Devara: Part 1, a high-decibel epic saga crafted by writer-director Koratala Siva, unfolds over three ambitious and action-packed hours. Set in an unspecified period, and dubbed in four languages, the film projects a fantasy world where the norms are fluid and fold to the creative vision of the director.
The plot takes us on an expedition to an isolated maritime region, dominated by four tribes renowned for their yearly fights resembling a gladiator's combats. The victorious clan keeps the weapon altar until the next tournament. Despite possessing arms and weapons, these communities are bare of education or healthcare but drenched in valour and the sea often soaked in blood, earning it the title Laal Samundar or red sea.
The film personifies and celebrates an amplified trope of heroism, defined by its protagonist, Devara, enacted by N.T. Rama Rao Jr. Devara is depicted as a gallant tribal leader with a formidable past, established when he slayed a shark as a teenager. The storyline ironically marks out 'real' men as those who can kill, be descendants of warriors, and representing the capacity to drinks vast amounts.
The film, while offering a high-octane masculine narrative, unfortunately provides female characters with a limited scope, reduced to represent submission and sorrow. The narrative highlights women as fragile and disposable, further reinforcing stereotypical gender roles.
Koratala Siva spins an ethereal universe with the help of stellar VFX. He paints a suspense-laden narrative, packed with intense action, magnificent sea sequences, and stunning music by Anirudh Ravichander. However, the freshness slips away post-intermission, with the entry of humour and romance through the characters Thangam, which burdens rather than buffers the narrative.
The lead actor N.T. Rama Rao Jr.'s determination provides credibility to his role, making even the most extravagant sequences easily believable. Bollywood actor, Saif Ali Khan, portrayed the antagonist impressively, adding a touch of polished wickedness to the narrative.
Despite these highlights, Devara: Part 1 grapples with lacklustre character development and an overly predictable final twist. The narrative ends up appearing monotonous and the obvious use of green screen in several sequences takes away from the film’s overall appeal. The fans can only hope that Part 2 comes with more surprises and a soaring storyline like its leading man.
