As a lifelong enthusiast of cinematic extravaganzas that push the boundaries of plausibility, I found myself utterly captivated by “Devara: Part 1”. This film is a testament to Koratala Siva’s audacious vision and unapologetic commitment to high-octane heroics. It’s a rollercoaster ride that, much like the Laal Samundar, drenches you in an intoxicating mix of adrenaline, suspense, and awe.
In the first installment of “Devara,” it’s overwhelmingly intense, draining, and loud enough to make you feel the need to take a break and regain your bearings once it concludes, roughly three hours later. This can be seen as both positive and negative since it keeps you fully engaged but also leaves you feeling a bit disoriented afterwards.
In interviews, director Koratala Siva has mentioned that the film’s plot takes place in the 1980s and 1990s. However, it’s hard to tell from the movie itself, which was filmed in Telugu and later dubbed into four languages such as Hindi and Tamil, that this is the case. The universe of Devara appears to be a product of Siva’s creative mind, with its rules being quite flexible.
The story takes us to a secluded coastal area, home to four warrior clans who engage in an annual contest, fighting each other much like ancient gladiators. The victorious village maintains the arsenal of weapons until the following event. Despite possessing firearms and torches, there are no educational institutions or medical facilities here. This land is dominated by warriors, and due to frequent battles, the sea has earned the ominous name of Laal Samundar, or the Red Sea.
In this movie, we see communities that venerate weapons, and it portrays an exaggerated, boisterous heroism that aligns with a traditional, outdated notion of manliness. The character Devara, played by N.T. Rama Rao Jr., is the benevolent and honorable leader of his tribe, yet he’s shown to be capable of obliterating numerous men when required. His legend was forged at a young age when he slayed a shark and pulled its carcass ashore. To this day, his strength is commemorated by the skeleton that remains there as a testament to his superhuman prowess.
In the story, it appears that Vara (portrayed by Rama Rao Jr.) lacks his father’s fighting abilities, and this fact invites ridicule from others who question his lineage. The narrative suggests that true masculinity encompasses killing prowess, leadership, protection of one’s family, and heavy drinking. The plot is filled with dramatic scenes, such as a character riding a shark like a horse and two men engaging in an extended fight until the break of dawn. This tale does not shy away from over-the-top portrayals.
In this film, the female characters generally have fewer enjoyable moments as they often portray submissive or sorrowful roles. Mothers and spouses frequently find themselves in passive positions, either enduring while their partners go to war or mourning when they return deceased. The main character, Thangam (played by Janhvi Kapoor), spends a significant portion of her screen time discussing marriage matters. Another female character, who is blind, feels so ashamed of being a burden on her brother that she contemplates suicide. Yet another character meets a violent end due to anger. In essence, these women are disposable and do not carry much emotional significance, even Devara’s mother, portrayed by Zarina Wahab, lacks depth in her role.
The movie presents a familiar storyline in an enhanced visual setting, thanks to VFX, where Siva masterfully designs an extraordinary realm. The sea serves as a pivotal element, and certain scenes on and within it are exhilarating. However, the characters and narrative lack originality. Similar to the KGF series and Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire, Devara: Part 1 follows a storytelling format in which one character tells another, with Siva frequently employing voiceovers to clarify numerous interconnected plot points.
Initially, he skillfully orchestrates a seamless flow among multiple components. In the beginning, there’s a striking action sequence that showcases the abilities of these characters. This scene, largely devoid of dialogue, becomes even more gripping due to Anirudh Ravichander’s excellent background score. The intricate storyline gradually escalates towards a powerful midpoint where Devara alters the game’s dynamics significantly.
In the second part, Siva appears to struggle. The plot seems to stall significantly, particularly with the introduction of Thangam, the village beauty – although her character was intended to bring a touch of humor and romance, it instead slows down the storyline. By this point, the narrative is already overloaded with numerous gruff, muscular men thirsting for blood, making it difficult even for attentive viewers to distinguish who is whose offspring, or who intends harm against whom.
Rama Rao Jr. and Siva teamed up for the first time in the 2016 hit movie “Janatha Garage“, where the actor portrayed an environmentalist who could be lethal when necessary, channeling righteous anger in both roles. His unwavering commitment significantly enhances the watchability of the film’s most extraordinary scenes. Additionally, he demonstrates grace and skill in dance sequences. Saif Ali Khan provides a fitting counterpart, having solidified his reputation as Hindi cinema’s most enticing antagonist. As Bhaira, he draws upon his performance in “Omkara“, adding depth to the character. Despite playing a villager, there’s an understated elegance to his portrayal of evil.
Despite an engaging start with “Devara: Part 1”, the narrative falters as the other characters lack depth. Performances by Prakash Raj, Murali Sharma, Abhimanyu Singh, and Shine Tom Chacko seem routine. The storytelling feels flat, made more noticeable by a visually artificial blue-gray color scheme. In many instances, it’s evident where the physical set ends and the digital backdrop begins. The movie concludes with a foreseeable climactic turn. Fingers crossed, “Part 2” elevates this story and its central figure to new heights.
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2024-10-05 16:55