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
‘I Won’t Blame Anyone’: Ajay Devgn Reacts To Controversy Over Pakistani Actress Hania Aamir’s Casting In Sardaar Ji 3

Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn, who is gearing up for the release of Son of Sardaar 2, reacted to trolls criticising actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh for working with Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in his recently-released film Sardaar Ji 3.
On Friday (July 11), during the trailer launch event of Son of Sardaar 2, Ajay was asked about the backlash Diljit has been receiving in India ever since he shared the trailer of the film featuring Hania. While the film did not release in India, the actor faced backlash and a section of social media users also called him ‘anti-national’, ‘insensitive’ and ‘shameless’.
Reacting to it, Ajay said it wouldn’t be right on his part to take a side in the matter since he is not in Dosanjh’s shoes.
“I don’t know where the trolling is coming from, what’s right, what’s wrong. He must be dealing with his own problems. Others are speaking from their own point of view. So when there are two different perspectives, they can be resolved by sitting down and talking,” the actor reportedly said.
He added, “He’s thinking from his side, you’re thinking from yours. It doesn’t work that way. I won’t blame anyone. I won’t say that anyone is right or wrong in this.”
The trolling began after Diljit promoted his Punjabi film with Hania amid India-Pakistan tensions. FWICE had lashed out Diljit for collaborating with Hania despite a renewed ban on Pakistani celebs in India following the Pahalgam terror attack.
Earlier, it was reported that Diljit had been removed from his upcoming Bollywood film Border 2, and that Punjabi actor Ammy Virk might replace him in the sequel. However, Ammy’s team denied the rumours and clarified to Hindustan Times that there was no truth to the reports.
Also, a few days back, FWICE revealed that they lifted ban on Diljit after which he has been allowed to shoot for Border 2. Reportedly, the film body claimed that the patriotic film’s producer, Bhushan Kumar, pleaded them personally to let Diljit work.
Meanwhile, Sardaar Ji 3 released overseas on June 27 and it has become the highest-grossing Punjabi film of 2025.
Entertainment
Sharad Kelkar on language conflict: All Indian languages are beautiful, I’m Indian, first and foremost

Mumbai, July 5: Actor Sharad Kelkar, who is known for his work in television, and has voiced the iconic character of Baahubali for its Hindi version, has shared his opinion on the growing language conflicts between different states of India.
The actor recently spoke with IANS, and shared that though he prefers to stay away from politics, he surely respects all “beautiful” Indian languages that are spoken throughout the country.
He told IANS, “Honestly, I don’t want to get into political matters. I have no interest in it. Ask me about acting, and I’ll talk. Ask me why I haven’t done a Marathi film, and I’ll answer. But this isn’t about personal will or preference. I believe all Indian languages are beautiful. I’m Indian, first and foremost”.
The actor was also asked if he is the highest paid actor on his upcoming show, to which he responded by saying, “I’ve been working for over two decades. I’ve earned my place, and yes, I charge for it. What’s wrong with that? If someone is earning well, people should be happy—not jealous. It’s a sign of achievement. If an actor returns to television, it’s because they have value. No one’s calling you back just for nostalgia—you have to bring something to the table”.
He also shared about why in the current era of television, shows don’t run for years and actors don’t become household names.
He said, “The audience landscape has changed. OTT has brought in new content and platforms. Earlier, shows used to run for years and characters would live in people’s hearts. Now, shows are shorter, and people move on quickly. Many actors believe they aren’t getting recognition, but I think it’s the characters that become famous, not the actors themselves. I’ve been known as Nahar Singh, Barry B., Thakur, and Dr. Ashutosh—all character names”.
“If you keep reinventing yourself and present a new version every time, people might eventually remember your real name”, he added.
Bollywood
Subhash Ghai shares how Aamir Khan brought dignity to Hindi cinema with his film ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’

Mumbai, July 4: Veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai took to social media to shower praise on Aamir Khan for his continued efforts to elevate the stature of Hindi cinema.
Lauding his decision to release ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’ in theatres and hold off on its OTT release for six months, Ghai called it a move that brings “dignity to Hindi cinema.” In his heartfelt note, the director expressed his happiness at how exhibitors across the country honoured Aamir as a “brave filmmaker” for supporting the big-screen experience and showing deep respect for theatrical business.
Sharing a photo featuring Aamir Khan, Subhash Ghai wrote on Instagram, “Dear Aamir. You have done it again to bring dignity to Hindi cinema with your heartwarming film in cinema halls n pledging not to show it on small screen for six months. M glad that all India exhibitors honoured you as a brave film maker yesterday for respecting the business of big screens theatres too. Congratulations n blessings. @muktaa2cinemas @pvrcinemas_official @inoxmovies @cinepolismx @zeecinema @muktaartsltd.”
The makers of the Aamir Khan starrer have decided not to release the film on OTT platforms. The Multiplex Association of India had applauded the move, and Aamir Khan Productions later expressed their gratitude for the support. Sharing MAI’s statement on their official Instagram account, the production house wrote in the caption, “Grateful for the overwhelming love and support MAI (red heart emoji).”
In the statement, Kamal Gianchandani, who served as the President of MAI, had said, “Aamir Khan has always been a filmmaker who puts the audience first. His decision to bring Sitaare Zameen Par exclusively to cinemas is a significant show of confidence in theatres and the shared magic of the moviegoing experience. Indian exhibitors thank Aamir Khan for standing by theatres. As we continue to welcome audiences with renewed energy and world-class films, Sitaare Zammen Par will remain a shining example of cinema’s resilience and its irreplaceable magic.”
“Sitaare Zameen Par,” which also stars Genelia D’Souza, was a sequel to the 2007 hit film “Taare Zameen Par.” Directed by RS Prasanna, the sports drama hit theatres on June 20.
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