Devara

Right, so the plot's got a couple of clever bits, but then it throws in a few daft moments as well. The screenplay's not much to shout about either - some scenes are decently done, but a fair few are completely unconvincing, and the rest? Well, they're just plain dull.

NTR, bless 'im, pulls out his usual stellar performance, but let's be honest, he doesn't quite look the part this time around. Saif, playing the baddie, gives it a good go, Prakash Raj did fine as always. Now Janvi? She's about as natural as a plastic plant - in her looks and her acting.

The rest of the cast, fair play, they gave it their best shot. But the cinematography? It's bang average, nothing that really pops or feels authentic. The sets and props? Just as dodgy - it all feels a bit fake, to be honest. And don't even get me started on the VFX and CGI - absolute rubbish. Costumes and makeup are especially naff, especially on Janvi, who looks like she's just stepped out of a shop window.

The music's decent, though, I'll give them that. But the action scenes? Overly violent and just plain daft at times.

If you're a die-hard NTR fan, you might find something to enjoy in this less-than-mediocre flick, but for everyone else? Probably best to give it a miss.

Devara is a pirate living in a fictional(?) village called Ratnagiri along the border of Andhra Pradesh and Tamilnadu along with other pirates Bhaira, played by Saif Ali Khan, and others. During one of their pirate escapades things go south between Devara and Bhaira setting off a rivalry. Rest of the movie is about what happens to them and their rivalry and what role does Devara's son Vara plays in their relationship.

The movie is all out NTR's movie. He carried the movie on shoulders despite being an insipid and predictable storyline. Screenplay by Koratala Siva suffers terribly in establishing the conflict and elevating the emotion to the right level. Action choreography and some important sequences leading up to the action end up being duds thereby rendering the entire action dull and boring and without a purpose. The movie reads like a 3 hour long exposition as narrated by Singappa, played by Prakash Raj, with bits of action set pieces thrown in for good measure.

Cinematography by Ratnavelu is jarring sometimes even disrespecting basic shot rules in preserving the line of sight of the characters making it tedious to watch on the big screen. Anirudh's background music while decent, fails to deliver the emotional impact that the story demands. The presence of Jhanvi Kapoor is to deliver some "eye candy" and her only job is to seduce the young Vara and marry him. This is 2024 and I cannot believe big actors like NTR who got wide recognition for his role in RRR okay'd a script with cheap objectification of women.

Writer and Director Koratala Siva failed to tell a compelling story of a leader and has the audacity to tell us to wait for part-2. Will it get made now is anybody's guess. If not for NTR, this movies would've been an utter disaster in all possible ways.

--@CinephileIndia2023.

Devara was an indeed visually appealing experience, but could've been better with an improved screenplay and story. The first half moves smoothly without much of a lag. Where it does lag, is after the interval.

Janhvi's role was boring and annoying. Jr. NTR was interesting to watch in both the roles as dad and son. The climax twist, although somewhat good, left me kinda disappointed as I've seen this kind of twist before. It seemed like they saved everything for the sequel.

Anirudh BGM and some good VFX bring in the fun. Better writing, tighter screenplay, and more realism could've done justice.

Bottom-line: Anirudh BGM is the saving grace. Visuals and Jr. NTR's lift the film to an extent too. But overall, falls flat as an usual father son legacy action flick.

Hits:

1. VFX Surprise: Despite initial concerns, the movie's visuals (locations and VFX) impressed on the big screen, delivering a realistic and immersive experience.

2. Action Masterclass: The film excels in capturing the intensity of mass action sequences. The ambush scene at the interval, with its blood-soaked waves and Devara's defiant face, is a prime example.

3. NTR's Duality: NTR shines, portraying the duality of the courageous Devara and the timid Vara with remarkable balance.

Misses:

1. Second-Half Fumble: The movie's biggest weakness lies in its second half. Weak writing filled with immature jokes, illogical scene transitions, and a rushed plot significantly dampens the experience.

2. Janhvi Kapoor Misfire: Kapoor's scenes were poorly received, highlighting some shortcomings in Indian cinema's portrayal of female characters.

3. Music Overload: While the editing is good, Anirudh Ravichander's music feels overused, detracting from the narrative flow. The score dominates the film when a well-placed soundtrack would have been more impactful.

4. Weak Dialogue: The dialogues themselves are forgettable, saved only by NTR's strong delivery.

Uneven Pacing: The first half meticulously builds the world, while the second half rushes through the plot, leading to a forced and unsatisfying climax/cliffhanger. It feels like the director struggled with the ending, leaving it open for a sequel.

Overall: A strong first half full of action and NTR's performance can't redeem a poorly executed second half. This film had the potential to be an epic action spectacle but ultimately falls short.

"Devara" is a grand spectacle that immerses you in a visually stunning world, brought to life by breathtaking cinematography and accompanied by a mesmerizing musical score. At its heart lies Jr. NTR's extraordinary performance, showcasing his remarkable range and charisma.

The film's action sequences are meticulously choreographed and executed, leaving you breathless with their intensity and scale. The visual effects seamlessly blend with the live-action, creating a world that feels both fantastical and grounded.

Anirudh Ravichander's music adds another layer of depth and emotion to the narrative, heightening the impact of key moments and enhancing the overall viewing experience. Each song is a masterpiece in its own right, leaving a lasting impression long after the film ends.

While the plot may not be groundbreaking, it serves as a solid foundation for the film's visual and musical extravaganza. The performances, particularly Jr. NTR's, elevate the narrative, making it an engaging and emotionally resonant journey.

Overall, "Devara" is a cinematic treat that leaves a lasting impression. It's a testament to the power of visual storytelling and the transformative impact of music. While the story may not be its strongest aspect, the film's stunning visuals, captivating music, and Jr. NTR's stellar performance make it a must-watch for fans of Indian cinema.