Nagarjuna Rao

Is Devara entertaining and engaging? Sadly, it falls short of expectations. The first half is particularly underwhelming, with sparse dialogue and a heavy reliance on narration from various characters who appear sequentially, all set to jarring background music that feels more like an aural assault than an enhancement. The plot is primarily a slow build-up, leading to the revelation of Devara as a sea pirate of deadly weapons for Muruga (Murali Krishna) who later experiences a change of heart upon realizing the moral consequences of his actions, all done for the survival of his clan. Both Devara and Bhaira (played by Saif Ali Khan) speak in grating, overly dramatic tones, far removed from any conversational style, making their interactions feel unnatural. Zarina Wahab as Devara’s mother and Talluri Rameshwari as the soothsayer Jogula appear oddly out of place, far from their usual compelling screen presence. Janhvi Kapoor, portraying Thangan, the love interest of Devara’s son, Vara, is unfortunately underutilized. Her character has no real impact on the narrative, seeming to exist merely for the film’s musical sequences. It’s a pity, given her promise in films like Ulajh and Gunjan Saxena, as her talent is wasted here. In the second half, Vara takes the lead as a meek figure who initially seems unworthy of his father’s legacy. However, a twist reveals his strength, setting him up to carry on Devara’s legacy. Director Koratala Siva appears to take inspiration from Baahubali in a climactic moment where Vara kills his father, attempting to leave the audience in suspense. But unlike the infamous Kattapa and Mahendra Baahubali scene, the mystery lacks the same level of intrigue and depth, falling flat in comparison. With the film positioned as Part 1, it seems we’ll have to wait for Devara Part 2 to see if it redeems itself.

**Review:** ‘Leave the World Behind’ is a doomsday dystopian movie that presents a terrifying vision of a possible future. The film serves as a stark commentary on the potential consequences that the United States might face due to its historical mistakes and the enemies it has created globally. In the climax, the little girl Rosie is offered a dream world of her own in a secure bunker, complete with an endless supply of movies and TV shows, including all seasons of her favorite show, ‘Friends’, and enough food to last an eternity. While this utopian scenario contrasts sharply with the bleak reality outside, it underscores the film's exploration of escapism in the face of an impending apocalypse.