Entertainment
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
HC quashes complaint against Kailash Kher for hurting religious feelings; says no malicious intent

Mumbai: Intolerance and dissent from the orthodoxy have been a bane of Indian society, the Bombay High Court said, quoting author A G Noorani, while quashing a complaint against singer Kailash Kher for allegedly hurting religious sentiments with a song on Lord Shiva.
A division bench of Justices Bharati Danger and S C Chandak said there was no deliberate or malicious intent on Kher’s part, who had only sung the song ‘Babam Bam’, to hurt anyone’s religious sentiments or feelings.
A copy of the order of March 4 was made available on Thursday,
The complaint was filed by one Narinder Makkar before a local court in Ludhiana seeking registration of a case against the singer under Indian Penal Code sections 295A and 298, concerning outraging religious feelings with deliberate and malicious intent.
The complainant claimed to be a Shiva worshiper and said Kher’s song ‘Babam Bam’ on Lord Shiva depicted a vulgar video showing scantily dressed women and people kissing.
The high court while quashing the complaint filed before the Ilaka judicial magistrate in Ludhiana said the lyrics of the song sung by Kher is nothing but praise of Lord Shiva and the attributes of his mighty character.
“Every action which may be to the dislike of a class of people may not necessarily lead to outraging religious sentiments,” the court said.
The bench quoted author A G Noorani and said, “Intolerance of dissent from the orthodoxy of the day has been the bane of Indian society for centuries.
But it is precisely in the ready acceptance of the right to dissent as distinct from its mere tolerance, that a free society distinguishes itself.”
In the order, the bench said that to attract the offence under IPC section 295A, there has to be a deliberate attempt by the person to outrage someone’s religious feelings.
The court said the only accusation against Kher is that he is dancing with some scantily dressed girls in the video which according to the complainant is vulgar and hence hurt his religious feelings and emotions.
The offence is not made out against Kher as there is no deliberate and malicious intention on his part, who is just singing the song, HC said.
Kher had moved HC in 2014 when the complaint was lodged in the Ludhiana court in Punjab. At that time, the HC had in an interim relief said no coercive action should be taken against the singer.
In his plea filed through advocate Ashok Sarogi, Kher said he was only the singer of the song and that the video was choreographed by another company through Sony Music Entertainment.
Sarogi had argued that the video of the song was released only after it was granted clearance by the Central Board of Film Certification.
Bollywood
SRK, Salman Khan pay visit to Aamir Khan for his early birthday celebrations, special Iftaar party

Mumbai, March 13: Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan and Salman Khan came together for an early celebration of Aamir Khan’s 60th Birthday with a special Iftaar party in the city.
On Wednesday, the director took to the Stories section of his Instagram, and shared a BTS picture from the set.
The picture shows his team member holding a clapper-board with details of the shot being taken. This will be Shanaya’s third project after she wrapped up ‘Aankho Ki Ghustakhiyan’, and ‘Tu Ya Main’.
Earlier, Abhay’s music video of ‘Pehla Nasha 2.0’ was released. The actor called it an ode to Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan.
The video features Abhay and Pragati Nagpal that perfectly captures the spirit of first love and pays tribute to Aamir Khan’s 1992 blockbuster ‘Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar’.
Talking about the song, Abhay Verma had said, “‘Pehla Nasha’ is not just a song. It has been like a love language for me. It’s an ode to my idol Aamir sir in my own little way. It was an absolute honour to recreate what these legends had done in a responsible and respectful way and I feel more than fortunate to present this tribute as the face of the song”.
Pragati Nagpal, singer & featuring artist in the music video, whose fresh voice adds a new dimension to the song made popular by Udit Narayan and Sadhna Sargam, shares these sentiments.
She said, “The tunes of the nostalgic nineties still play on in our memories. Singing for ‘Pehla Nasha 2.0’ was like revisiting the magic of that era. I had such a great time singing this melody and performing the video with Abhay who shares my passion for vintage hits”.
Bollywood
Sunny declares ‘main Jaat hoon’ as he has face-off with Randeep’s Ranatunga

Mumbai, March 11: The makers of “Jaat” on Tuesday shared a glimpse of what to expect from the upcoming film, which will have an epic face off between Sunny Deol and Randeep Hooda.
Sunny, in a collaboration post with Mythri Movie Makers, set Instagram on fire with a gripping video teaser. The clip showcases an intense showdown between Jaat and Ranatunga, promising an epic battle of brute force and willpower.
Sunny makes a powerful entrance, cigarette in hand, taking down a swarm of enemies with bone-crushing blows. And just when the tension peaks, as he intensely declares, “Main Jaat hoon” as he is set to locks horns with the ruthless villain, played by Randeep.
“30 DAYS TO GO for #JAAT’s supremacy at the box office. This Baisakhi, a blockbuster treat will entertain you in cinemas GRAND RELEASE WORLDWIDE ON APRIL 10th #BaisakhiWithJaat,” the post was captioned.
On March 10, Randeep shared a glimpse of his menacing and fierce character Ranatunga from the upcoming film “Jaat” starring Sunny Deol.
Randeep took to Instagram, where he shared a teaser video to introduce his character. The video begins with the actor sitting in the police station. He says “Mujhe mera naam bahut pyaara ha (my name means a lot to me.)”
He then announces his character’s name: “Ranatunga”.
“My name is #Ranatunga!! The stage is set for a ruthless face-off with the #JAAT
GRAND RELEASE WORLDWIDE ON APRIL 10th. #BaisakhiWithJaat Starring Action Superstar @iamsunnydeol Directed by @dongopichand Produced by @MythriOfficial & @peoplemediafactory A @musicthaman Mass Beat,” he wrote in the caption.
“Jaat” is directed by Gopichand Malineni. It also stars Vineet Kumar Singh, Saiyami Kher, and Regina Cassandra. Each actor brings their unique intensity and depth to their roles, ensuring a captivating viewing experience.
The film features the soundtrack composed by Thaman S composing the soundtrack and Rishi Punjabi behind the lens as the Director of Photography. The editing is done by Navin Nooli, while Avinash Kolla’s production design will transport audiences into the heart of the film’s gripping world.
Produced by Mythri Movie Makers and People Media Factory, the film will be released in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu on April 10.
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