Starring: Nandamuri Kalyan Ram, Samyukta Menon, Malvika Nair, Edward Sonnenblick, Elnaaz Norouzi, Srikanth Iyengar, Seetha, Satya, and others
Director: Abhishek Nama
Producers: Abhishek Nama
Music Director: Harshavardhan Rameshwar
Story:
“Devil,” a period action drama with the tagline “The British Secret Agent,” directed and produced by Abhishek Nama, stars Nandamuri Kalyan Ram as the lead. Set in the British Province of Rasapadu, the story revolves around Agent Devil investigating the mysterious murder of a Zamindar’s daughter, Vijaya. As he delves deeper, the plot unfolds with unexpected twists, linking the murder to a mission named “Operation Tiger Hunt.” The film follows Devil’s pursuit of truth and the connection between Vijaya’s murder and the new mission.
Positives:
The story is intricate, weaving powerful characters, multiple layers, and engaging subplots. It effectively ties the murder mystery with patriotic themes, offering several well-integrated and thrilling twists.
Kalyan Ram delivers impactful dialogue with conviction, showcasing versatile variations in his character from subtlety to ferocity.
Strong production values, meticulous artwork depicting the era, and commendable VFX enhance the film’s visual appeal.
Samyukta Menon shines in a role that extends beyond being a mere romantic interest. Supporting actors like Vassishta Simha and Malvika Nair deliver commendable performances.
Negatives:
The initial narration lacks grip and unfolds at a leisurely pace in the first hour. Some unnecessary scenes contribute to a decrease in tempo, affecting engagement.
Certain songs, particularly in the first half, are subpar and disrupt the flow. Tightening the screenplay could have elevated the overall impact.
Technical Aspects:
Harshavardhan Rameshwar’s music, especially the songs, falls short of expectations, while the background score is decent.
Soundar Rajan’s cinematography adds value to the film, capturing the era’s essence effectively. The art direction stands out, contributing to the film’s visual allure.
Srikanth Vissa’s impactful dialogues and storyline are major strengths, though the execution in the first half could have been tighter.
Verdict:
“Devil” stands as a watchable period action drama offering an intriguing storyline with impressive twists. Kalyan Ram delivers a stellar performance, supported by a competent cast. However, the film falters in the first half due to sluggish narration and weak songs. Despite its flaws, it’s worth a watch for those willing to overlook these aspects.