Overview
Devara: Part 1 is an Indian Telugu-language action drama film released in 2024. Directed by Koratala Siva, the film stars N. T. Rama Rao Jr. in dual roles, alongside Saif Ali Khan and Janhvi Kapoor. It was produced by Yuvasudha Arts and NTR Arts, and is conceived as the first instalment of a planned two-part saga set in a coastal village backdrop.
Key facts
| Title | Devara: Part 1 |
|---|---|
| Language | Telugu (released in multiple dubbed versions) |
| Director | Koratala Siva |
| Writer | Koratala Siva |
| Lead cast | N. T. Rama Rao Jr., Saif Ali Khan, Janhvi Kapoor |
| Production companies | Yuvasudha Arts, NTR Arts |
| Music | Anirudh Ravichander |
| Cinematography | Rathnavelu |
| Release year | 2024 |
| Genre | Action drama, period |
| Series | Part 1 of a planned two-part film |
Background
The film marks the collaboration between N. T. Rama Rao Jr. and director Koratala Siva, who had earlier worked together on Janatha Garage (2016). It was officially launched in 2022 and was originally announced under the working title NTR30, denoting the actor's thirtieth lead project, before being formally titled Devara.
The narrative is set against a fictional coastal community, with themes drawn from sea-faring traditions, clan rivalry, and a son's confrontation with his father's legacy. The decision to split the story into two parts was announced ahead of release, with the first instalment building the world and characters of the saga.
Cast
- N. T. Rama Rao Jr. as Devara and Vara (dual role)
- Saif Ali Khan as Bhaira, marking his debut in Telugu cinema
- Janhvi Kapoor as Thangam, marking her debut in Telugu cinema
- Prakash Raj, Shruti Marathe, Shine Tom Chacko and others in supporting roles
Production
Principal photography was carried out across multiple schedules in India, with extensive sequences shot on specially constructed sets depicting a coastal village, alongside outdoor schedules involving sea-based action choreography. The film employed large-scale set work, stunt coordination for underwater and combat sequences, and visual effects to render the maritime environment.
The technical crew included cinematographer Rathnavelu, editor A. Sreekar Prasad, and composer Anirudh Ravichander, who scored the soundtrack and background music. The production was a joint venture between Yuvasudha Arts, headed by B. V. S. N. Prasad, and NTR Arts, the family banner of the lead actor.
Release
The film had a worldwide theatrical release in 2024 in Telugu, with simultaneous dubbed versions in Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam and Kannada. It received an IMAX release in select markets. The release was followed in due course by digital and satellite distribution through licensed platforms.
Music
The audio album was released by T-Series, with songs composed by Anirudh Ravichander. Promotional singles were released in stages prior to the film's theatrical opening, accompanied by lyric and video versions in the dubbed languages.
Reception
The film opened to a wide theatrical footprint and registered substantial pre-release business through theatrical, digital and satellite rights. Critical reaction was mixed, with appreciation directed at the lead performance, production design and the film's score, while some reviews noted pacing concerns and the open-ended nature of the narrative owing to its status as the first part of a larger story.
Significance
As the first project headlined by N. T. Rama Rao Jr. after the global success of RRR (2022), Devara: Part 1 attracted considerable attention as a pan-Indian release. It also marked the Telugu-language debuts of Saif Ali Khan and Janhvi Kapoor, continuing a wider trend of cross-industry casting in major South Indian productions during the 2020s.