The cinematic world is abuzz with anticipation as the upcoming Indian Telugu-language action drama film, “Devara: Part 1,” gears up for its grand release. Directed and written by the acclaimed Koratala Siva and produced by Sudhakar Mikkilineni and Kosaraju Harikrishna under the banners of Yuvasudha Arts and N. T. R. Arts, the film promises a captivating narrative. Slated to hit theaters on 5 April 2024, this action-packed extravaganza boasts a stellar cast led by N. T. Rama Rao Jr., Saif Ali Khan, and Janhvi Kapoor.
Devara: Part 1 unfolds as the maiden installment of a two-part film, capturing the essence of an Indian Telugu-language superhero saga. The film’s announcement took place in April 2021 under the tentative title NTR 30, marking Rama Rao’s 30th film in a leading role. The official title was later revealed in May 2023.
The cast includes N. T. Rama Rao Jr. portraying the character Devaraju “Deva,” accompanied by Janhvi Kapoor as Thangam and Saif Ali Khan portraying the main antagonist, Bhaira. Notable supporting roles feature actors like Prakash Raj, Srikanth, Shine Tom Chacko, Narain, Kalaiyarasan, Murali Sharma, and Abhimanyu Singh.
In terms of development, the film’s journey began with an announcement in February 2020, followed by scriptwriting during mid-2021. The project faced delays due to various commitments, with the official launch taking place on 23 March 2023 in Hyderabad. The title “Devara” was officially announced on 19 May 2023.
Notably, on 4 October 2023, Director Koratala Siva revealed that the film would be split into two parts, emphasizing the need to establish a larger-than-life story. This decision was fueled by the introduction of “a new world to the audience” with robust characters and emotions.
The film’s casting journey involved initial considerations of actresses like Alia Bhatt, Shraddha Kapoor, Mrunal Thakur, and Rashmika Mandanna for the female lead, ultimately solidifying Janhvi Kapoor in her Telugu and South Indian cinema debut. Additionally, Saif Ali Khan joined the cast in April 2023.
The filming process, initiated on 1 April 2023 in Hyderabad, has seen the cast and crew navigate various locations, including Goa and Shamshabad. 80% of the film’s shooting was completed by late December 2023, with the final wrap-up expected in January 2024.
The music for Devara: Part 1 is crafted by the talented Anirudh Ravichander, known for his work in several Telugu projects. The film’s soundtrack, featuring songs like “Hanuman Chalisa” and “SuperHero HanuMan,” adds a musical dimension to the action-packed narrative.
Scheduled for a theatrical release on 5 April 2024, Devara: Part 1 is set to captivate audiences not only in Telugu but also in Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada, promising a cinematic spectacle that transcends linguistic boundaries.