Devara Movie Review: Jr. NTR’s Actioner – An Honest Fan Perspective
The film “Devara” had a grand theatrical release with a runtime of 2 hours and 55 minutes. Despite not generating high expectations from its trailer, a ticket was secured to watch the film. After experiencing it, the initial impression suggests that the belief a film starring Jr. NTR after his collaboration with Rajamouli would automatically be a hit might be a false observation, and “Devara” does not seem to be altering this perception. The film primarily feels like it’s “Only For Fans,” specifically for those who appreciate Jr. NTR’s portrayal in the “Devara” role.
Devara’s Storyline: A Glimpse Without Spoilers
The basic story revolves around police officers heading to Ratnagiri, a border area between Andhra and Tamil Nadu, to retrieve goods from the sea. There, a police officer named Ajay hears the story of Devara from Prakash Raj. The plot then unfolds to reveal what transpired in Devara’s story, why the police went to Ratnagiri, and who they were discussing at the beginning. This provides a non-spoiler glimpse into the film’s premise.
Routine Plot and Predictable Screenplay
The story of “Devara” is described as extremely routine. It presents an expected and predictable screenplay, with the first half being considerably better than the second half. The film adopts a narrative structure where, unlike many films that start with the son’s story and then flashback to the father, “Devara” reverses this, dedicating the entire first half to the father’s story and the second half to the son’s. Beyond this screenwriting difference, the plot features common elements such as scenes where those who oppose are killed, a hero in dual roles, a father fighting injustice, and a love story for the son, echoing a very common, overused storyline seen in 90 out of 100 films, merely set against a sea backdrop. The emotions portrayed are described as weak.
Standout Performances and Key Moments (Plus Points)
Jr. NTR’s performance, particularly in the father’s role as Devara, is captivating, more so than his son’s role, Vara. His first song is a treat for fans, featuring impressive dance moves in a short yet impactful foot-tapping number by Anirudh. Certain elevation scenes, such as his entrance, pushing a container, and the excellently composed interval sequence, are highlighted as strong points. Saif Ali Khan, as Bhaira, delivers a commendable performance, with the film noted as potentially being most beneficial to his career. Janhvi Kapoor makes a strong Tollywood debut with a good performance, being beautifully presented on screen. Prakash Raj offers an effective start to the film with his voiceover narration. Other actors like Srikanth, Tom Shine, and Jack also perform adequately within their roles.
Technical Craft: Cinematography and Music
Rathnavelu’s cinematography is described as superb, especially evident in the “Chuttamale” song. Anirudh’s music effectively elevates certain scenes, including the entrance, interval, Jr. NTR’s title card, and the climax. However, it’s noted that the background music in some parts of the second half could have been better. Regarding songs, the “Davidi” song was reportedly deleted from the film. While some early container scenes lack logic, their visual design is well executed, and some dialogues also stand out.
What Didn’t Work: Major Minus Points
Beyond the routine story and predictable screenplay, the film’s second half, with the exception of the climax and a somewhat predictable twist, offers “nothing special.” It feels like the second half merely drags on to set up a potential Part 2, raising questions about what remaining story could be told in a sequel given the limited plot development. Emotions in the film are described as weak. The promise of a “Red Sea” backdrop is mentioned, but the reviewer felt more of the shore was visible than the sea itself. While VFX for sea scenes is decent, it doesn’t appear natural and is clearly identifiable.
Logical Inconsistencies and Predictable Drama
The film suffers from numerous severe logical flaws. Examples cited include policemen not hearing loud sounds when jumping from containers, non-stop fighting throughout the night, sea pirates calmly conversing with police after being caught, stopping an assault only after someone is half-cut, and characters never questioning the contents of the goods they transport. Other issues include characters overhearing distant conversations while drunk, and inconsistent age variations in characters’ faces over a 12-year period. A major fight involving Vara in the second half is deemed unconvincing, potentially disappointing fans who expect a stronger portrayal of the hero. Janhvi Kapoor’s character, despite her good performance, feels forced, reiterating a dialogue about needing a powerful hero. Many scenes, particularly those designed to highlight the hero, are predictable, making it easy to anticipate outcomes from the start.
Is Devara a Family Watch?
Yes, “Devara” can be watched with family as there is no adult content present in the film.
Devara Movie Verdict and Rating
The final verdict for “Devara” is that it is “Only For Fans,” specifically those dedicated to Jr. NTR and particularly his “Devara” role. Expanding on this, the first half is considered “okay,” while the second half is described as “Jai Tus” only for Jr. NTR. Based on this opinion, the movie receives a rating of 2.75 out of 5.
