"A tempest of action, emotion, and ambition—Devara delivers high-octane entertainment but struggles with its length and screenplay."
Devara (2024) Movie Overview: Cast, Budget & Release Details
Movie Name: Devara – Part 1
Director: Koratala Siva
Cast: Jr NTR, Saif Ali Khan, Janhvi Kapoor, Prakash Raj, Srikanth
Music Composer: Anirudh Ravichander
Cinematographer: R. Rathnavelu
Editor: A. Sreekar Prasad
Budget: ₹300 crore (approx.)
Language: Telugu (Dubbed in Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam)
Genre: Action | Drama | Mythological Fiction
Devara marks Jr NTR’s first major project post-RRR, with high expectations from fans and critics alike. Directed by Koratala Siva, the film blends folklore, coastal piracy, and mass-action elements into a grand spectacle. However, does it truly live up to the hype? Let's dive in.
Plot Summary: A Tale of Power, Betrayal & Redemption
Set in a mystical coastal town, Devara follows the story of Devara (Jr NTR), a feared chieftain who rules the region’s smuggling empire. When he decides to renounce his violent ways, it triggers a dangerous fallout with his ruthless ally, Bhaira (Saif Ali Khan).
Years later, his timid son Vara (also Jr NTR) emerges, struggling with the weight of his father’s legacy while confronting a deadly conspiracy. The film is a mix of action-packed sequences, emotional depth, and mythological undertones, creating a high-stakes revenge saga.
What’s Unique? Unlike conventional Tollywood actioners, Devara incorporates a coastal piracy backdrop, making it feel fresh and grand.
Jr NTR, Saif Ali Khan & Janhvi Kapoor’s Performances Reviewed
Jr NTR: The Undisputed Star
🔥 As Devara, he’s fierce, intense, and dominates every frame with his screen presence.
😨 As Vara, he transforms into a reluctant hero, bringing in vulnerability and depth.
Verdict: Jr NTR delivers a standout dual performance, proving once again why he’s one of Tollywood’s best.
Saif Ali Khan: A Strong Yet Underutilized Villain
Saif brings a menacing aura to the role of Bhaira, but his character lacks the depth and buildup of a truly iconic antagonist.
Janhvi Kapoor: A Visually Stunning, But Underdeveloped Role
Janhvi makes a graceful Telugu debut, shining in romantic and dance sequences, but her character lacks substance and depth.
Direction & Screenplay: Koratala Siva’s Strengths & Weaknesses
✅ What Works:
The first half is tight and engaging, blending myth, action, and drama well.
Visually stunning action sequences, especially the sea battle and spear fight.
❌ What Doesn’t Work:
The second half drags, making the 177-minute runtime feel excessive.
The father-son arc is predictable, reducing emotional impact.
The sequel setup feels forced, rather than a natural progression.
Compared to Koratala Siva’s past works (Janatha Garage, Mirchi), Devara feels overly ambitious but not as emotionally grounded.
Music & Background Score: Anirudh Ravichander’s Power-Packed Tracks
🎵 "Fear Song" – A thunderous mass anthem that dominates the action sequences.
"Chuttamalle" – A melodic dance number, highlighting Janhvi’s elegance.
"Daavudi" – A high-energy action theme, boosting the film’s adrenaline.
Anirudh’s background score is a major plus, adding tension and intensity to key scenes. However, some songs feel misplaced, disrupting the film’s flow.
Cinematography & VFX: Stunning Visuals with Some CGI Flaws
🎥 R. Rathnavelu’s cinematography is breathtaking, capturing:
Crimson waves & misty coastal cliffs
Heroic slow-motion action shots 🗡️
Dark, moody battle sequences ⚔️
👎 VFX Issues:
The CGI in the climax (shark-infested waters) looks unrealistic, reducing immersion.
Overall, the film LOOKS grand but falls short in CGI quality.
Editing & Pacing: A Mixed Bag
✂️ A. Sreekar Prasad’s editing keeps the first half engaging, but:
❌ The second half slows down with forced subplots.
❌ A 20-minute trim could have improved the pacing significantly.
If you loved RRR’s crisp storytelling, Devara might feel bloated in comparison.
Should You Watch Devara? (Pros & Cons)
✅ Who Should Watch:
✔️ Fans of Jr NTR – He delivers a powerhouse performance.
✔️ Lovers of grand action movies – The fight sequences are massive and thrilling.
✔️ Anirudh fans – The soundtrack is electrifying.
❌ Who Might Skip:
❌ Those who dislike long movies – The 177-minute runtime is a test of patience.
❌ Viewers looking for deep storytelling – Some plot points feel predictable.
Final Verdict & Rating: A Grand Yet Uneven Spectacle
"Devara is a cinematic storm—thrilling, visually stunning, but occasionally bogged down by excess. Jr NTR delivers, but the film needed tighter execution."
⭐ Rating: 3.25/5
🎠Final Word: A worthy watch for fans of mass entertainers & action epics, but not Koratala Siva’s best.
Let’s Discuss!
📢 What are your thoughts on Devara?
Did Jr NTR’s dual role impress you?
Was the sequel tease exciting or unnecessary?
💬 Drop your opinions in the comments below!
