NTR Jr. delivers a striking performance as the larger-than-life Devara, but it’s Saif Ali Khan who truly captivates in his debut Telugu film. Unlike Pushpa or Rocky Bhai, writer-director Koratala Siva’s Devara doesn’t exploit nature but vows to protect it.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.5 / 5)
By Mayur Lookhar
The trailer suggested a period film set in the coastal lands of Andhra Pradesh. However, the opening scene of Devara: Part 1 (2024) takes us to a distant city. As we watched the dubbed Hindi version, the city mentioned is Bombay. A state head, possibly the chief minister (played by Zakir Hussain), holds a high-level meeting with top police officials. He alerts them to an intelligence tip about arms being smuggled from Russia, posing a security risk, with the upcoming Cricket World Cup in India being a potential target. The minister names two individuals – Daya and Yethi – linked to the smuggling. In the dubbed Hindi version, these men are located on the coast of Ratnagiri. We presume the original Telugu film to be set in the coastal region of Andhra.
Daya, Yethi. Who are they? Aren’t the protagonists Devara and Bhaira? There’s no mention of them yet. For a moment, this reviewer wondered whether he had wandered into the wrong screening. About 10-15 minutes later, the sight of Saif Ali Khan eases our nerves. Soon, NTR Jr. appears. Singamma (Prakash Raj), a local from Devara’s village, is narrating the story of Devara (Khan) and Bhaira (NTR Jr.) to cop Danny. The coastal belt consists of four villages. Largely left to fend for themselves, the fishermen used to make dirty money by smuggling illegal items from cargo ships at the behest of local influential men, DSP Tulsi (Abhimanyu Singh) and Muruguan (Murali Prasad Sharma). One day, their luck runs out as the Coast Guard catches them red-handed. The leading officer is saddened to learn that these people have brought shame to their great legacy, as their ancestors always protected the sea. Devara is disheartened to find that the arms he smuggled were the same ones being used against his own people. A poor young boy travelling to the city for education was gunned down using these weapons. He vows to quit smuggling and ensures no one from the coastal belt engages in it either. Bhaira, however, refuses to abandon his greed. He needs to eliminate Devara, but killing him is harder than conquering the rough seas.
Writer-director Kotarala Siva’s Devara: Part 1 (2024) isn’t merely a domestic conflict among fisherfolk. Don’t underestimate the significance of the youth’s death. Here is a boy from the impoverished belt, dreaming of a better life through education. Was his killing an accident? No. If young men from these villages became educated and migrated to cities, who would smuggle at sea or do other dirty work for the region’s mandarins? Siva makes his caste/class divide point without even spelling it.
Conflict in films like Pushpa (2021), the K.G.F franchise, and Dasara (2023) often stems from the greed to exploit natural resources. While these films are entertaining, they are also guilty of partly glorifying smuggling, violence, and even toxic masculinity. Dasara atoned for this in the end, and we await the next chapter in Pushpa.
Devara lulls you into believing it might follow the same path, but redemption comes early, with Devara transforming from smuggler to a larger-than-life Guardian of the Red Sea. The “red” refers to the blood spilled on the shore or at sea. Devara’s willingness to spill the blood of his own highlights his unwavering commitment to protecting the sea. This strong condemnation of natural resource exploitation sets Devara apart from the Pushpas and Rocky Bhais.
South India is known for its idol worship—Superstar, Megastar, Super Dooper Star, Rebel Star. Trust the South to celebrate their stars with enthusiasm. NTR Jr. has earned the title of “Man of Masses.” Often, such titles are used to promote mindless action, violence, and toxic masculinity to the masses. Devara stands apart, as the character sends the right message to his people and condemns immoral deeds. Life imitates art, and NTR Jr. sets a positive example for his legion of fans. The only unlikable aspect of Devara is how he exhibits super strength after drinking local wine.
He does speak Hindi, but it’s unclear whether NTR Jr. has lent his voice to the dubbed Hindi version. The RRR (2022) actor makes quite an impression as Devara and Vara. He’s ferocious in his battles, yet you admire Devara for his selfless leadership and the care he shows for his people. The dual roles reveal different facets of NTR Jr. The man looks leaner compared to his appearance in RRR. When we think of dance icons, Govinda is an unparalleled name in Hindi cinema. NTR Jr. seems to embody the same joy while dancing. The dubbed Hindi songs are endearing, thanks to Anirudh’s music, and NTR is mesmerizing in his dance performances. The dreamy song featuring Jahnvi Kapoor boasts fine lyrics and melody.
Jahnvi Kapoor’s presence in the film mirrors the limited time she devoted to the trailer launch of Devara in Mumbai. From an early age, Thanga (Kapoor) has a crush on the married Devara, but with him disappearing, she feels there is no one worthy of her. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that Kapoor has a cameo role here; her character seems more a product of formulaic compulsion than necessity. Nonetheless, the struggling Kapoor would cherish her maiden Telugu film.
NTR Jr. is the Man of Masses, but Devara: Part 1 belongs to Saif Ali Khan, who too makes his debut in Telugu cinema. Telugu viewers are best positioned to judge his Telugu in the original version. Khan is naturally more comfortable with the Hindi version. Born into royalty, Khan garnered attention by portraying Langda Tyagi, a UP muscleman, in Vishal Bhardwaj’s Omkara (2006). Here, he plays Bhaira, who is just as scheming and vicious as Langda Tyagi. Language should never be a barrier for a good actor. Khan appears comfortable in his maiden Telugu film, impressing with his intensity and even agility in the few action scenes.
After a highly gripping first half, Devara loses some momentum in the second half. However, it remains largely engaging throughout its 172 minutes. The compelling story comes alive through humble yet splendid visual representation, astute direction, top-notch production design, and impressive cinematography. Save for the early acrobatics on the ship, most of the action is well choreographed and gripping. Picture this: Devara slicing through greedy men on the seashore against the backdrop of a crescent moon, where, during one such encounter, the blood completes the moon.
The underwater action scenes are executed nicely, with the CGI shark enhancing Devara’s larger-than-life persona. Although it lasts only a few seconds, watching a man ride a shark as the sea beast leaps out of the water, covering the horizon moon, is a jaw-dropping sight.
The revelations at the end are likely to divide opinions. Given what has transpired in Part 1, is there scope for a Part 2? These concerns are valid, but when you consider Devara: Part 1 in totality, the climactic events justify the plot, vision, and philosophy of the director. Remember, this story began with the hunt for Daya and Yethi. We don’t see these names mentioned again in the film. Who knows, a Yethi might surprise us in Part 2. Ah, let’s leave the future speculation aside. The present paints a glorious picture for Devara: Part 1. Do sail into the world of the Guardian of the Red Sea.
Watch the video review below.
