The film Devara, featuring the dynamic talents of Junior NTR and Janhvi Kapoor, has officially graced theaters today, September 27, 2024. This cinematic venture is one of the most highly anticipated releases of the year, following Junior NTR's triumphant Oscar win for his role in RRR. After a six-year hiatus from the silver screen, his return has generated immense excitement among fans and cinephiles alike.
A Promising Comeback
The anticipation surrounding Devara has reached fever pitch, with audiences eagerly awaiting the film’s arrival. The promotional materials, particularly the trailer, have captivated viewers with their stunning visual effects (VFX) and thrilling underwater action sequences. Such impressive elements have translated into remarkable advance bookings for this action-packed drama, with projections suggesting that it may gross over ₹100 crores globally on its opening day.
Audience Reactions and Mixed Reviews
The first show of Devara commenced at the early hour of 4 a.m., and audiences wasted no time in sharing their impressions on social media platforms, particularly X (formerly known as Twitter). Initial reviews have been decidedly mixed, reflecting a spectrum of opinions from viewers.
Some audience members have hailed Devara as a 'visual spectacle' and a certain blockbuster. One user lauded the film, stating, “Positive - Title card and music; Negative - Koratala’s direction, NTR’s appearance, and flat screenplay; poor VFX. If the second half follows suit, it could be an even greater disaster than Acharya.” Conversely, another viewer offered a more lukewarm assessment, characterising the film as one worth watching but only once.
However, amidst the mixed reviews, there were enthusiastic voices praising the film. One devoted fan, after watching Devara, expressed on X, “I just watched Devara, and I’m blown away! The visuals, action, and performances are all top-notch. Junior delivers a powerhouse performance. This is set to be the next major South Indian blockbuster, alongside Baahubali. I can’t wait to see it again!” Such enthusiastic endorsements highlight the film's potential to resonate with a broader audience.
The Creative Team Behind Devara
Directed by the talented Koratala Shiva, Devara is an action drama that showcases Junior NTR in a dual role, portraying both Devara and Varadha, a father-son duo. Janhvi Kapoor makes her Telugu film debut in the pivotal role of Thangam, Varadha’s girlfriend, while Saif Ali Khan also marks his Tollywood debut, playing the principal antagonist, Bhaira. The film boasts a robust supporting cast, including Prakash Raj, Shine Tom Chacko, Murli Sharma, and Shruti Marathe, each contributing to the narrative’s depth.
Devara: Part 1 has been released worldwide in its original Telugu language, accompanied by dubbed versions in Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada, ensuring accessibility for a diverse audience.