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Devara Part 1 Review: Jr NTR, Janhvi Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan’s Magnum Opus Masters The Art Of Excess

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Devara Part 1 Review: Jr NTR, Janhvi Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan's Magnum Opus Masters The Art Of Excess

Title: Devara: Part 1

Director: Koratala Siva

Cast: NTR Jr., Saif Ali Khan, Janhvi Kapoor, Shruti Marathe, Prakash Raj, Srikanth, Shine Tom Chacko, Narain, Kalaiyarasan, Murali Sharma, Zarina Wahab

Where to watch: In theatres near you

Rating: 3 stars

At the very onset, it’s best to park logic at the door and strap in for a ride designed for the masses. This is not a film that concerns itself with minor inconveniences like subtlety or realism. No, this is a full-blown spectacle, bursting at the seams with larger-than-life characters and a bloated narrative that typifies a magnum opus. The film embraces cinematic liberties with gay abandon, much like a pirate plundering in the deep sea, and questioning its sensibilities would be as pointless as questioning the laws of physics in a superhero flick—futile, really, because some things are just meant to be enjoyed.

The nearly 10-minute prologue itself is a verbose declaration of what’s to come – an ambitious 2-hour-45-minute narrative of good versus bad. Set on the Western coast of India during the late 1980s, the plot unfolds like a legend being passed down from generation to generation, dripping with tradition, machismo, and the smell of the sea.

The tale revolves around Devara (NTR Jr.), a fearless leader of a seafaring community who, much to the dismay of his brethren, decides that aiding smugglers might not be the most virtuous calling. This moral awakening sets him on a collision course with Bhaira (Saif Ali Khan), who, once like a brother to Devara, now feels deeply betrayed and cheated by his sudden change of heart, turning their bond into a bitter rivalry.

The first half is an all-out showcase for NTR Jr., who is introduced with adrenaline-pumping fanfare that could resurrect the dead. Action-packed sequences, replete with a myriad of well-choreographed shots and pulsating music, cement his legendary status. Whether dispatching over two dozen attackers on the beach or emerging victorious from the waves like a mythic hero, Devara is the epitome of the larger-than-life protagonist. But the real cherry on top is the fact that, in the middle of these impossibly choreographed skirmishes, our hero finds time to splash water on his face – because of course, one must always look serious while fending off attackers.

The second half sees a 12-year leap and a noticeable tone shift, focusing more on Devara’s son, Vara (also NTR Jr., for maximum effect), who despite being timid, carries forward his father’s legacy. This section dips into romance, emotion, and songs – lighter and more engaging, perhaps, but still peppered with absurdly entertaining moments.

Visually, the film is a feast. Every frame is atmospheric, poster-worthy, and gorgeous to behold. You’d almost want to frame a few shots if it weren’t for the jarring clash between the supposed 1980s setting and the distinctly medieval set design. It’s a strange but oddly amusing oversight.

NTR Jr. tackles both roles with flair, though the script offers little depth beyond the surface. Saif Ali Khan, as Bhaira, plays his part with sincerity, though he essentially recycles his villainous act from previous roles. Janhvi Kapoor, unfortunately, is woefully underutilized, reduced to being little more than arm candy.

Overall, the film is a spectacle – bloated, brash, and utterly unapologetic about the narrative. You might laugh, you might roll your eyes, but you won’t look away.

Entertainment

Bagheera OTT Release Date: When & Where To Watch Sriimurali’s Superhero Film

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Bagheera OTT Release Date: When & Where To Watch Sriimurali's Superhero Film

Bagheera is a superhero film starring Sriimurali in the lead role. The film was released in theatres on October 31, 2024, and it received positive reviews from critics and audiences. The film had a worldwide box office collection of Rs 29 crore and it emerged as the highest-grossing Kannada film of 2024. It is streaming on OTT.

Where to watch Bagheera?

The film is streaming on Netflix. The Kannada language film is written and directed by Dr Suri.

What is the story of Bagheera?

The film centres around a young boy named Vedanth, who aspires to be like Superman and sees him as a symbol of hope. However, he eventually decides to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a police officer like Prabhakar, his father. Years later, after successfully passing the exam, Vedanth joined the police force. One day, he organises a police operation that leads to the arrest of several gangsters.

However, he is shocked to discover that the criminals are released due to the corruption of high-ranking officers. He also learns that his father is also a corrupt officer. However, his life turns upside down when he discovers that a girl died by suicide because she was sexually assaulted. After the incident, Vedanth decides to seek justice. He wears a superhero costume and becomes Bagheera, a vigilante who indiscriminately kills wrongdoers. But, when a CBI officer named Guru commands his team to apprehend Bagheera at all costs, will Vedanth be able to protect his true identity?

Cast and production of Bagheera

Bagheera features Sriimurali as IPS Vedanth Prabhakar and Bagheera, Rukmini Vasanth as Dr Sneha, Prakash Raj as Guru, a CBI officer, Achyuth Kumar as Prabhakar, Rangayana Raghu as Narayana and Sudha Rani as Vedanth’s mother, among others. It is produced by Vijay Kiragandur under the baneer of Hombale Films.

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Entertainment

Maharashtra Elections 2024: Salman Khan Casts Vote Amid Heavy Security In Mumbai’s Bandra

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The Maharashtra Assembly elections 2024 are taking place today, November 20, 2024, and Bollywood actor Salman Khan stepped out in Mumbai to cast his vote. Photos and videos of the actor have surfaced on the internet, which show him surrounded by heavy security.

The Kick actor cast his vote at a polling booth in Mount Mary Convent High School in Bandra West. Khan was seen wearing a grey T-shirt, paired with denim jeans, and wore a black cap.

Earlier today, Salman’s parents, Salim Khan and Salma Khan, made their way to the polling booth on Wednesday afternoon, surrounded by a team of bodyguards.

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Bollywood

Kangana Ranaut’s Emergency To Finally Hit Theatres In 2025, New Release Date Announced For 4th Time

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Kangana Ranaut's Emergency To Finally Hit Theatres In 2025, New Release Date Announced For 4th Time

It will indeed be a happy new year for actress Kangana Ranaut as her much-hyped film, Emergency, will finally see the light of the day in 2025. After several setbacks, delays and controversies, the film is now all set to hit the silver screens on January 17, 2025.

Kangana took to her social media handles on Monday to announce the new release date of Emergency. “17th January 2025 – The epic saga of the nation’s most powerful woman and the moment that altered India’s destiny. #Emergency – Unveils Only in cinemas on 17.01.2025! (sic),” she wrote.

In the poster, Kangana can be seen acing the ‘Indira Gandhi look’, along with Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talapde, Vishak Nair and Milind Soman. While Kher will be seen essaying the role of JP Narayan, Shreyas will play Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Vishak Nair grabbed eyeballs as Sanjay Gandhi in the trailer, and Milind Soman will play Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw in the upcoming film.

This is the fourth time that the makers have announced a release date for Emergency. The film was first supposed to release in November 2023, but it was then pushed to June 2024. The film was once again postponed to September 6, 2024, however, just days before the D-day, the Censor Board refused to grant the film a valid certificate.

Several Sikh bodies objected to certain incidents shown in Emergency and moved court, stating that the film will show their community in a negative light. Taking in cognizance their plea, the CBFC did not give the censor certificate to Emergency, forcing the makers to push the film indefinitely.

It is to be noted that Emergency is even more special for Kangana as it marks her debut as a director. The film also stars Mahima Chaudhry, Satish Kaushik, and others in key roles.

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