Devara: Part 1 is a film that struggles to convince the audience with its story and characters. The plot centers around two main characters, Bhaira (played by Saif Ali Khan) and Devara (N.T. Rama Rao Jr.), who are involved in smuggling and crime in a coastal village. Bhaira is waiting for Devara to return after years away, hoping to finally get revenge on him. However, when Devara comes back to visit his sick mother, the gang’s plan to catch him is poorly executed, making it hard to believe that they would miss him entering and exiting his house.

As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the writer-director, Koratala Siva, isn’t very invested in developing the plot or characters. Instead, the film throws in random action scenes, like shark attacks and wrestling matches, hoping that the excitement will distract from its weak storytelling. Devara and Bhaira’s relationship shifts when Devara decides to stop their criminal activities, leading to Bhaira’s quest for revenge.

The film also introduces Vara, Devara's son, played by the same actor, N.T. Rama Rao Jr. While Devara is tough and confident, Vara is timid and unsure, but this difference isn’t portrayed convincingly. The story itself is simple: two friends turn against each other, and the son takes up his father’s role. However, the film stretches this straightforward plot to a lengthy 178 minutes without enough substance to fill that time.

There are moments when the film shines, especially during the action scenes, like a thrilling chase in a forest or a unique fight on the beach where attackers emerge from the sea. These sequences bring a certain excitement and creativity that the rest of the film lacks. However, the film also features underdeveloped female characters, with most women in the story having limited roles.

Devara: Part 1 feels like a missed opportunity. While there are flashes of entertaining action, the film fails to deliver a strong narrative or compelling characters, making it hard to get invested in the story. It leaves viewers wondering if there’s any real reason for a sequel.