DIGITAL NEWS GURU ENTERTAINMENT DESK:
Jr NTR and Janhvi Kapoor-starrer “Devara: Part 1”, collect between Rs 120-125 crore globally on its opening day
Devara: Part 1—one of the most anticipated films of 2024—has finally hit theaters yesterday, marking a grand return for Tollywood superstar Jr NTR in a lead role after the global success of RRR.
Directed by Koratala Siva, Devara has already generated significant excitement and is projected to be one of the biggest box-office openers of the year. However, the film’s release has garnered a mixed response, with fans split between celebrating Jr NTR’s powerful performance and critiquing the film’s visual effects.
The Hype and Anticipation
The buildup to Devara‘s release was massive, especially because it was Jr NTR’s first solo film since RRR in 2022. The actor’s last film, directed by SS Rajamouli, became a global phenomenon, amassing international recognition. The anticipation surrounding Devara was also amplified by its star-studded cast, which includes Saif Ali Khan and Janhvi Kapoor. Saif Ali Khan, known for his versatility in Bollywood, takes on the role of the antagonist, while Janhvi Kapoor marks her debut in the Telugu film industry.
Given the blockbuster status of RRR, Jr NTR’s fans were eager to see him take on another intense, action-packed role. Koratala Siva, who directed previous hits like Srimanthudu and Bharat Ane Nenu, also added to the film’s pre-release buzz due to his reputation for delivering socially conscious films wrapped in commercial formats.
Story and Themes
Devara is set against a backdrop of coastal conflicts, with a storyline focusing on power struggles, family ties, and vengeance. Jr NTR plays the titular role, Devara, a man who rises to fight injustice in his coastal village. The film portrays a battle for dominance between two powerful families, with Saif Ali Khan playing the lead antagonist, Bhaira, who opposes Devara.
The film’s themes revolve around justice, revenge, and protecting one’s people, with Devara depicted as a fierce leader who goes to great lengths to restore peace in his village. As with many Koratala Siva films, Devara aims to weave in social commentary alongside its action-driven narrative.
Box Office Predictions and Early Reviews
Devara‘s release has already seen record-breaking advance bookings, with estimates suggesting that the film could collect between Rs 120-125 crore globally on its opening day. This would make Devara one of Jr NTR’s biggest openers, second only to RRR, which had an extraordinary global run.
However, early reviews of the film have been mixed. While Jr NTR’s performance has been widely praised, with many lauding his powerful screen presence and emotional depth, some viewers have expressed disappointment with the film’s visual effects (VFX). Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) have seen fans critique the film’s CGI-heavy action scenes, with some saying the VFX did not live up to the high expectations set by the film’s marketing and trailers.
Despite these critiques, Devara has managed to maintain strong momentum, largely due to Jr NTR’s star power and the film’s gripping storyline. Fans have also taken to social media to defend the film, focusing on its performances and emotional depth. Koratala Siva’s direction and narrative style have been praised by a section of the audience, who appreciate the film’s blend of action, drama, and social themes.
Fan Celebrations and Pushpa 2 Teaser Surprise
Across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, theaters have been buzzing with fan celebrations, with many cinema halls adorned with massive cutouts of Jr NTR. In some areas, fans have performed rituals, burst crackers, and even conducted milk baths (a practice known as paal abhishekam) to show their reverence for the actor.
Videos circulating online show jubilant scenes outside theaters, with fans dancing and cheering as they wait for the movie’s screening.
Adding to the excitement, audiences were treated to a special surprise before the screening of Devara—the teaser for Pushpa 2: The Rule, starring Allu Arjun, was shown in select theaters. The teaser left fans ecstatic, creating a double celebration for Telugu cinema enthusiasts. Social media was flooded with clips of fans reacting to the teaser, further boosting the celebratory mood around Devara‘s release.
VFX Criticism and Future Impact
Despite the strong fan following and impressive box-office performance, Devara‘s visual effects have become a point of contention. Several moviegoers noted that the CGI in the action scenes felt underwhelming, particularly given the film’s large budget and the heavy promotion of its high-octane sequences. Comparisons to the VFX in RRR were inevitable, and many felt that Devara fell short in this regard.
Some fans have even gone as far as burning cutouts of Jr NTR in protest of the film’s technical shortcomings, although such incidents appear to be isolated. The backlash, however, has sparked debates online about the rising expectations for VFX in Indian cinema, especially in big-budget films.
Conclusion
While Devara is off to a strong start at the box office, the film’s long-term success may depend on how it manages the mixed critical reception, particularly regarding its visual effects. Jr NTR’s performance, however, has been a major highlight, ensuring that his fanbase remains loyal. For now, Devara is shaping up to be a commercial success, with plenty of room for conversation about the evolving standards of VFX and storytelling in Indian cinema.
Fans of Telugu cinema have a lot to celebrate, and with Pushpa 2’s teaser adding to the excitement, Devara‘s release has become a significant event in the Indian film industry.
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