Devil (2023) movie review
Last year, Kalyan Ram Nandamuri had a big success with 'Bimbisara.' Unfortunately, his latest film 'Amigos,' released in early 2023, didn't do well at the box office. However, he's back with a new movie called 'Devil.' The pre-release buzz for 'Devil' was promising, and now that it's out in theaters, let's see how it fared.
The story is set in 1947 in Rasapadu, Madras Providence, where a landlord's daughter is murdered. The locals suspect the landlord of committing the crime because his daughter was involved in an illicit relationship. The police arrest him, but a British secret agent named Devil (played by Kalyan Ram) enters the scene to investigate more deeply. As Devil digs into the case, he uncovers numerous secrets, revealing that he has his own agenda for being in Rasapadu. What happens to the murder case? Who is Devil, and what is he after? These questions drive the rest of the story.
Devil movie review
The story of Subhash Chandrabose during Indian independence is a big mystery for everyone. Many versions exist about what happened to this brave hero, making these tales engaging, mysterious, and emotional. Filmmakers have even made movies about these theories, aiming to connect with today's youth emotionally. Nikhil's 'SPY' and the recent film 'Devil' both revolve around Bose's character. While 'SPY' fell short of expectations, 'Devil' attempted a deeper storyline but couldn't make it emotionally relatable.
In contrast, 'RRR' crafts an unreal fictional tale around characters from different time periods, Alluri Seetharamaraju and Komuram Bheem. Director Rajamouli elevates emotions and keeps the drama engaging throughout. Unfortunately, 'Devil' falters despite sincere efforts. The film lacks emotional depth, starting as a murder mystery with various layers leading to a significant point. However, the thread around the murder mystery isn't captivating, and the secret agent's investigations seem ordinary, especially compared to the intense murder mysteries seen on streaming platforms. The best movie picks up when it focuses on Bose's character, but the murder mystery loses relevance, making the first half just okay.
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The second half of 'Devil' is where the movie truly shines. While the hero's twist isn't surprising, the execution and the excitement it brings impress the audience. The action scenes in this part are well done, and the last 30 minutes are fast-paced with compelling twists. However, it leaves you wondering about the movie's overall purpose. The patriotic element and lack of emotion in portraying the independence movement are missed opportunities on the part of the makers. The characters needed more emotional depth for better audience connection. Overall, the second half is better than the first, making 'Devil' a decent watch. It's a time-pass movie lasting two and a half hours, but keep your expectations in check.
Kalyan Ram gives a convincing performance as Devil, with his impact growing as the movie progresses. While his character seems regular initially, he elevates it well in the second half, especially in the action scenes. Samyuktha Menon once again impresses with her vital role, fitting the part and performing well within her scope. Mark Bennington does a good job as a British officer. Malavika Nair is just okay in her key role, falling short of expectations. The Kannada actor playing Samudra's role is amazing, and other supporting actors like Nithin Mehta, Shafi, Satya, and more, deliver their roles convincingly.
Harshavardhan Rameswar, known for his outstanding work in 'Animal,' once again displays his talent in 'Devil.' His impact is evident, especially in the visually pleasing and musically satisfying song 'Maye Chesi.' The background score adds depth to many scenes, but at times, it's a bit too loud. Sounder Rajan's cinematography stands out with attractive visuals, and the hard work of the art director and other technicians is evident. The production values are excellent.