What’s it about?
A murder occurs in the Madras presidency in 1945 in an area known as Rasapadu. In her bedroom, while she was meeting her lover, the daughter of a Jaminder was killed. Kalyan Ram, a British secret agent, is tasked with the job of investigating the murder.
British general Kenneth Bracken orders Devil to investigate the identity of Trivarna and the method by which signals are being transmitted to INA chief Netaji Subash Chandra Bose. Nyshada (Samyuktha), the niece of Jamindar’s wife, is suspected to be engaged in covert activities with the Indian National Army (INA).
Conversely, Trivarna and other INA fighters endeavor to safeguard Bose when he arrives their place in Madras presidency. Will Devil continue to work on the side of British or change his mind?
Analysis
The year 2023 saw emergence of many spy thrillers including “Agent”, “Spy”, and “Gandeevadhari Arjuna” but all of them are contemporary espionage thrillers. Kalyan Ram starrer “Devil” has period setting in pre-Independence era. At the outset, “Devil” has interesting plot line.
However, it has once again demonstrated that Telugu directors have not yet acquired the ability to craft a compelling spy thriller. Although the film starts off strongly, it gradually descends into a tedious stage until the interval. In the latter part only, the film comes into its right track. While many plot surprises might be easily anticipated, others are seamlessly incorporated into the storyline.
The film’s strength lies in its patriotic tone, particularly in the second half. While not all sequences are effective in the second half, Kalyan Ram’s act holds our attention. “Devil” mainly suffers from flat narration.
Attempts to excite the audiences with some twists come across as commonplace. Considerable “build-up” is generated for the disclosure of a mole known as Trojan, as well as for the character portrayed by Malvika Nair. But when the intricacies are revealed, they fail to thrill us. Several such instances can be mentioned when chances were missed.
All the performers in the movie provide performances that meet the anticipated standards. Nandamuri Kalyan Ram, by his entire demeanor, convincingly embodies the role of a British agent. In the initial portion of the film, he adeptly embodies his character, but subsequently, his performance becomes somewhat conventional. Still, he shines in the film.
Both Samyuktha and Malvika Nair fail to leave an impact.
The production design and background music are commendable aspects. The set design and cinematography skillfully convey the visual sense of the specific historical period of 1945. The songs lack worth, yet the background score is impactful.
Bottom line: “Devil” is a period spy thriller that incorporates patriotic overtones. Although the plot is exciting and Kalyan Ram shines in his role, the film misses the chance to capitalize on its potential. The execution is weak.
Rating: 2.5/5
Film: Devil
Cast: Nandamuri Kalyan Ram, Samyuktha, Malvika Nair, Satya and others
Story, Screenplay & Dialogues: Srikanth Vissa
Music: Harshavardhan Rameshwar
DOP: Soundar Rajan S
Production Designer: Gandhi Nadikudikar
Editor: Tammiraju
Produced and Directed by: Abhishek Nama
Release Date: Dec 29, 2023
