Devara: Part 1, a 2024 Telugu-language action drama directed by Koratala Siva, stars Jr NTR in dual roles, with Saif Ali Khan and Janhvi Kapoor in prominent roles. Released worldwide on September 27, 2024, the film showcases the clash between two brothers—Devara and Bhaira—over smuggling and power, with Devara’s son Varadha caught in the conflict. Though the film saw massive box office success in its opening weekend, it has received mixed reviews due to its familiar storyline and pacing.
Plot Summary:
Set in the coastal Ratnagiri region, the film follows Devara, a once-supportive smuggler who turns away from crime to protect his people. This decision leads to a battle with his brother Bhaira, a ruthless leader still invested in smuggling weapons. Devara’s son, Varadha, portrayed as timid and unsure, is eventually forced to step into his father’s shoes to uphold the family’s legacy and protect the village from Bhaira’s violent advances. The narrative unfolds over epic fight scenes and emotional confrontations, building up to a dramatic cliffhanger, setting the stage for Devara: Part 2.
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Cast & Performances:
- N. T. Rama Rao Jr. in dual roles as Devara and Varadha: NTR delivers a powerful performance, seamlessly switching between the strong-willed father and the timid son.
- Saif Ali Khan as Bhaira: Saif excels as the antagonist, providing a menacing presence throughout the film.
- Janhvi Kapoor as Thangam, Varadha’s love interest: In her Telugu debut, Kapoor gives a solid performance, although her role is somewhat limited regarding screen time.
- Supporting cast: Shruti Marathe, Prakash Raj, Srikanth, Shine Tom Chacko, Narain, and Murali Sharma contribute to the strong ensemble.
Box Office Collection (India):
The movie opened to a blockbuster reception, collecting an impressive ₹82.5 crore on its first day in India. However, the collections declined over the following days, with the film garnering a total of ₹173.35 crore in its first four days in India across all languages.
| Day | Box Office Collection |
|---|---|
| Day 1 (Friday) | ₹82.5 crore |
| Day 2 (Saturday) | ₹38.2 crore |
| Day 3 (Sunday) | ₹39.9 crore |
| Day 4 (Monday) | ₹12.75 crore |
| Day 5 (Tuesday) | ₹14 crore |
| Day 6 (Wednesday) | ₹20 crore |
| Day 7 (Thursday) | ₹7.75 crore |
| Day 8 (Friday) | ₹6.2 crore |
| Day 9 (Saturday) | ₹9.75 crore |
| Day 10 (Sunday) | ₹12.75 crore |
| Total (10 days) | ₹243.8 crore |
Worldwide Collection:
The global box office for Devara: Part 1 has been equally impressive. The film grossed ₹304 crore worldwide in its first three days, fueled by strong performances in both India and international markets such as the US, UK, and Australia.
Day-wise 1st weekend worldwide collection breakdown:
- Day 1 (Friday): ₹82.5 crore (India), with additional international collections pushing the global total to ₹100 crore.
- Day 2 (Saturday): ₹38.2 crore (India), grossing over ₹60 crore worldwide.
- Day 3 (Sunday): ₹39.9 crore (India), global total surpassing ₹304 crore.
Critical Reception:
While Devara: Part 1 was praised for its stunning visuals, elaborate action sequences, and NTR’s powerful performance, critics found the film’s storyline to be predictable and lacking in depth. The film’s 176-minute runtime was also seen as a drawback by some reviewers. Nevertheless, the high production value, gripping action, and intense drama kept audiences engaged.
IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
Koimoi Rating: 3.5/5
Rediff Rating: 2.5/5
Highlights:
- Jr NTR’s Performance: As Devara and Varadha, NTR showcases his versatility, switching effortlessly between a stoic warrior and a conflicted young man.
- Saif Ali Khan: Khan’s portrayal of Bhaira is menacing, providing a solid antagonist to NTR’s heroics.
- Janhvi Kapoor’s Telugu Debut: Despite limited screen time, Janhvi Kapoor holds her own in her first Telugu film, leaving a mark on her performance.
- Koratala Siva’s Direction: Siva brings his signature style to the film, mixing grand visuals with deep-rooted themes of family honor, duty, and sacrifice.
What Could Have Been Better:
- Pacing: The film’s slow build-up and long runtime were cited as drawbacks by many critics. The first half especially felt dragged out, with the plot picking up momentum only toward the end.
- Predictable Storyline: While the action sequences were a hit, the storyline itself didn’t offer much in the way of surprises, making the film feel familiar.
Final Verdict:
Devara: Part 1 is a grand spectacle that delivers action and drama but falls short in terms of narrative innovation. NTR fans will undoubtedly enjoy his commanding presence, while Saif Ali Khan’s portrayal of the antagonist adds depth to the film. However, the predictable plot and lengthy runtime may deter some viewers. The film sets up Devara: Part 2 for a potentially more gripping and action-packed continuation.
Box Office Prediction: With Gandhi Jayanti on the horizon and strong fan support, the film is expected to see a significant jump in collections in the coming days. However, it will need to maintain momentum to become a long-term hit.
