Devara: Part 1, a Visually Stunning Saga with Predictable Plot Points

Devara: Part 1, the epic action saga featuring Jr NTR in a double role, has released in theatres worldwide on Friday. The film opened to mixed reviews, with Jr NTR fans largely praising the Telugu superstar for his performance in Devara and others praising the film for its action sequences. While NTR fans praised the movie, other moviegoers felt disappointed with the predictable second-half. Jr NTR fans and moviegoers took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their takes on the film.

Devara Part 1 Twitter Reactions: From 'Must-Watch' to 'King-Sized Disappointment'

Tweets to read before you watch Devara Part:1 this weekend

Film critic and trade analyst Sumit Kadel wrote: "Devara first half is SOLID. Pre-interval last 30 minutes + interval block is very good... NTR is truly the MAN OF MASSES (sic)."

"Just watched Devara and it's a visual spectacle! Stunning action sequences, powerful performances, and an epic storyline. A must-watch for all cinema lovers (sic)!"

"Devara isn't just a film; it's an event. It's where action, drama, and emotion collide in a way that feels both epic and intimate. The first half sets the stage, the second half lights it on fire, and by the end, you're not just watching a movie; you're part of a saga."

"Devara review: KING-SIZED DISAPPOINTMENT. After an Oscar-winning blockbuster RRR, there were huge expectations from superstar NTR, but Devara turned out to be disappointing. Devara is a golden opportunity missed by the director."

"A passable action drama with a good first half but a second half that was dragged in parts till the pre-climax. Koratala showed a lot of promise in his writing in the first half and setup the story well. However, the second half should've been racier and became too predictable after a point."

Devara: Part 1 Story and Cast

Directed by popular Telugu filmmaker Koratala Siva, the film is set in the 1980s-90s. The movie is centered around Devara, a fearless man hailing from a coastal region who embarks on a precarious journey to save the lives of his people. 

Apart from Jr NTR, the film features Janhvi Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, Prakash Raj, Shruti Marathe, Srikanth and Shine Tom Chacko in significant roles.

The Fear Factor: A Core Theme With Limited Emotional Depth

Jr NTR, fondly called the 'Man of the Masses' by his fans, is back as a solo lead after six years, choosing director Koratala Siva's Devara (now a two-part film) for his big moment. Devara explores the theme of fear and its impact on an entire generation. Fear is the strongest emotion in Devara, but how is this translated into a cohesive script? Let's find out!

Set in 1996, the story follows a police officer (Ajay), who along with his team are on the hunt for criminals, Daya and Yethi. Their investigation leads them to Singappa (Prakash Raj), who lives in Errasamudram (Red Sea) and recounts the story of Devara (NTR) and Bhaira (Saif Ali Khan). Cut to the 1970s, Devara is a righteous man, who thinks twice before taking a life, while Bhaira, on the other hand, is brutal and kills without hesitation.

A Visually Stunning Saga With Overstuffed Plotlines

Devara is the leader of a group of pirates who loot cargo ships. Their contracts come from Muruga (Murali Sharma). One of their assignments makes Devara realise that he's doing a job that claims the lives of many innocent people. When he proposes to stop robbing, he faces roadblocks from Bhaira and Kunjara (Kalaiyarasan). Although Rayappa (Srikanth) sides with Devara, he is soon blackmailed by Bhaira and Kunjara. What happens between Devara and Bhaira and how does their rivalry unfold forms the rest of the story.

Director Koratala Siva is coming back after a box office dud, Acharya, and he has pinned all his hopes on Devara. And, we know why as soon as we enter into the world of Devara. It's grand, visually stunning and has a strong emotion - fear - at its core. The film revolves around fear. Devara is fearless, while his son, Vara, is fearful. The world of Devara deals with contrasting emotions. While, on paper, they make for an interesting plot, Koratala Siva stuck to a predictable story, which doesn't let viewers soak in the emotional moments.

Devara: Part 1 has a lot going on in its long runtime of two hours and 57 minutes. It shows Errasamudram and its people (belonging to four villages), who consider weapons as God. We get a backstory, which progresses into the relationship and rivalry between Devara and Bhaira. When Devara goes into exile, we get young Vara and his fearful attitude. That's not it!

We are presented with a boring and one-sided romantic track between Thangam (Janhvi Kapoor) and Vara. From Vara's hidden motive to the epic clash in the climax, the film tries to pack too much into the story instead of focusing on selected high points. Too much, isn't it? We do get a bunch of mass moments featuring Devara and Vara, which guarantees loud cheers and applause. However, it is the emotional quotient of the film that fails to hold your attention.

Devara: Part 1's Strengths: Visuals, Jr NTR's Performance, and Saif's Convincing Villainy

Visually, Devara is stunning, thanks to cinematographer Rathnavel.The carefully chosen blue and red tones effectively convey the characters' moods and emotions. Another strong asset of Devara is the performance of Jr NTR. Playing both father and son, Jr NTR stands tall in the world of Devara. Saif Ali Khan also matches Jr NTR's presence, delivering a convincing portrayal as the brutal villain.

Janhvi Kapoor, however, has just a cameo in Devara. Her character hardly adds any value to Devara. Hopefully, she gets to prove her mettle in the second part. The supporting characters, including Prakash Raj, Ajay and Murali Sharma, among others, deliver their bests. Composer Anirudh Ravichander's background music elevates certain theatrical moments, but the songs act as speedbreakers in the film.

A Cliffhanger Ending: Setting the Stage for Devara: Part 2

Devara: Part 1 ends on a cliffhanger just like SS Rajamouli's Baahubali did. But, it is also a film that makes you question if all ambitious films deserve two parts.