'Devara' marks the return of Jr NTR to the big screen after 2.5 years. Directed by Koratala Siva, the film was released in theatres today.
Story:
Devara (Tarak) works for Muruga (Murali Sharma) alongside his friend Rayappa (Srikanth), another village elder Bhaira (Saif Ali Khan), and others. Devara and Co bravely smuggle illegal weapons to the shore, successfully evading the navy officials. He decides to stop working for Muruga after realizing that illegal weapon smuggling ruins lives.
Years later, Devara's son Vara (also played by Tarak) grows up to be a symbol of fear, always failing to confront injustice. Importantly, Devara is in exile. What is the destiny of Vara? Is Devara alive or dead? Is there more to the tale of courage and fear than meets the eye?
Performances:
Jr NTR's electrifying performance anchors 'Devara' with an unbridled energy. When the writing falls short of the expectations, it is his performance that lifts the boats. Saif Ali Khan's portrayal, while commendable, is hampered by a jarring dubbing mismatch and an unremarkable characterization. Janhvi Kapoor, though alluring in the film's musical numbers, falls short in her dramatic scenes. Shruti Marathe delivers a restrained and nuanced performance as Devara's loyal wife.
Technical Departments:
Anirudh Ravichander's score is a whirlwind of sonic energy that perfectly complements the film's pace. His music elevates the action sequences to a crescendo. 'Daavudi' has been done away with for good. Rathnavelu's cinematography is a masterclass in capturing raw emotion. The cinematographer of '1: Nenokkadine' and 'Rangasthalam' fame takes the underwater action scenes to the next level.
NTR Arts and Yuvasudha Arts ensure breathtaking production values. Among all of Koratala Siva's movies, this one looks the most involved.
Merits:
1. Jr NTR's performance in both roles is commendable and even stupendous in certain scenes. If there are some scenes where he could have been better, be informed that the helmer is not SS Rajamouli.
2. The technical perfection is a standout feature. Had SS Thaman or DSP been the music director, the film would have been several notches low.
3. The storytelling achieves a certain maturity in the first half. The lead up to the interval is staggering.
4. The piracy mission scenes are well-shot.
5. Involving two generations in the story. There is much hope that the second part (which is yet to be shot) will have some intriguing callbacks.
6. Some dialogues are exceptional.
Demerits:
1. Absence of real emotional scenes in the second half.
2. The women don't get well-rounded roles.
3. The track involving the younger NTR and Janhvi Kapoor would have worked had they been placed in the first half. But since the narration is linear, they were placed in the second half.
4. The climax is affected.
Vox Verdict:
'Devara' is not scinlatting but it is surely watchable. Watch it for Jr NTR, Anirudh and a new imagination from Koratala in the first half.
Rating: 3
