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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

Actress Ruchi Gujjar Hits Actor-Director With Chappal, Protests Against Him At Mumbai Theatre After Filing FIR Over ₹25 Lakh Fraud

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A dramatic scene unfolded at a Mumbai theatre during the screening of So Long Valley when actress Ruchi Gujjar hit the film’s producer and actor Man Singh with a chappal, leading to chaos at Cinepolis. The incident, captured in a now-viral video, came amid an ongoing financial dispute between Ruchi and another producer, Karan Singh Chauhan.

In the video, she is heard screaming while arguing with the producers. She then lost her cool and hit one of the producers with her chappal.

It appears that she arrived at the theatre with the intention of staging a protest. During the special screening, where the producers were present, Ruchi showed up along with a group of protestors. People around her were seen raising slogans against the producers.

They held placards with the producers’ photos, marked with red cross signs across their faces. In some of the posters, which can be seen in the video, the producers were depicted sitting on donkeys.

What is the case?

According to Ruchi, Chauhan had approached her last year claiming he was producing a Hindi television serial that would soon air on Sony TV. “He offered to add me as a co-producer and also sent documents related to the project,” she said, according to media reports.

Believing the offer, Ruchi stated that between July 2023 and January 2024, she transferred several payments from her company, SR Event and Entertainment, into accounts linked to Chauhan’s K Studios. However, the promised project never took off.

“Despite repeated contacts, he kept postponing them and lied,” she added in her complaint.

She claims to have discovered that the funds were allegedly used not for the serial, but for the production of So Long Valley. “When I got the information that the film is releasing on July 27, I told him to return my money now, on which he started threatening me,” she alleged.

Mumbai Police has registered an FIR under sections 318(4), 352, and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against Chauhan, 36, for allegedly cheating actress Ruchiof Rs 25 lakh.

Ruchi has submitted banking records and documents to support her claims. An investigation into the financial transactions and communications is currently underway.

Notably, Ruchi had earlier drawn attention for her Cannes appearance, where she wore a necklace featuring an image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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Entertainment

‘What A Shame’: Janhvi Kapoor Reacts To Kalyan Clinic Assault Case, Says Man Should Be Jailed For Thrashing Receptionist

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Bollywood actress Janhvi Kapoor reacted to the Kalyan clinic assault case and said the man should be in jail for thrashing the female receptionist. For those unversed, a video has gone viral which shows a man, identified as Gopal Jha, punching the receptionist, dragging her by the hair, and repeatedly assaulting her at Shree Bal Chikitsalaya, a paediatrics hospital, in Kalyan East on July 21.

Janhvi says the man should be jailed

Reacting to the incident, Janhvi took to her Instagram story on Thursday (July 24) and wrote, “This man needs to be in jail. Why does anyone think this behaviour is ok? What makes him think he can raise his hand at someone like this? What kind of upbringing convinces you to go through with these actions without any remorse, guilt or sense of humanity?”

“How do you live with yourself after knowing this is how your brain operates? What a shame. And shame on us for not punishing and condoning such behaviour more aggressively. Nothing excuses this,” the actress added.

However, on Wednesday, a new video surfaced on social media which shows that it was the receptionist who first slapped a woman and then charged at Gopal Jha. Reportedly, the woman she slapped is Jha’s sister-in-law.

The attack occurred after the receptionist denied Jha entry to see the doctor, who was attending another patient at the time.

The receptionist reportedly sustained serious injuries on her neck, legs, and chest, with concerns that she may suffer from partial paralysis due to the extent of the trauma. She has been admitted to Janaki Hospital.

Janhvi Kapoor’s work front

Meanwhile, on the work front, Janhvi is gearing up for the release of Param Sundari with Sidharth Malhotra. Directed by Tushar Jalota and produced by Dinesh Vijan, the romantic drama will release in theatres. However, its release day is not confirmed yet.

Janhvi also has films like Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, alongside Varun Dhawan, Sanya Malhotra, Rohit Saraf, Maniesh Paul, and Akshay Oberoi, and Peddi with Ram Charan in the pipeline.

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Entertainment

Salman Khan REDUCES Fees For Bigg Boss 19, To Charge ₹150 Crore For 15 Weeks Of Hosting: Report

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Bigg Boss 19 is set to premiere in August, with Salman Khan returning as the host. This season is expected to be the longest yet, spanning five months. However, there has been no official confirmation so far. Earlier reports suggested that Salman Khan will host the show for the first three months, while Farah Khan, Karan Johar, and Anil Kapoor may take over hosting duties in the final two months.

Salman Khan To Charge Rs 150 Crore For Bigg Boss 19

Salman will reportedly earn approximately Rs 120-150 crore for hosting over 15 weeks, with a per-weekend fee of Rs 8-10 crore. This marks a significant pay cut compared to previous seasons; he was reportedly paid Rs 250 crore earlier, while his fee for Bigg Boss 17 was around Rs 200 crore.

According to several reports, this year, the Bigg Boss 19 house is set to have a ‘Rewind’ theme. While the exact pros and cons of the theme have not been disclosed yet, it surely will make the game tougher for the contestants.

The ‘secret room’, which was once a part of the Bigg Boss house, is set to make a comeback this season. Also, in a shocking twist, the audience will nominate housemates for eviction this year and not the contestants themselves. However, the contestants will then fight to save themselves from the evictions.

Salman Khan’s Work Front

Salman was last seen in Sikandar alongside Rashmika Mandanna in the lead, however, the film did not perform well at the box office.

Next, he has Battle of Galwan, directed by Apoorva Lakhia. In the film, Salman will play the role of an army officer.

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