Devara

Devara movie review: Jr NTR anchors this actioner burdened by the allure of a sequel. The Jr NTR film starts off really strong, only to suffer an extended downward slide that is finally salvaged by a bloody finale that is equal parts engaging and outlandish. Director Koratala Siva knows how to elevate his heroes. Throughout his filmography, he has made them stars, superstars, and even demi-gods. In Devara, he goes one step further and elevates his protagonist to mythical heights. It helps that it is Jr NTR who plays the titular character, and his calm demeanour perfectly amps up the fiery avatar, to give us a hero, who is more than just fictional — he is a myth. Siva demystifies the myth through two films rather than just one, and that is where the film essentially crumbles like a salted cracker.

While the efficiency of duologies is a debatable topic, Devara is burdened by the curious case of the underwhelming second half. Siva takes his time to acclimatise us to the people, their beliefs, history, and future, and paints a captivating bloody red picture of Devara. It is a terrific build-up that gives a method to their madness, and why Devara is a god among these bloodthirsty men. We are introduced to a fishing hamlet amidst the mountains, where there is an almost Game of Thrones-esque setup that features four different clans living harmoniously, yet seething with resentment. They have a nearly Black Panther-ish way of deciding who gets the rolling trophy of a weapon-filled throne every year. In contrast, the second half of the film feels disjointed and the cracks in the narrative widen even more with the makers’ decision to include comedy and romance in what was set up as a gritty action drama. The film revolves around the two Jr NTRs — Devara and his son Vara — and the actor is in terrific form. While the bravado and machismo are like second nature to the actor, Jr NTR also aces the vulnerability of both the characters. While his Devara gets a well-rounded arc right from the start, we take time to warm up to Vara, and the Part 2 will be all about the latter. However, in this film, Vara lacks a sense of grounding, and emotional layers are left unexplored. But his charm and aura ensure we always want to know what the characters are up to.

Devara begins with a prologue about a cricket tournament, two important members of the underworld in hiding, and a terrorist activity planned to undermine the image of India. Points to Siva for not revealing the identity of these potential antagonists for Part 2. They, hopefully, would play a bigger part because it ties into the primary reason why Devara shifts focus from a life of thievery and thuggery to becoming conscientious citizens of the country. That entire portion with Narain and the Coast Guard beautifully captures the core of Devara, which is about deciding one’s legacy, and not being burdened by public perception. More importantly, the world of Devara needs these underworld members as Part 1 is burdened by the lack of a solid villain. Saif Ali Khan’s Bhaira appears menacing, only to be cut down to size soon after. His performance and appearance does half the job, but the writing comes up a cropper. The same happens to Janhvi Kapoor in her big South cinema debut, who is part of a completely uninteresting romance angle that does nothing to the narrative except… nope, nothing to the narrative. One random introduction that is an excuse to glam her up, a song that is yet another excuse to glam her up, two comedy scenes that act as a lead to these aforementioned excuses, and bam… Thangam disappears. The writing of the childhood version of Thangam had so much more spunk and commitment that it is a classic case of all that Thangam is not Gold.

Genre:Drama
Director:Koratala Siva
Cast:Jr NTR, Saif Ali Khan, Prakash Raj, Jahnvi Kapoor