impressive start at the box office, grossing over ₹243 crores in the first two days worldwide, with a strong performance in Telugu-speaking regions. As of its fourth day, the film had raked in ₹29.85 crore net in India alon.
Despite this initial success, the film faced mixed word of mouth. While mass audiences embraced the high-octane action and larger-than-life portrayal of Jr NTR, critical reviews pointed out issues with the film's pacing and the underwhelming narrative in the second half.
The film’s success can also be attributed to the lack of new releases during the Dussehra period, allowing Devara to dominate single screens and non-national chains. However, it remains to be seen whether the film will maintain its momentum once new releases hit theaters.
A Tale of Legacy and Conflict
The plot of Devara Part 1 revolves around Jr NTR’s dual characters—Devara, a feared and respected figure in a coastal community, and his son Varadha, who attempts to build a life away from his father’s violent legacy.
The narrative delves into the complex dynamics of power, loyalty, and redemption, with Devara transforming from a notorious dacoit to a defender of his people.
Koratala Siva’s direction showcases his talent for elevating his heroes to near-mythical status. Devara, much like Siva’s previous protagonists, is a larger-than-life figure whose journey transcends personal vendettas and becomes a symbol of the fight against evil forces.
Strengths and Weaknesses: A Tale of Two Halves
While Devara Part 1 starts strong, introducing the audience to a visually captivating world of coastal villages and intricate power struggles, the second half of the film falls short of expectations.
The build-up to Devara’s transformation is compelling, with stunning cinematography and action sequences that keep audiences on the edge of their seats. However, the introduction of a romantic subplot between Varadha and Thangam feels forced and detracts from the film’s gritty tone.
Critics have also pointed out that Devara suffers from a lack of a strong villain. Saif Ali Khan’s Bhaira, though menacing at first, is quickly neutralized, leaving the film without a compelling antagonist for much of its runtime. This weakness is likely to be addressed in Part 2, which is expected to feature more significant challenges for the protagonists.
The Road Ahead: What to Expect from Devara Part 2
Devara Part 1 leaves many unanswered questions, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion in Part 2. One of the most significant unresolved plot points is the identity of potential antagonists who are introduced in the prologue but remain shrouded in mystery throughout the first film.
These characters, along with the evolving relationship between Devara and Varadha, are expected to take center stage in the sequel.
Additionally, Part 2 will likely focus more on Varadha’s growth as a character. While Jr NTR’s portrayal of Devara is already fully realized, Varadha’s character arc feels incomplete in Part 1.
The sequel promises to delve deeper into his internal conflicts and his struggle to live up to his father’s legacy while forging his path.
Conclusion
Devara Part 1 has undoubtedly made a significant impact on the Telugu film industry, both in terms of box office performance and its ambitious storytelling.
While the film is not without its flaws, particularly in the second half, it sets the stage for an epic conclusion in Part 2. With Jr NTR delivering a stellar performance and Koratala Siva’s direction creating a world of intrigue and action, audiences eagerly await the continuation of Devara’s story.