Devara: Part 1

At last, the widely discussed Rajamouli curse myth has been shattered. While not the greatest feat, it's still a major victory considering the curse's track record and the film's stars' previous box office mishaps. Believe me, a 6-star rating is not to be underestimated, and "Devara" is certain to entertain and impress in parts and certain aspects!

Devara is one of the much-hyped films of this year. From the commanding "Man of Masses" title card to the chilling stone inscription written in blood during the interval, the movie is a non-stop barrage of a killer background score. Anirudh's innovative use of the "All hail the tiger" motif in various moods is mesmerizing.

I expected a decent commercial outing with the formulaic narrative to interval bang and pre-climax setup with a few high moments. The first half delivers on this expectation, offering a satisfying blend of cheesy crowd-pleasing moments and commercial masala tropes. It's like the slice you always reach for first.

Unfortunately, the second half of the film doesn't live up to the promise of the first. It feels like a rerun of some old masala films, and the jokes are a bit of a miss. The comedy serves as overkill, and the female characters humor is like trying to laugh at a Nirmala Seetharaman's problem. The actress, well, let's just say she's of no use. You could take her out, and nobody would even notice.

On the positive side, Anirudh Ravichandar's background score elevates many generic scenes. The cinematography in the first half is also a boon to the film. The climax twist adds an unexpected element to the otherwise generic narrative. And don't forget the long but decently staged action sequences, reminiscent of the ocean itself.

And NTR? He is an absolute sea monster of acting talent. He shoulders the film throughout and manages to save it from completely sinking.

To wrap it up, Devara is totally worth checking out if you're in the mood for a fun, mindless action-packed flick. It's got a killer soundtrack, amazing visuals, and JR NTR absolutely killing it.

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.

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 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.

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.