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‘Devara: Part 1’ is an action drama film directed by Koratala Siva, starring Jr NTR, Saif Ali Khan, and Janhvi Kapoor. The film is set in a fictional coastal town and follows the story of Devara, a mysterious figure who rules the high seas. The film is visually stunning, with breathtaking cinematography by Rathnavelu and impressive production design by Sabu Cyril. Anirudh Ravichander’s vibrant music score adds another layer of energy and excitement to the proceedings. However, despite its strong technical aspects, Devara: Part 1 suffers from an overstretched narrative that, while initially engaging, ultimately becomes tiresome.
The film opens with a police officer witnessing something underwater that sets the stage for the story of Devara. The narrative explores human behavior in the context of courage and fear, and the moral complexities of Devara’s actions. The film explores themes of family, loyalty, and the consequences of power. The opening hour of the film is captivating, building a compelling world with complex characters. However, the film starts to lose steam in the second half, with a banal romance track and a series of brooding actions from Bhaira (Saif Ali Khan) that feel repetitive and dull.
The film’s biggest weakness lies in its pacing. The length of the film, clocking in at 178 minutes, becomes a major drawback. The pacing slows down considerably in the second half, dragging down the momentum built in the first. Several characters, including Janhvi Kapoor’s Thangam, feel underdeveloped and contribute little to the overall narrative. While Jr NTR delivers a compelling performance, the film could have benefited from a tighter script and more focused storytelling. Despite its flaws, Devara: Part 1 is a visually impressive film with some compelling moments. However, its overstretched narrative and lack of focus ultimately hinder its potential.