The new Indian action movie, Devara: Part 1, has arrived in theaters and is a movie that those who enjoy action movies should look into watching. Written and directed by Kortala Siva, t he Telugu-language movie stars N. T. Rama Rao Jr. in dual roles, as the titular Devara and also, his son, Varadha, in the story of a chieftain who protects his people from smugglers who sail in from the Red Sea. When he disappears after an attempt on his life, his son struggles with being forced to live up to his father’s legacy and his desire to make the village move on from the mysterious disappearance. The cast also includes Saif Ali Khan, Janhvi Kapoor, Prakash Raj, Shruti Marathe, Shine Tom Chacko and Srikanth.

Devara: Part 1, comes two years after the release of the 2022 phenomenon RRR, which has risen to become one of the most critically and commercially successful Indian movies in history. RRR became the first Indian movie to win an Academy Award, winning Best Original Song for “Naatu Naatu,” and has been regarded as one of the best Indian action movies ever made. The release of Devara: Part 1 offers audiences a new action-drama story and is a movie that should be watched by those who enjoyed RRR.

Devara: Part 1 Is Jr NTR’s First Movie Since RRR

It Was His Second Movie Working With Director Koratala Siva

Devara: Part 1 stars acclaimed Indian actor, N.T. Rama Rao Jr, in the leading role of Devara, a village chieftain and part of a group of individuals who earn a living illegally smuggling goods from merchant ships in the Red Sea; the character is portrayed by Rao Jr, as a strong-minded person who realizes that his actions are not good and strives to change. Devara’s eventual decision to stop smuggling in his village is not a popular one, and it leads to threats to his life. As the story progresses, Rao Jr also plays a second role of Varadha, Devara’s son, who portrays himself as different to his father and wishes to erase Devara’s legacy.

The movie Devara: Part 1 marks the return of N.T. Rama Rao Jr to mainstream cinema since he starred in the lead role in RRR; his role in RRR brought him to international attention and earned multiple awards and nominations for his performance. It also marks his second time collaborating with director Kortala Siva, having previously worked together in the 2016 action movie, Janatha Garage (via GrandSham). Given his previous success in RRR, there are high expectations that Jr NTR will deliver a strong and believable performance in Devara: Part 1.

Devara: Part 1 Is Now Playing In Theaters – Why You Should Watch It

It Offers A Gripping Story And Contains A Talented Cast

Since the initial announcement of the movie in 2020, there has been high interest and anticipation for Devara: Part 1. In the weeks prior to the movie’s release, people shared their excitement in different ways, such as hanging large posters and flags across different theaters worldwide, and hosting large events celebrating the movie and Jr NTR’s leading role (via Hindustan Times). The movie’s trailer depicts a dark and intense drama, complete with thrilling battle sequences across the waters that pay homage to Siva’s previous action movies.

Devara: Part 1 also includes a talented cast that are set to bring the movie’s story to life. Alongside Jr NTR, the movie stars Janhvi Kapoor as Thangham, Varadha’s love interest, and Saif Ali Khan, who portrays the main villain, Bhaira. Early glimpses seen in the movie trailer show an intense feud between Devara and Bhaira that is set to leave audiences eager to see what will happen between the two characters.

Why Devara: Part 1 Will Struggle To Replicate RRR’s Success

The Movie Has Received A Mixed Reception So Far

While there were high expectations for Devara: Part 1, the movie has received a mixed reception from critics and audiences since its release in theaters. There has been significant criticism directed towards its visual effects, storyline and character development; according to The Hollywood Reporter, the movie goes off track in the second half, with the added romance arc only weighing down the story. Given these reviews, it’s clear that Devara: Part 1 has not reached the same level of critical success as RRR, which could have an impact in terms of Siva’s plans for a sequel.

However, despite the mixed reception from critics, Devara: Part 1 has achieved notable success at the box office and has the potential to be a global hit financially. Per Forbes, the movie has currently earned more than $32 million at the box office, making it the second-highest-grossing Indian film of 2024. This shows that domestic audiences have embraced Devara: Part 1 on a similar level to previous Indian action movies and could allow the franchise to continue into the future.

Sources: GrandSham, Hindustan Times, The Hollywood Reporter, Forbes

Devara: Part 1 is an epic fantasy that tells the story of a mythical kingdom threatened by dark forces. A young peasant rises as the unexpected hero, chosen by an ancient prophecy to unite fragmented tribes and restore the realm’s legendary protector.

Director

Koratala Siva

Release Date

September 26, 2024

Studio(s)

Yuvasudha Arts , N.T.R. Arts

Distributor(s)

Netflix

Writers

Koratala Siva

Cast

N.T. Rama Rao Jr. , Saif Ali Khan , Prakash Raj , Srikanth , Kalaiyarasan , Zarina Wahab , Shruti Marathe , Janhvi Kapoor , Shine Tom Chacko , Ajay , Narain , Murali Sharma , Abhimanyu Singh , Rameshwari Talluri , Sudev Nair , Tarak Ponnappa , Sana , Getup Srinu , Hari Teja

Character(s)

Devara / Vara , Bhaira , Singappa , Rayappa , Kunjara , Devara’s Mother , Devara’s Wife , Thangam , Kora , Officer Shiva , Irfan , Muruga , DSP Tulasi , Jogula , Samara , Bhasara , Kunjara’s Wife , Metta Seenu , Thangam’s Friend

Runtime

175 Minutes

Sequel(s)

Devara: Part 2

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