‘Devara’ Movie Review: Ambitious Vision Hampered by Lackluster Execution

Jr NTR delivers a powerful performance in the action scenes, yet the screenplay and direction fall flat, significantly diminishing the film’s dramatic impact.

A coastal village, marked by a history of violence and bloodshed over generations, serves as the backdrop for this mythical tale. At its center is a reformed man who seems to have transcended mortality in his quest for righteousness. These elements set the stage for what could be a grand spectacle, yet Koratala Siva’s filmmaking fails to align with the potential of the story, which ultimately undermines “Devara.” While the director aims for an epic narrative, the writing falls short of supporting that vision, leading to a disconnect that hinders the film.

In Jr NTR’s latest film, the writing falters in several ways. Koratala Siva introduces an intriguing conflict: the protagonist, Devara, grapples with guilt regarding his family’s legacy but eventually finds the moral strength to choose the right path, even at great personal risk. Unfortunately, this development is not effectively integrated into the second half of the film. Additionally, Siva struggles to create a well-defined universe with characters that contribute meaningfully to the story.

Characters portrayed by Murali Sharma and Abhimanyu Singh appear and disappear from the narrative without much purpose. The film also highlights the importance of a compelling antagonist in a hero’s journey; Saif Ali Khan’s Bhairaa, despite his solid performance, comes across as a rather generic villain. Meanwhile, Janhvi Kapoor, while adding some glamour, is oddly relegated to a role of comic relief, with her character lacking relevance to the main plot, even if her antics about her partner’s masculinity are amusing to watch.

It had the potential to be a striking visual of horror and intrigue, yet the director falls short in creating a compelling moment. When Prakash Raj’s character narrates the story of Devara to a police officer, the way this pivotal scene is framed feels disappointingly flat. There’s also a potentially epic moment where two courageous men engage in a fierce hand-to-hand battle that lasts until dawn. While it sounds monumental on paper, its execution fails to leave a lasting impression.

This pattern continues throughout the film, as the creators struggle to establish a genuine atmosphere of tension or intrigue through visual storytelling. These shortcomings contribute to making Devara a rather dull viewing experience. However, credit goes to the director and cinematographer Rathnavelu for capturing a few striking visuals, even if they are scarce. Anirudh Ravichander’s background score, especially the various renditions of the ‘Fear Song’ theme, manages to elevate even the more mundane scenes, adding an element of enjoyment.

The interval block stands out as the only segment that truly embodies the excitement of a hero-centric film; everything clicks here, from Jr NTR’s intense energy during the action sequences to the overhead shot of a group of assassins creeping towards Devara, resembling eerie sea creatures. Unfortunately, the remainder of the film lacks the same vision and dynamism.

It’s unfortunate because writer Koratala Siva does weave some intriguing ideas into the narrative. For instance, the concept of using fear to monitor wrongdoing and keep evil at bay is compelling, as is the notion of a fearless army devoid of conscience or independent thought, which resonates on a visceral level. Similarly, the idea of a criminal safeguarding the law-abiding adds depth to the story.

Devara opts for a cliffhanger that bears a striking resemblance to Baahubali: The Beginning. A significant revelation about a character’s motivations shifts our entire understanding of the events in the latter half of the film. However, the writer overlooks a vital element—the character’s loyalty is not sufficiently developed to make their betrayal truly shocking. As a result, when the pivotal moment occurs, it leaves us feeling more confused than impressed. It’s these small but frequent missteps that contribute to Devara being a considerable disappointment.

Devara

Cast: Jr NTR, Saif Ali Khan, Janhvi Kapoor, Shine Tom Chacko, Prakash Raj

Director: Koratala Siva