Devara: Part 1

In 1996, a high-level meeting is held concerning security threats to the 1996 Cricket World Cup in India from arms dealer Daya and his brother, Yethi.

The police capture Yethi's henchman and interrogate him. They learn Yethi was going to see Muruga, a smuggler in the Ratnagiri mountains on the Andhra Pradesh-Tamil Nadu border. Going undercover as smugglers, the police led by Officer Shivam head to Ratnagiri to find Yethi. They approach DSP Tulasi, who tells them that Muruga is dead, and to visit the Red Sea villages. They visit Bhaira, chief of one of the villages, and threaten him to smuggle goods, only to be violently rejected by him. They find Singappa, who takes them offshore in a boat. Shivam tries to make an offer to him by showing off a diamond ring which is abruptly thrown into the sea by Singappa. As Shivam dives in to retrieve the ring, he finds human skeletons on the seabed, terrifying him. Singappa starts narrating the story which begins 12 years earlier.

Inhabitants of the villages were once warriors defending the seas, but after India became independent, they lose relevance, reduced to becoming smugglers in the infamous Red Sea. Devara is a chieftain of one of the villages and part of the group which smuggles for Muruga from the merchant ships, along with Bhaira. Unbeknownst to them, the loot is illegal arms which are used in robberies, and one such incident occurs near their villages. During a smuggling expedition, they are caught by the coast guard and the commander of the vessel, Irfan, reveals the items they were smuggling, which indirectly led to the death of one of Devara's villagers.

Devara has a change of heart and decides to cease their smuggling operations, which is not liked by the other chieftains, including Bhaira. They hatch plans to kill him but fail. Devara stops the villagers from entering the seas for smuggling. He disappears after an attempt on his life and writes a message on a rock near the shore that he would continue to stop those who venture into the sea for smuggling. Years pass, and everyone adopts fishing to earn their livelihood as Devara stops those smuggling, while remaining invisible to the villagers. His son, Vara, grows up to be timid and soft-spoken, unlike his father, and believes Devara abandoned his family.

Vara's childhood friend, Thangam, is in love with him, but wishes he was more like Devara. On the other hand, Bhaira trains a private army to kill Devara. Tulasi and Muruga again offer an opportunity to Bhaira to smuggle for them along with killing Devara, the biggest thorn in their operations. When Bhaira's men harass Vara's sister, he beats them up in a drunken fury. The following morning, he is accused of killing one of the men, but Vara pleads to Bhaira that he is not responsible. Bhaira tells him to prove it by joining the smuggling operation with his men. He later reveals that he killed his own injured man to get Vara to join them so that he can draw out Devara at sea.

Meanwhile, Devara's wife learns of the smuggling operation and rushes to Singappa to ask him to stop Vara. However, Singappa reveals that Devara has been long dead, and the person who has been attacking the smugglers is actually Vara. He wrote the note on the rock twelve years earlier and pretended to be timid so that everyone would think that Devara is still alive. Meanwhile, Vara attacks Bhaira's men at sea and brings their corpses back to the shore. To instill even more fear in the villagers, Vara also injures himself, in front of Singappa and Devara's loyal aides, as he "went against his father".

When Shivam asks Singappa about Devara's killer, a flashback reveals that he was killed by Vara on the day he supposedly disappeared.

{{Castlist|

• N. T. Rama Rao Jr. in dual roles as
• Devara
• Varadha "Vara", Devara's son
• Saif Ali Khan as Bhairava "Bhaira"{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/telugu-cinema/devara-saif-ali-khan-first-look-101692179806464.html|title=Devara: Saif Ali Khan looks intense as Bhaira, Jr. NTR reveals first look on actor's birthday|date=16 August 203|work=The Hindustan Times|access-date=3 June 2024|archive-date=3 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603083140/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/telugu-cinema/devara-saif-ali-khan-first-look-101692179806464.html|url-status=live}} (voice dubbed by P. Ravi Shankar)
• Janhvi Kapoor as Thangam (voice dubbed by RJ Swetha), Vara's love interest{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/janhvi-kapoor-says-she-cant-wait-to-be-thangam-again-for-jr-ntrs-devara-koratala-siva-directorial-2519356-2024-03-26|title=Janhvi Kapoor says she 'can't wait to be Thangam again' for Jr NTR's 'Devara'|date=26 March 2024|website=India Today|access-date=3 June 2024|archive-date=3 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603083140/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/janhvi-kapoor-says-she-cant-wait-to-be-thangam-again-for-jr-ntrs-devara-koratala-siva-directorial-2519356-2024-03-26|url-status=live}}
• Prakash Raj as Singappa
• Srikanth as Rayappa, Thangam's father
• Murali Sharma as Muruga, politician-cum-smuggler
• Abhimanyu Singh as DSP Tulasi
• Ajay as Task Force Chief Shivam
• Narain as Irfan, Eastern Regional Officer of the Indian Coast Guard
• Kalaiyarasan as Kunjara, Kora's brother
• Shine Tom Chacko as Kora{{Cite news |date=22 June 2023 |title=Shine Tom Chacko confirms being a part of Jr NTR- Koratala Siva's 'Devara' |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/shine-tom-chacko-confirms-being-a-part-of-jr-ntr-koratala-sivas-devara/article66997841.ece |access-date=28 June 2023 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=27 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627153025/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/shine-tom-chacko-confirms-being-a-part-of-jr-ntr-koratala-sivas-devara/article66997841.ece |url-status=live}}
• Shruti Marathe as Devara's wife and Vara's mother{{Cite web |date=27 March 2024 |title=This Marathi Actress Roped In To Play Jr NTR's Wife In Devara Part 1 |url=https://www.news18.com/movies/this-marathi-actress-roped-in-to-play-jr-ntrs-wife-in-devara-part-1-8829612.html |access-date=7 June 2024 |website=News18 |language=en |archive-date=7 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240607093348/https://www.news18.com/movies/this-marathi-actress-roped-in-to-play-jr-ntrs-wife-in-devara-part-1-8829612.html |url-status=live }}
• Talluri Rameswari as Jogula
• Zarina Wahab as Devara's mother and Vara's grandmother
• Zakir Hussain as the Home Minister of India
• Mathew Varghese as assistant of the Home Minister of India
• Micky Makhija as the Maharashtra DGP Radhan
• Mani Chandana as Rayappa's wife and Thangam's mother
• Shanoor Sana as Kunjara's wife
• Chaitra Rai as Bhaira's wife
• Himaja as Valli, Thangam's friend and Srinu's love interest
• Hari Teja as Thangam's friend
• Getup Srinu as Mettha Srinu, Vara's friend
• Rupa Lakshmi as Ademma
• Alapati Lakhsmi
• Mansi Varma as Uma, Devara's daughter and Vara's sister
• Princy George as Padma, Rayappa's blind sister
• Rekha Nirosha as Thangam's friend
• Bindu Bhargavi as Thangam's friend
• Eeshwar Reddy Gayam
• Rohan Surya Kanuma Reddy as Vara's friend
• Nihal Kodhaty as Bhaira's gang member
• Sudev Nair as Samara, Kunjara's son
• Tarak Ponnappa as Pasura, Bhaira's son
• Nareshraj Narasimha as Bhaira's gang member
• Sonakshi Verma as Pasura's mistress
• Latha Viswanath Reddy as Chandrakala
• Temper Vamsi as Rane

}}

In February 2020, N. T. Rama Rao Jr and Trivikram Srinivas were reported to be collaborating on a second film, following Aravinda Sametha Veera Raghava (2018), tentatively titled NTR30. The film was to be produced by S. Radha Krishna and Nandamuri Kalyan Ram under the banners of Haarika & Hassine Creations and N. T. R. Arts.{{Cite web |date=20 February 2020 |title=NTR 30: Trivikram Srinivas confirms directing Tarak's next |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/ntr-30-trivikram-srinivas-confirms-directing-taraks-next-806413.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205171919/https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/ntr-30-trivikram-srinivas-confirms-directing-taraks-next-806413.html |archive-date=5 February 2023 |access-date=5 February 2023 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}} Later that July, Koratala Siva announced another project, AA21, with Allu Arjun in the lead, to be produced by former distributor Sudhakar Mikkilineni's newly launched production studio, Yuvasudha Arts.{{Cite web |date=31 July 2020 |title=AA21: Allu Arjun's next is with Koratala Shiva |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/aa21-allu-arjun-next-is-with-koratala-siva-6532464/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227173658/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/aa21-allu-arjun-next-is-with-koratala-siva-6532464/ |archive-date=27 December 2023 |access-date=27 December 2023 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=31 July 2020 |title=Allu Arjun to team up with filmmaker Koratala Siva for new Telugu project |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/allu-arjun-to-team-up-with-filmmaker-koratala-siva-for-new-telugu-project/story-Mbm8HlLmeXfbc4Jsbg6FsO.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227173658/https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/allu-arjun-to-team-up-with-filmmaker-koratala-siva-for-new-telugu-project/story-Mbm8HlLmeXfbc4Jsbg6FsO.html |archive-date=27 December 2023 |access-date=27 December 2023 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}} However, neither project materialised.{{efn|Although Siva assured that the film would begin production in April 2022, post the completion of NTR30, Allu Arjun's commitments to Pushpa: The Rise (2021)—originally started as a single film which was later split into two parts with the second instalment shot back-to-back—meant that Arjun had to continue with the same look for both films and could not change his makeover for other projects. This led to Siva eventually shelving the project.{{Cite news |date=14 April 2021 |title=Allu Arjun's film with Koratala Siva pushed to mid-2022; it was a mutual decision: Makers |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/allu-arjuns-film-with-koratala-siva-pushed-to-2022-will-be-taken-up-after-ntr30/articleshow/82059849.cms |access-date=27 December 2023 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=27 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227173708/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/allu-arjuns-film-with-koratala-siva-pushed-to-2022-will-be-taken-up-after-ntr30/articleshow/82059849.cms |url-status=live}}}} In April 2021, it was reported that Rama Rao and Siva would collaborate on NTR30, marking their second collaboration after Janatha Garage (2016).{{Cite web |date=12 April 2021 |title=Jr NTR joins hands with Koratala Siva for NTR 30: 'We will cross boundaries this time' |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/jr-ntr-joins-hands-with-koratala-siva-for-ntr-30-7270561/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205171920/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/jr-ntr-joins-hands-with-koratala-siva-for-ntr-30-7270561/ |archive-date=5 February 2023 |access-date=5 February 2023 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}} The film was officially announced on Ugadi (13 April 2021) with Yuvasudha Arts producing the film in collaboration with N. T. R. Arts.{{Cite news |date=13 April 2021 |title=#NTR30: Jr NTR and Koratala Siva to team up again for a new project, release date announced |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/ntr30-jr-ntr-and-koratala-siva-to-team-up-again-for-a-new-project-release-date-announced/articleshow/82046906.cms |access-date=27 December 2023 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=27 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227173707/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/ntr30-jr-ntr-and-koratala-siva-to-team-up-again-for-a-new-project-release-date-announced/articleshow/82046906.cms |url-status=live}} However, production was delayed due to Siva's commitments to Acharya and Rama Rao's to RRR.{{Cite web |title=JR NTR and Koratala Siva come together for a new pan-India project. Details here |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/jr-ntr-and-koratala-siva-come-together-for-new-pan-india-project-details-here-1790309-2021-04-13 |access-date=27 December 2023 |website=India Today |date=13 April 2021 |language=en |archive-date=27 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227173659/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/jr-ntr-and-koratala-siva-come-together-for-new-pan-india-project-details-here-1790309-2021-04-13 |url-status=live}}

Siva described it as a "large-scale project that has more commercial appeal" in comparison to his debut film Mirchi (2013).{{Cite news |date=26 April 2022 |title=Koratala Siva promises that 'NTR30' will be infused with 'mass' elements |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/koratala-siva-promises-that-ntr30-will-be-infused-with-mass-elements/articleshow/91097027.cms |access-date=27 December 2023 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=27 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227173705/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/koratala-siva-promises-that-ntr30-will-be-infused-with-mass-elements/articleshow/91097027.cms |url-status=live}} Following the box-office failure of Acharya, Siva wanted to fine-tune the script making necessary changes before finalising it as a draft, which delayed the commencement of filming throughout late 2022.{{Cite web |title=Jr NTR and Koratala Siva's NTR30 delayed due to Acharya's failure? |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/jr-ntr-and-koratala-siva-s-ntr30-delayed-due-to-acharya-s-failure-1944323-2022-05-02 |access-date=27 December 2023 |website=India Today |date=2 May 2022 |language=en |archive-date=27 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227173658/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/jr-ntr-and-koratala-siva-s-ntr30-delayed-due-to-acharya-s-failure-1944323-2022-05-02 |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |date=11 July 2022 |title=Were Jr.NTR's fans disappointed by the prolonged delays? Here is the truth |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/were-jr-ntrs-fans-disappointed-by-the-prolonged-delays-here-is-the-truth/articleshow/92803015.cms |access-date=27 December 2023 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=27 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227173710/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/were-jr-ntrs-fans-disappointed-by-the-prolonged-delays-here-is-the-truth/articleshow/92803015.cms |url-status=live}} By November, Siva started the pre-production works of the film with production set to begin in early 2023.{{Cite news |date=6 November 2022 |title=JrNTR's next #NTR30 with Koratala Siva is in full swing with its pre-production work; makers share the pictures |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/jrntrs-next-ntr30-with-loratalasiva-is-in-full-swing-with-its-pre-production-work-makers-share-the-pictures/articleshow/95337609.cms?slideshow=94777302&slide=94778332#3 |access-date=27 December 2023 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=27 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227173659/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/jrntrs-next-ntr30-with-loratalasiva-is-in-full-swing-with-its-pre-production-work-makers-share-the-pictures/articleshow/95337609.cms?slideshow=94777302&slide=94778332#3 |url-status=live}}

Initially set to begin production on 24 February, work on the project was delayed due to the death of Taraka Ratna as well as Rama Rao's participation in the Academy Awards campaign for RRR.{{Cite web |last=FC |first=Team |date=2 February 2023 |title=Shoot for NTR Jr's NTR 30, to go on floors in February |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/features/quick-reads/shoot-for-ntr-jrs-ntr-30-to-go-on-floors-in-february |access-date=27 December 2023 |website=Film Companion |language=en |archive-date=27 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227173658/https://www.filmcompanion.in/features/quick-reads/shoot-for-ntr-jrs-ntr-30-to-go-on-floors-in-february |url-status=live}} The film was officially launched on 23 March with a puja ceremony held in Hyderabad with the presence of the cast and crew and S. S. Rajamouli preceding with the muhurtam shot.{{Cite web |last=ANI |date=23 March 2023 |title=Jr NTR, Janhvi Kapoor begin shooting for 'NTR 30', SS Rajamouli attends launch ceremony |url=https://theprint.in/feature/jr-ntr-janhvi-kapoor-begin-shooting-for-ntr-30-ss-rajamouli-attends-launch-ceremony/1466195/ |access-date=27 December 2023 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US |archive-date=27 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227173658/https://theprint.in/feature/jr-ntr-janhvi-kapoor-begin-shooting-for-ntr-30-ss-rajamouli-attends-launch-ceremony/1466195/ |url-status=live}} The film's title Devara was officially announced on 19 May 2023, the eve of Rama Rao's birthday.{{Cite web |last=Shackleton |first=Liz |date=19 May 2023 |title='RRR' Star NTR Jr's 30th Film Title Confirmed As 'Devara'; First Look Revealed |url=https://deadline.com/2023/05/rrr-star-ntr-jr-n-t-rama-rao-jr-devara-first-look-1235373127/ |access-date=19 May 2023 |website=Deadline |language=en-US |archive-date=19 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230519213622/https://deadline.com/2023/05/rrr-star-ntr-jr-n-t-rama-rao-jr-devara-first-look-1235373127/ |url-status=live}} On 4 October, Siva announced that the film would be split into two parts.{{Cite news |date=4 October 2023 |title=Jr NTR's 'Devara' set to release in two parts |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/jr-ntrs-devara-set-to-release-in-two-parts/article67380019.ece |access-date=27 December 2023 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=27 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227173658/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/jr-ntrs-devara-set-to-release-in-two-parts/article67380019.ece |url-status=live}}

The technical crew consist of musician Anirudh Ravichander, cinematographer R. Rathnavelu, editor A. Sreekar Prasad, production designer Sabu Cyril, stunt choreographer Kenny Bates and visual effects supervisors Brad Minnich and Yugandhar T.{{Cite web |title=NTR 30: Jr NTR and Koratala Siva's film announced ahead of the actor's birthday. See motion poster |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/ntr-30-jr-ntr-and-koratala-diva-s-film-announced-ahead-of-the-actor-s-birthday-see-motion-poster-1951555-2022-05-19 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205171919/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/ntr-30-jr-ntr-and-koratala-diva-s-film-announced-ahead-of-the-actor-s-birthday-see-motion-poster-1951555-2022-05-19 |archive-date=5 February 2023 |access-date=5 February 2023 |website=India Today |date=19 May 2022 |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Action Choreographer Kenny Bates joins NTR 30 |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/telugu/news/2023/mar/26/action-choreographer-kenny-bates-joins-ntr-30-41526.html |access-date=27 December 2023 |website=Cinema Express |date=26 March 2023 |language=en |archive-date=27 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227173659/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/telugu/news/2023/mar/26/action-choreographer-kenny-bates-joins-ntr-30-41526.html |url-status=live}} Alia Bhatt, Shraddha Kapoor, Mrunal Thakur and Rashmika Mandanna were considered to play the female lead, but turned down the offer.{{Cite web |title=Alia Bhatt, Shraddha Kapoor turned down Jr NTR's NTR 30. All controversies around cast |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/alia-bhatt-shraddha-kapoor-turned-down-jr-ntr-s-ntr-30-all-controversies-around-cast-1951813-2022-05-20 |access-date=27 December 2023 |website=India Today |date=20 May 2022 |language=en |archive-date=27 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227173658/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/alia-bhatt-shraddha-kapoor-turned-down-jr-ntr-s-ntr-30-all-controversies-around-cast-1951813-2022-05-20 |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |date=16 September 2022 |title=NTR 30 Heroine: ఎన్టీఆర్‌-కొరటాల సినిమాలో హీరోయిన్ ఎవరు.. ఆ ఇద్దరిలో ఛాన్స్ ఎవరికి! |work=Zeest News |url=https://zeenews.india.com/telugu/flash-news/rashmika-mandanna-or-mrunal-thakur-who-is-the-heroine-of-jr-ntr-koratala-siva-ntr-30-movie-76537 |access-date=27 December 2023|language=te}} Janhvi Kapoor was confirmed to play the lead female role, in her first South Indian film.{{Cite news |last=PTI |date=6 March 2023 |title='NTR 30': Janhvi Kapoor joins Jr NTR-Koratala Siva film |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/ntr-30-janhvi-kapoor-joins-jr-ntr-koratala-siva-film/article66586596.ece |access-date=23 March 2023 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=23 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323031837/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/ntr-30-janhvi-kapoor-joins-jr-ntr-koratala-siva-film/article66586596.ece |url-status=live}} At the India Today Conclave, Janhvi described it as a "dream come true" moment on working with Rama Rao as she recalled on how she manifested her debut in South industry through Rama Rao's film in her past interviews.{{Cite web |title=Conclave 2023: Janhvi Kapoor opens up about her dream South debut with Jr NTR in NTR 30, says 'I manifested it' |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/india-today-conclave-2023-ntr-30-janhvi-kapoor-koratala-siva-2348474-2023-03-18 |access-date=27 December 2023 |website=India Today |date=18 March 2023 |language=en |archive-date=27 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227173700/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/india-today-conclave-2023-ntr-30-janhvi-kapoor-koratala-siva-2348474-2023-03-18 |url-status=live}} In April 2023, Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan was signed as an antagonist, marking his debut in Telugu cinema.{{Cite web |title=The makers of NTR 30 welcome Saif Ali Khan on board alongside Jr NTR and Janhvi Kapoor |url=https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/the-makers-of-ntr-30-welcome-saif-ali-khan-on-board-alongside-jr-ntr-and-janhvi-kapoor-57988.html |access-date=23 April 2023 |website=filmfare.com |language=en |archive-date=23 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423171143/https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/the-makers-of-ntr-30-welcome-saif-ali-khan-on-board-alongside-jr-ntr-and-janhvi-kapoor-57988.html |url-status=live}} Khan stated that speaking a new language for the film was challenging for him, and he did feel like a “newcomer”.{{Cite magazine |date=10 September 2024 |title=Saif Ali Khan on his Telugu debut with Devara: I did feel like a newcomer |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/saif-ali-khan-on-his-telugu-debut-with-devara-i-did-feel-like-a-newcomer-jr-ntr-janhvi-kapoor-koratala-siva-2597353-2024-09-10 |access-date=10 October 2024 |magazine=India Today}}

Prakash Raj and Meera Jasmine participated at the launch ceremony, thereby being part of the film.{{Cite web |title=NTR 30 officially launched |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/telugu/news/2023/mar/23/ntr-30-officially-launched-41427.html |access-date=27 December 2023 |website=Cinema Express |date=23 March 2023 |language=en |archive-date=27 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227173658/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/telugu/news/2023/mar/23/ntr-30-officially-launched-41427.html |url-status=live}} In May 2023, further supporting cast members joined the film with Mani Chandana and Tarak Ponnappa being part of the sets.{{Cite news |date=9 May 2023 |title=Excited to work with Jr NTR and Janhvi Kapoor in #NTR30: Mani Chandana |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/excited-to-work-with-jr-ntr-and-janhvi-kapoor-in-ntr30-mani-chandana/articleshow/100077058.cms |access-date=27 December 2023 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=27 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227173709/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/excited-to-work-with-jr-ntr-and-janhvi-kapoor-in-ntr30-mani-chandana/articleshow/100077058.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |title=Tarak Ponnappa: People should recognise the actor in me, and not just my appearance |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/kannada/interviews/2023/may/27/tarak-ponnappa-people-should-recognise-the-actor-in-me-and-not-just-my-appearance-43924.html |access-date=27 December 2023 |website=Cinema Express |date=27 May 2023 |language=en |archive-date=27 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227173658/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/kannada/interviews/2023/may/27/tarak-ponnappa-people-should-recognise-the-actor-in-me-and-not-just-my-appearance-43924.html |url-status=live}} In June 2023, it was announced that Shine Tom Chacko was cast in the film. Kalaiyarasan, Narain, Murali Sharma and Abhimanyu Singh also joined the cast after filming few preliminary sequences.{{Cite web |last=Sistu |first=Suhas |date=8 June 2023 |title="Devara" sets filled with actors from multiple industries |url=https://www.thehansindia.com/cinema/tollywood/devara-sets-filled-with-actors-from-multiple-industries-801556 |access-date=27 December 2023 |website=The Hans India |language=en |archive-date=27 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227173658/https://www.thehansindia.com/cinema/tollywood/devara-sets-filled-with-actors-from-multiple-industries-801556 |url-status=live}} In February 2024, reports surfaced stating that Shruti Marathe, a Marathi actress, had been chosen to star alongside Jr NTR.{{Cite news |date=10 February 2024 |title=Popular Marathi actress Shruti Marathe to star opposite Jr NTR in Devara: Report |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/popular-marathi-actress-shruti-marathe-to-star-opposite-jr-ntr-in-devara/articleshow/107567252.cms |access-date=7 June 2024 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=22 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240322130059/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/popular-marathi-actress-shruti-marathe-to-star-opposite-jr-ntr-in-devara/articleshow/107567252.cms |url-status=live }} Shruti confirmed this during an interview with the Marathi Star Media portal. Siva later revealed that he chose Shruti as Devara's wife as he didn't want an actress to look like a second heroine in the film. He further added that he had been searching for an actress who complemented Devara's personality and he clarified that if he had cast any reputed actor then perhaps their image would have sidelined the role.{{cite news |title=Koratala Siva Reveals Why He Chose Marathi Actress Shruti Marathe As Elder NTR's Wife In Devara |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/telugu/koratala-siva-reveals-why-he-chose-marathi-actress-shruti-marathe-as-elder-ntrs-wife-in-devara-article-113692195 |work=Times Now |date=27 September 2024 |access-date=18 November 2024}}

Principal photography commenced on 1 April 2023 in Hyderabad, with Rama Rao in attendance,{{Cite web |title=Watch: Jr NTR walks into the sets of NTR 30 in style, starts shooting for Koratala Siva's directorial |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-watch-jr-ntr-walks-into-the-sets-of-ntr30-in-style-starts-shooting-for-koratala-siva-s-directorial-3033738 |access-date=1 April 2023 |website=DNA India |language=en |archive-date=1 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230401164529/https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-watch-jr-ntr-walks-into-the-sets-of-ntr30-in-style-starts-shooting-for-koratala-siva-s-directorial-3033738 |url-status=dead}} while Janhvi and Khan joined the sets in mid April.{{Cite news |date=17 April 2023 |title=Janhvi Kapoor arrives in Hyderabad to shoot for Jr NTR co-starrer #NTR30 |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/janhvi-kapoor-arrives-in-hyderabad-to-shoot-for-jr-ntr-co-starrer-ntr30/articleshow/99549008.cms |access-date=27 December 2023 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=27 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227173703/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/janhvi-kapoor-arrives-in-hyderabad-to-shoot-for-jr-ntr-co-starrer-ntr30/articleshow/99549008.cms |url-status=live}} In mid-May, the team took a two-week break following Rama Rao's departure for a family vacation.{{Cite news |date=5 June 2023 |title=Watch: Jr NTR and family return to Hyderabad after vacation, twinning in white! |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/watch-jr-ntr-and-family-return-to-hyderabad-after-vacation-twinning-in-white/articleshow/100756505.cms |access-date=27 December 2023 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=27 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227173707/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/watch-jr-ntr-and-family-return-to-hyderabad-after-vacation-twinning-in-white/articleshow/100756505.cms |url-status=live}} Filming resumed on 7 June 2023 with few crucial sequences between Rama Rao, Khan and other cast members being shot there and was completed in 14 days.{{Cite news |date=7 June 2023 |title=Devara: Jr NTR and Saif Ali Khan to kickstart new schedule with intense scenes |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/devara-jr-ntr-and-saif-ali-khan-to-kickstart-new-schedule-with-intense-scenes/articleshow/100815087.cms |access-date=27 December 2023 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=27 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227173706/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/devara-jr-ntr-and-saif-ali-khan-to-kickstart-new-schedule-with-intense-scenes/articleshow/100815087.cms |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |date=23 June 2023 |title=Jr NTR Wraps Up Devara's 14-Days Action-Packed Shooting Schedule In Hyderabad; Deets Inside |url=https://www.news18.com/movies/jr-ntr-wraps-up-devaras-14-days-action-packed-shooting-schedule-in-hyderabad-deets-inside-8156185.html |access-date=28 June 2023 |website=News18 |language=en |archive-date=27 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627175622/https://www.news18.com/movies/jr-ntr-wraps-up-devaras-14-days-action-packed-shooting-schedule-in-hyderabad-deets-inside-8156185.html |url-status=live}} Several action sequences had been shot in this schedule, including one which has been filmed in extreme low light.{{Cite web |date=26 June 2023 |title=NTR Jr shoots Devara action sequence in extremely low-light |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/news/ntr-jr-shoots-devara-action-sequence-in-extremely-low-light |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031164202/https://www.filmcompanion.in/news/ntr-jr-shoots-devara-action-sequence-in-extremely-low-light |archive-date=31 October 2023 |access-date=23 October 2023 |website=Film Companion South |language=en}} The team then took a brief month-long break, before resuming on 31 July 2023, to shoot an underwater action sequence.{{Cite news |date=1 August 2023 |title=Jr NTR dives into a spectacular water sequence for Koratala Siva's 'Devara' |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/jr-ntr-dives-into-a-spectacular-water-sequence-for-koratala-sivas-devara/articleshow/102308206.cms |access-date=27 December 2023 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=27 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227173702/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/jr-ntr-dives-into-a-spectacular-water-sequence-for-koratala-sivas-devara/articleshow/102308206.cms |url-status=live}} Rama Rao trained with expert swimmers from Mumbai for this particular schedule.{{Cite news |date=29 August 2023 |title=Devara: Jr NTR undertakes training for an underwater action sequence in Koratala Siva's directorial film |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/devara-jr-ntr-undertakes-training-for-an-underwater-action-sequence-in-koratala-sivas-directorial-film/articleshow/103182278.cms?from=mdr |access-date=27 December 2023 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=27 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227173705/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/devara-jr-ntr-undertakes-training-for-an-underwater-action-sequence-in-koratala-sivas-directorial-film/articleshow/103182278.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live}} In September, some of the sequences were shot at a specially constructed beach set in Shamshabad.{{Cite news |date=27 September 2023 |title='Devara': Art director Sabu Cyril constructs a realistic beach in Hyderabad for the Jr. NTR and Saif Ali Khan starrer |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/devara-art-director-sabu-cyril-constructs-a-realistic-beach-in-hyderabad-for-the-jr-ntr-and-saif-ali-khan-starrer/articleshow/103990251.cms |access-date=27 December 2023 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=27 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227173704/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/devara-art-director-sabu-cyril-constructs-a-realistic-beach-in-hyderabad-for-the-jr-ntr-and-saif-ali-khan-starrer/articleshow/103990251.cms |url-status=live}}

On 4 October 2023, the makers filmed the underwater action sequence at Hyderabad which would conclude the schedule post-completion.{{Cite web |date=4 October 2023 |title=Devara Buzz: Jr NTR's intense underwater sequence; DEETS inside |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/devara-buzz-jr-ntrs-intense-underwater-sequence-deets-inside-1248286 |access-date=27 December 2023 |website=PINKVILLA |language=en |archive-date=27 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227173701/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/devara-buzz-jr-ntrs-intense-underwater-sequence-deets-inside-1248286 |url-status=live}} Janhvi completed filming for her portions on 1 November.{{Cite news |date=30 October 2023 |title=Janhvi Kapoor celebrates schedule wrap of Devara with an ice-cream |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/janhvi-kapoor-celebrates-schedule-wrap-of-devara-with-an-ice-cream/articleshow/104826655.cms |access-date=27 December 2023 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=27 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227173658/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/janhvi-kapoor-celebrates-schedule-wrap-of-devara-with-an-ice-cream/articleshow/104826655.cms |url-status=live}} The team then took a break to celebrate Diwali (12 November 2023) and resumed filming two days later for another brief schedule.{{Cite web |last=FC |first=Team |date=14 November 2023 |title=Jr NTR starrer Devara Resumes Shooting Post Diwali |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/news/jr-ntr-starrer-devara-resumes-shooting-post-diwali |access-date=27 December 2023 |website=Film Companion |language=en |archive-date=27 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227173658/https://www.filmcompanion.in/news/jr-ntr-starrer-devara-resumes-shooting-post-diwali |url-status=live}} The Goa schedule was completed by 20 November and the team returned to Hyderabad for another brief schedule which was filmed during mid-December.{{Cite news |date=26 December 2023 |title=Kalyan Ram preps for the 'Devil' release and reveals that team 'Devara-Part 1' is expected to release the first glimpse soon |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/kalyan-ram-preps-for-the-devil-release-and-reveals-that-team-devara-part-1-is-expected-to-release-the-first-glimpse-soon/articleshow/106294030.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104213650/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/kalyan-ram-preps-for-the-devil-release-and-reveals-that-team-devara-part-1-is-expected-to-release-the-first-glimpse-soon/articleshow/106294030.cms |archive-date=4 January 2024 |access-date=26 September 2024 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}} Kalyan Ram revealed that 80% of the film's shooting had been completed by late-December 2023, and filming would be wrapped by January 2024. However, at the end of the month, the production team revealed that 30 per cent of the film's shoot is to be completed.{{Cite web |date=30 January 2024 |title='Devara Part 1' to resume its shoot next month |url=https://telugucinema.com/news/devara-part-1-to-resume-its-shoot-next-month |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240612162859/https://telugucinema.com/news/devara-part-1-to-resume-its-shoot-next-month |archive-date=12 June 2024 |access-date=26 September 2024 |website=Telugucinema.com |language=en-US}}

In mid-March 2024, the team moved to Goa for filming a song sequence with Rama Rao and Janhvi.{{Cite web |last=ANI |date=19 March 2024 |title=NTR Jr begins shoot for next phase of his upcoming film 'Devara: Part 1' in Goa |url=https://theprint.in/feature/ntr-jr-begins-shoot-for-next-phase-of-his-upcoming-film-devara-part-1-in-goa/2006617/ |access-date=31 August 2024 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US |archive-date=31 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240831153424/https://theprint.in/feature/ntr-jr-begins-shoot-for-next-phase-of-his-upcoming-film-devara-part-1-in-goa/2006617/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=22 March 2024 |title=Watch: Jr NTR shoots 'Devara Part 1' in Goa, video goes viral |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/jr-ntr-shoots-devara-part-1-in-goa-viral-video-2518122-2024-03-22 |access-date=31 August 2024 |website=India Today |language=en |archive-date=31 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240831153424/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/jr-ntr-shoots-devara-part-1-in-goa-viral-video-2518122-2024-03-22 |url-status=live }} Following a short break, the team filmed a concurrent schedule in May 2024 at Visakhapatnam where Khan's portions were filmed.{{Cite news |date=6 May 2024 |title=Saif Ali Khan resumes shooting for the Jr. NTR starrer 'Devara: Part 1' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/saif-ali-khan-resumes-shooting-for-the-jr-ntr-starrer-devara-part-1/articleshow/109884161.cms |access-date=31 August 2024 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=31 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240831153425/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/saif-ali-khan-resumes-shooting-for-the-jr-ntr-starrer-devara-part-1/articleshow/109884161.cms |url-status=live }} Rama Rao was not present in that schedule as he was filming for War 2 (2025) in Mumbai.{{Cite news |date=13 May 2024 |title=After wrapping up Mumbai schedule for 'War 2', Jr. NTR spotted at Kalina airport |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/after-wrapping-up-mumbai-schedule-for-war-2-jr-ntr-spotted-at-kalina-airport/articleshow/110072914.cms |access-date=31 August 2024 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=31 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240831153424/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/after-wrapping-up-mumbai-schedule-for-war-2-jr-ntr-spotted-at-kalina-airport/articleshow/110072914.cms |url-status=live }} In mid-June, the team shot an action sequence set in a forest in Goa featuring Rama Rao and Khan.{{Cite news |date=17 June 2024 |title=Saif Ali Khan and Jr. NTR shoot for an intense action sequence of 'Devara' in Goa forest! See pic |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/saif-ali-khan-and-jr-ntr-shoot-for-an-intense-action-sequence-of-devara-in-goa-forest-see-pic/articleshow/111052240.cms |access-date=31 August 2024 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=31 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240831153425/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/saif-ali-khan-and-jr-ntr-shoot-for-an-intense-action-sequence-of-devara-in-goa-forest-see-pic/articleshow/111052240.cms |url-status=live }} In the same month, the team moved to Krabi, Thailand for filming a romantic song featuring Rama Rao and Jhanvi ("Chuttamalle") which was choreographed by Bosco Martis.{{Cite news |date=17 June 2024 |title=Jr NTR heads to Thailand to shoot 'Devara: Part 1' romantic song with Janhvi Kapoor |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/jr-ntr-heads-to-thailand-to-shoot-devara-part-1-romantic-song-with-janhvi-kapoor/articleshow/111061984.cms |access-date=31 August 2024 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=31 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240831153426/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/jr-ntr-heads-to-thailand-to-shoot-devara-part-1-romantic-song-with-janhvi-kapoor/articleshow/111061984.cms |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=23 July 2024 |title=Choreographer Bosco Martis praises Jr NTR's dance skills in 'Devara' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/choreographer-bosco-martis-praises-jr-ntrs-dance-skills-in-devara/articleshow/111958578.cms |access-date=31 August 2024 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=27 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240827173951/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/choreographer-bosco-martis-praises-jr-ntrs-dance-skills-in-devara/articleshow/111958578.cms |url-status=live }} In July 2024, the team filmed another schedule in Shamshabad.{{Cite news |date=18 July 2024 |title='Devara' makers decide to shoot indoors after multiple leaks |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/devara-makers-decide-to-shoot-indoors-after-multiple-leaks/articleshow/111829330.cms |access-date=31 August 2024 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=31 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240831153424/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/devara-makers-decide-to-shoot-indoors-after-multiple-leaks/articleshow/111829330.cms |url-status=live }} Due to multiple leaks throughout the production, the portions were filmed inside closed sets with the crew members restricted from using phones throughout the schedule. In mid-August 2024, a song titled "Aayudha Puja" was filmed in sets.{{Cite news |date=12 August 2024 |title='Devara: Part 1' makers tease upcoming song with an exciting update from the set |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/devara-part-1-makers-tease-upcoming-song-with-an-exciting-update-from-the-set/articleshow/112453238.cms |access-date=31 August 2024 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=31 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240831153427/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/devara-part-1-makers-tease-upcoming-song-with-an-exciting-update-from-the-set/articleshow/112453238.cms |url-status=live }} On 14 August 2024, Rama Rao announced that he had completed filming his portions for the film.{{Cite news |date=14 August 2024 |title=Jr NTR wraps 'Devara Part 1' shoot; shares unseen BTS still |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/jr-ntr-wraps-devara-part-1-shoot-shares-unseen-bts-still/article68523739.ece |access-date=31 August 2024 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=31 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240831153423/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/jr-ntr-wraps-devara-part-1-shoot-shares-unseen-bts-still/article68523739.ece |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Chaubey |first=Pranita |date=14 August 2024 |title=Jr NTR Wraps The Final Shot Of Devara: "What A Wonderful Journey" |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/jr-ntr-wraps-the-final-shot-of-devara-what-a-wonderful-journey-6333517 |access-date=31 August 2024 |website=NDTV |language=en |archive-date=31 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240831153423/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/jr-ntr-wraps-the-final-shot-of-devara-what-a-wonderful-journey-6333517 |url-status=live }}

In an interaction with Sandeep Reddy Vanga, Rama Rao added that he initially planned to shoot the underwater sequences at one of the biggest pools in Kapoli, but for reasons unknown they decided to set up a pool in the studio where they would predominantly shoot the action sequences.{{Cite news |date=16 September 2024 |title=Jr NTR on shooting under water scene for 35 days in 'Devara Part 1': It is an important sequence! |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/jr-ntr-on-shooting-under-water-scene-for-35-days-in-devara-part-1-it-is-an-important-sequence/articleshow/113387082.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240920202122/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/jr-ntr-on-shooting-under-water-scene-for-35-days-in-devara-part-1-it-is-an-important-sequence/articleshow/113387082.cms |archive-date=20 September 2024 |access-date=26 September 2024 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}} The team constructed a 20-foot water tank, dug five feet with 200 x 150 feet dimensions, in which they shot most of the action sequences for 30–35 days.{{Cite web |date=16 September 2024 |title='It Took 35 Days To Shoot An Underwater Sequence In Devara': Jr NTR |url=https://www.news18.com/movies/it-took-35-days-to-shoot-an-underwater-sequence-in-devara-jr-ntr-2-9053012.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240917012139/https://www.news18.com/movies/it-took-35-days-to-shoot-an-underwater-sequence-in-devara-jr-ntr-2-9053012.html |archive-date=17 September 2024 |access-date=26 September 2024 |website=News18 |language=en}}{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=20 September 2024 |title=Jr NTR reveals challenging 35-Day underwater sequence in Devara: Part 1 |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/south-cinema/jr-ntr-reveals-challenging-35-day-underwater-sequence-devara-part-1/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921023622/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/south-cinema/jr-ntr-reveals-challenging-35-day-underwater-sequence-devara-part-1/ |archive-date=21 September 2024 |access-date=26 September 2024 |website=Bollywood Hungama |language=en}} He added, "We had these big diggers which came in and created artificial waves. We had wave machines. We have motorboats, motors fixed into the water to give small ripples in the pool. There was a pool and there was a water tank as well. So, it was very high on action."{{Cite web |date=16 September 2024 |title=Jr NTR On Filming Devara: "We Shot For 30-35 Days Underwater" |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/we-shot-for-about-30-35-odd-days-underwater-jr-ntr-on-underwater-sequences-in-devara-part-1-6570686 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240918072647/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/we-shot-for-about-30-35-odd-days-underwater-jr-ntr-on-underwater-sequences-in-devara-part-1-6570686 |archive-date=18 September 2024 |access-date=26 September 2024 |website=www.ndtv.com |language=en}}

The visual effects were handled by Kalyan Ram's visual effects company, Advaitha Creative Works, along with Annapurna Studios, Digital Domain, Stealthworks Taiwan, NXT VFX, NY VFXWaala, Alzahra VFX, Phantom FX, Studio51, Firebolt Entertainment, Maskman Studio, Oscar VFX, DNEG, and Redefine VFX; Yugandhar T. and Brad Minnich served as the visual effects supervisors.{{Cite web |last=Srikar |first=Ram Venkat |date=5 January 2024 |title=We Are Correcting The VFX Process With Devara: Nandamuri Kalyan Ram |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/interviews/telugu-interview/we-are-correcting-the-vfx-process-with-devara-nandamuri-kalyan-ram-jr-ntr-koratala-siva-jahnvi-kapoor-anirudh-ravichander |access-date=31 August 2024 |website=Film Companion South |language=en |archive-date=29 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240929135932/https://www.filmcompanion.in/interviews/telugu-interview/we-are-correcting-the-vfx-process-with-devara-nandamuri-kalyan-ram-jr-ntr-koratala-siva-jahnvi-kapoor-anirudh-ravichander |url-status=live }} As the film relied heavily on visual effects, Kalyan Ram researched extensively on enhancing the computer graphics and effects for nearly eight months, detailing on specific sequences that need VFX and real elements, respectively. To achieve this, the VFX team storyboarded the particular shots which demanded VFX. Sequences that demanded visual effects were filmed earlier so that the team could work on them within a four-month duration, and the process was supervised by international companies.{{Cite web |last=Mohammad |first=Avad |date=16 April 2024 |title=Jr NTR's Devara - Star producers fighting it out to bag the theatrical rights {{!}} Details inside |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/devara-star-producers-fighting-it-out-to-bag-the-theatrical-rights-of-the-jr-ntr-starrer-details-inside/6657984dcd433 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240831153428/https://www.ottplay.com/news/devara-star-producers-fighting-it-out-to-bag-the-theatrical-rights-of-the-jr-ntr-starrer-details-inside/6657984dcd433 |archive-date=31 August 2024 |access-date=31 August 2024 |website=OTTPlay |language=en |quote=The first part is almost done with its shoot, and the post-production is happening in different countries as the film is heavy on VFX.}}{{Cite web |date=23 January 2024 |title=Devara: Jr NTR Starrer Movie POSTPONED? Team Delays Film For VFX |url=https://www.news18.com/movies/devara-jr-ntr-starrer-movie-postponed-team-delays-film-for-vfx-8752049.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124033414/https://www.news18.com/movies/devara-jr-ntr-starrer-movie-postponed-team-delays-film-for-vfx-8752049.html |archive-date=24 January 2024 |access-date=31 August 2024 |website=News18 |language=en}} Dubbing for the film began simultaneously in July 2024.{{Cite web |last=Sistu |first=Suhas |date=7 July 2024 |title='Devara: Part 1' post-production on full swing; film starts dubbing |url=https://www.thehansindia.com/cinema/devara-part-1-post-production-on-full-swing-film-starts-dubbing-890048 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240831153423/https://www.thehansindia.com/cinema/devara-part-1-post-production-on-full-swing-film-starts-dubbing-890048 |archive-date=31 August 2024 |access-date=31 August 2024 |website=The Hans India |language=en}} According to cinematographer Rathnavelu, the film featured 3000 CG shots.{{Cite web |last=Adivi |first=Sashidhar |date=25 September 2024 |title=Jr NTR's Devara Has 3000 CG Shots, 30 Minutes of Underwater Action Sequences: Cinematographer Rathnavelu |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/telugu/ntrs-devara-has-3000-cg-shots-30-minutes-of-underwater-action-sequences-cinematographer-rathnavelu-article-113651454 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926060754/https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/telugu/ntrs-devara-has-3000-cg-shots-30-minutes-of-underwater-action-sequences-cinematographer-rathnavelu-article-113651454 |archive-date=26 September 2024 |access-date=26 September 2024 |website=Times Now |language=en}}

The initial runtime of the film was 190 minutes.{{Cite news |date=6 September 2024 |title='Devara' to have long run time of 3 hours 10 minutes |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/devara-to-have-long-run-time-of-3-hours-10-minutes/articleshow/113086033.cms#:~:text='Devara',%20a%20Telugu%20action,3%20hours%20and%2010%20minutes. |access-date=26 September 2024 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=29 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240929135858/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/devara-to-have-long-run-time-of-3-hours-10-minutes/articleshow/113086033.cms#:~:text='Devara',%20a%20Telugu%20action,3%20hours%20and%2010%20minutes. |url-status=live }} It was sent to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) on 12 September 2024, where it received U/A certificate.{{Cite web |date=12 September 2024 |title=Jr NTR's Devara gets a U/A Certificate from CBFC |url=https://www.filmfare.com/news/south/jr-ntrs-devara-gets-a-ua-certificate-from-cbfc-68447.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240913114540/https://www.filmfare.com/news/south/jr-ntrs-devara-gets-a-ua-certificate-from-cbfc-68447.html |archive-date=13 September 2024 |access-date=26 September 2024 |website=Filmfare |language=en}}{{Cite news |date=13 September 2024 |title=NTR's 'Devara: Part 1' cleared by censor board with minor cuts |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/ntrs-devara-part-1-cleared-by-censor-board-with-minor-cuts/articleshow/113307505.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240917093629/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/ntrs-devara-part-1-cleared-by-censor-board-with-minor-cuts/articleshow/113307505.cms |archive-date=17 September 2024 |access-date=26 September 2024 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}} The censor board demanded four cuts for the film where a character kicking his wife, another character kicking his mother being modified, a five-second shot of a character hanging through a sword and then sliding down through it had been removed, and a scene with Rama Rao's character riding a shark in the sea was modified.{{Cite web |date=13 September 2024 |title=Devara Part 1: Jr NTR's film gets U/A certificate from censor board |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/devara-part-1-jr-ntrs-film-gets-ua-certificate-from-censor-board-2599221-2024-09-13 |access-date=26 September 2024 |website=India Today |language=en |archive-date=25 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240925013158/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/devara-part-1-jr-ntrs-film-gets-ua-certificate-from-censor-board-2599221-2024-09-13 |url-status=live }} With the exclusion of those sequences, the final runtime was revealed to be around 170 minutes.{{Cite web |last=Sistu |first=Suhas |date=25 September 2024 |title=Jr NTR's 'Devara: Part 1'final runtime revealed ahead of release |url=https://www.thehansindia.com/cinema/jr-ntrs-devara-part-1final-runtime-revealed-ahead-of-release-909594 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926061220/https://www.thehansindia.com/cinema/jr-ntrs-devara-part-1final-runtime-revealed-ahead-of-release-909594 |archive-date=26 September 2024 |access-date=26 September 2024 |website=The Hans India |language=en}}

{{Main article|Devara: Part 1 (soundtrack)}}

The film's soundtrack album and background score were composed by Anirudh Ravichander in his fourth Telugu project after Agnyaathavaasi (2018), Jersey (2019), and Nani's Gang Leader (2019).{{Cite web |date=20 November 2022 |title=NTR30: Anirudh Ravichander teams up with Jr NTR; Begins music discussion with Koratala Siva |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/anirudh-ravichander-koratala-sivas-deep-talk-on-music-for-jr-ntr-starrer-ntr30-dont-miss-trophies-in-pic-1199780 |access-date=5 February 2023 |website=PINKVILLA |language=en |archive-date=5 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205171920/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/anirudh-ravichander-koratala-sivas-deep-talk-on-music-for-jr-ntr-starrer-ntr30-dont-miss-trophies-in-pic-1199780 |url-status=live}}

The first single, titled "Fear Song" was released on 19 May 2024.{{cite web |access-date=19 May 2024 |title=Fear Song from 'Devara: Part 1' out: Jr NTR looks formidable in this Anirudh track |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/fear-song-devara-part-1-jr-ntr-formidable-anirudh-ravichander-2541171-2024-05-19 |date=19 May 2024 |website=India Today |archive-date=19 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240519155137/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/fear-song-devara-part-1-jr-ntr-formidable-anirudh-ravichander-2541171-2024-05-19 |url-status=live }} The second single titled "Chuttamalle" was released on 5 August 2024.{{cite web |access-date=5 August 2024 |title=Devara song Chuttamalle: Anirudh Ravichander's romantic melody explores NTR Jr, Janhvi Kapoor's dance skills, sizzling chemistry |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/devara-song-chuttamalle-anirudh-ravichander-romantic-melody-ntr-jr-janhvi-kapoor-dance-skills-sizzling-chemistry-9496373/ |work=The Indian Express |date=5 August 2024 |archive-date=29 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240929135859/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/devara-song-chuttamalle-anirudh-ravichander-romantic-melody-ntr-jr-janhvi-kapoor-dance-skills-sizzling-chemistry-9496373/ |url-status=live }} The third single titled "Daavudi" was released on 4 September 2024.{{cite news |access-date=1 September 2024 |title=Jr. NTR's 'Devara' gears up for third single "Daavudi" as release date nears |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/jr-ntrs-devara-gears-up-for-third-single-daavudi-as-release-date-nears/articleshow/112963537.cms |work=Times of India |date=September 2024 |archive-date=2 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240902150416/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/jr-ntrs-devara-gears-up-for-third-single-daavudi-as-release-date-nears/articleshow/112963537.cms |url-status=live }} The fourth single, titled "Ayudha Pooja" was released on 26 September 2024 along with the full soundtrack album.{{Cite web |date=26 September 2024 |title=Devara: Part 1 (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) – EP by Anirudh Ravichander |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/devara-part-1-original-motion-picture-soundtrack-telugu-ep/1770755972 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240929001115/https://music.apple.com/us/album/devara-part-1-original-motion-picture-soundtrack-telugu-ep/1770755972 |archive-date=29 September 2024 |access-date=1 October 2024 |website=Apple Music}}

On 8 January 2024, the makers unveiled a glimpse into the film through social media platforms.{{Cite web |last=Mukherjee |first=Anindita |date=8 January 2024 |title='Devara Part 1': Jr NTR's bloodshed turns the sea red in first glimpse |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/devara-part-1-jr-ntrs-bloodshed-turns-the-sea-red-in-first-glimpse-2485879-2024-01-08 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118034726/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/devara-part-1-jr-ntrs-bloodshed-turns-the-sea-red-in-first-glimpse-2485879-2024-01-08 |archive-date=18 January 2024 |access-date=26 September 2024 |website=India Today |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Chowdhury |first=Madhumanti Pait |date=8 January 2024 |title=Devara First Glimpse: Jr NTR's Adventures In A Sea Of Blood |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/devara-first-glimpse-jr-ntrs-adventures-in-a-sea-of-blood-4823686 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126173924/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/devara-first-glimpse-jr-ntrs-adventures-in-a-sea-of-blood-4823686 |archive-date=26 January 2024 |access-date=26 September 2024 |website=NDTV |language=en}} Another glimpse that revealed Khan's character Bhaira was released on 16 August, coinciding with the actor's birthday.{{Cite web |last=Nyayapati |first=Neeshita |date=16 August 2024 |title=Saif Ali Khan introduced as kushti expert Bhaira in new glimpse from Devara Part 1 on birthday. Watch |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/telugu-cinema/saif-ali-khan-introduced-kushti-expert-bhaira-new-glimpse-jr-ntr-devara-part-1-birthday-101723806263078.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818202419/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/telugu-cinema/saif-ali-khan-introduced-kushti-expert-bhaira-new-glimpse-jr-ntr-devara-part-1-birthday-101723806263078.html |archive-date=18 August 2024 |access-date=26 September 2024 |website=Hindustan Times}}{{Cite web |last=Anand |first=Akriti |date=16 August 2024 |title=Devara: Makers Drops First Look Of 'Bhaira' Aka Saif Ali Khan On His Birthday, Kareena Kapoor Reacts |url=https://www.news18.com/movies/devara-makers-drops-first-look-of-bhaira-aka-saif-ali-khan-on-his-birthday-kareena-kapoor-reacts-9017534.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824124220/https://www.news18.com/movies/devara-makers-drops-first-look-of-bhaira-aka-saif-ali-khan-on-his-birthday-kareena-kapoor-reacts-9017534.html |archive-date=24 August 2024 |access-date=26 September 2024 |website=News18 |language=en}} The film's trailer was launched at an event held in Film City, Mumbai on 10 September.{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Dishya |date=9 September 2024 |title=Jr NTR and Saif Ali Khan Reunite in Mumbai, Kick Off Devara Promotions in Style {{!}} Watch Videos |url=https://www.news18.com/movies/jr-ntr-and-saif-ali-khan-reunite-in-mumbai-kick-off-devara-promotions-in-style-watch-videos-9044959.html#:~:text=Jr%20NTR%20and%20Saif%20Ali%20Khan%20promote%20Devara%20in%20Mumbai,Film%20City%20on%20Monday%20evening. |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921095039/https://www.news18.com/movies/jr-ntr-and-saif-ali-khan-reunite-in-mumbai-kick-off-devara-promotions-in-style-watch-videos-9044959.html |archive-date=21 September 2024 |access-date=26 September 2024 |website=News18 |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Bhattacharya |first=Trisha |date=10 September 2024 |title=Devara trailer: Jr NTR, Saif Ali Khan fight it out in Koratala Siva's film |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/devara-trailer-jr-ntr-saif-ali-khan-fight-it-out-in-koratala-sivas-film-janhvi-kapoor-anirudh-ravichander-2597263-2024-09-10 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916062914/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/devara-trailer-jr-ntr-saif-ali-khan-fight-it-out-in-koratala-sivas-film-janhvi-kapoor-anirudh-ravichander-2597263-2024-09-10 |archive-date=16 September 2024 |access-date=26 September 2024 |website=India Today |language=en}} The trailer, however garnered mixed response from certain sections of audiences; actor Vishwak Sen criticised few social media users peddling targeted hate against the trailer.{{Cite news |date=12 September 2024 |title=Vishwak Sen lashes out at Netizens criticizing 'Devara Part 1' trailer |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/vishwak-sen-lashes-out-at-netizens-criticizing-devara-part-1-trailer/articleshow/113291866.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240915083024/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/vishwak-sen-lashes-out-at-netizens-criticizing-devara-part-1-trailer/articleshow/113291866.cms |archive-date=15 September 2024 |access-date=26 September 2024 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}{{Cite web |date=12 September 2024 |title=Vishwak Sen lashes out at YouTubers for criticising Jr NTR's Devara Part 1 trailer: 'Just looking at your face makes me' |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/telugu-cinema/vishwak-sen-lashes-out-at-youtubers-for-criticising-jr-ntrs-devara-part-1-trailer-101726123816830.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240912090731/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/telugu-cinema/vishwak-sen-lashes-out-at-youtubers-for-criticising-jr-ntrs-devara-part-1-trailer-101726123816830.html |archive-date=12 September 2024 |access-date=26 September 2024 |website=Hindustan Times}} Another trailer was released on 22 September 2024, five days ahead of the film's release.{{Cite web |date=22 September 2024 |title=Devara release trailer: Jr NTR, Koratala Siva promise a bloody actioner with strong emotional core |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/devara-release-trailer-is-out-jr-ntr-and-koratala-siva-promise-a-bloody-actioner-9581934/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240924061652/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/devara-release-trailer-is-out-jr-ntr-and-koratala-siva-promise-a-bloody-actioner-9581934/ |archive-date=24 September 2024 |access-date=26 September 2024 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=22 September 2024 |title=Devara Telugu trailer: Jr NTR, Saif Ali Khan share a complex sibling relationship |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/devara-part-1-telugu-trailer-jr-ntr-saif-ali-khan-janhvi-kapoor-koratala-siva-2604446-2024-09-22 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240922181435/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/devara-part-1-telugu-trailer-jr-ntr-saif-ali-khan-janhvi-kapoor-koratala-siva-2604446-2024-09-22 |archive-date=22 September 2024 |access-date=26 September 2024 |website=India Today |language=en}}

The promotional campaign kickstarted with a press conference held in Chennai for the film's Tamil version on 17 September 2024,{{Cite news |date=17 September 2024 |title=Jr NTR's 'Devara: Part 1' team to kick off South belt promotions with grand audio launch in Chennai |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/jr-ntrs-devara-part-1-team-to-kick-off-south-belt-promotions-with-grand-audio-launch-in-chennai/articleshow/113414684.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240920101711/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/jr-ntrs-devara-part-1-team-to-kick-off-south-belt-promotions-with-grand-audio-launch-in-chennai/articleshow/113414684.cms |archive-date=20 September 2024 |access-date=26 September 2024 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}{{Cite web |date=17 September 2024 |title='Devara' Chennai Press Meet: A star-studded affair |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/ampstories/entertainment/devara-chennai-press-meet-a-star-studded-affair-3194892 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919065630/https://www.deccanherald.com/ampstories/entertainment/devara-chennai-press-meet-a-star-studded-affair-3194892 |archive-date=19 September 2024 |access-date=26 September 2024 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}} and promotional events were also planned in Kochi, Bangalore and Hyderabad. The film's pre-release event was initially planned at the H.I.C.C. Novotel in Hyderabad.{{Cite news |date=22 September 2024 |title=Chaos erupts as pre-release event of 'Devara' gets cancelled in Hyderabad; Jr NTR fans REACT - WATCH videos |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/chaos-erupts-as-pre-release-event-of-devara-gets-cancelled-in-hyderabad-jr-ntr-fans-react-watch-videos/articleshow/113575462.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240923084600/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/chaos-erupts-as-pre-release-event-of-devara-gets-cancelled-in-hyderabad-jr-ntr-fans-react-watch-videos/articleshow/113575462.cms |archive-date=23 September 2024 |access-date=26 September 2024 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}} However, it was cancelled due to the massive crowd of the actor's fans trying to enter the auditorium, exceeding its capacity; Rama Rao and Trivikram Srinivas, who was the event's chief guest, were eventually asked to walk out of the auditorium citing audience overflow.{{Cite news |date=23 September 2024 |title=Fans break chairs as 'Devara' pre-release event gets cancelled; venue overflows |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/fans-break-chairs-as-devara-pre-release-event-gets-cancelled-venue-overflows/articleshow/113582480.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240923054351/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/fans-break-chairs-as-devara-pre-release-event-gets-cancelled-venue-overflows/articleshow/113582480.cms |archive-date=23 September 2024 |access-date=26 September 2024 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}} Rama Rao released a video message expressing his disappointment on the event's cancellation.{{Cite web |last=K. |first=Janani |date=23 September 2024 |title=Jr NTR on Devara event cancellation: My pain is more than yours |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/jr-ntr-on-devara-pre-release-event-cancellation-my-pain-is-more-than-yours-2604703-2024-09-23 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240923222641/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/jr-ntr-on-devara-pre-release-event-cancellation-my-pain-is-more-than-yours-2604703-2024-09-23 |archive-date=23 September 2024 |access-date=26 September 2024 |website=India Today |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=23 September 2024 |title=Jr NTR reacts as Devara's pre-release event in Hyderabad cancelled at the last minute: 'I share your disappointment, my pain is more than yours' |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/jr-ntr-reacts-as-devaras-pre-release-event-in-hyderabad-cancelled-at-the-last-minute-i-share-your-disappointment-my-pain-is-more-than-yours-9583377/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240923065126/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/jr-ntr-reacts-as-devaras-pre-release-event-in-hyderabad-cancelled-at-the-last-minute-i-share-your-disappointment-my-pain-is-more-than-yours-9583377/ |archive-date=23 September 2024 |access-date=26 September 2024 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}

Karan Johar hosted an interview under the name Devara ka Jigra, with Rama Rao and Alia Bhatt, simultaneously handling the promotions for the latter's film Jigra.{{Cite web |title="Devara Ka Jigra": Alia Bhatt, Jr NTR's Double Whammy. Bonus - Karan Johar |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/alia-bhatt-reunite-with-rrr-co-star-jr-ntr-for-jigra-devara-joint-promotions-6540755 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240913180728/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/alia-bhatt-reunite-with-rrr-co-star-jr-ntr-for-jigra-devara-joint-promotions-6540755 |archive-date=13 September 2024 |access-date=26 September 2024 |website=NDTV |language=en}} The interview was uploaded to the YouTube channel of Dharma Productions on 23 September.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtlIwgjNNS4 |title=Devara ka Jigra - Karan Johar in conversation with Jr. NTR & Alia Bhatt |date=23 September 2024 |last= |type=Interview |publisher=Dharma Productions |access-date=26 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240924071104/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtlIwgjNNS4 |archive-date=24 September 2024 |url-status=live |via=YouTube}} The interview featured the actors discussing their experiences on working in their respective films.{{Cite web |last=K. |first=Janani |date=10 September 2024 |title=Viral: Alia Bhatt and Karan Johar join Jr NTR for Devara, Jigra promotions |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/alia-bhatt-karan-johar-jr-ntr-devara-trailer-launch-2597123-2024-09-10 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916142515/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/alia-bhatt-karan-johar-jr-ntr-devara-trailer-launch-2597123-2024-09-10 |archive-date=16 September 2024 |access-date=26 September 2024 |website=India Today |language=en}}

Devara: Part 1 was theatrically released on 27 September 2024 in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam and Kannada languages.{{Cite web |last=Sistu |first=Suhas |date=16 February 2024 |title=Jr NTR's 'Devara: Part 1'new release date announced, locks for Dussehra 2024 |url=https://www.thehansindia.com/cinema/jr-ntrs-devara-part-1new-release-date-announced-locks-for-dussehra-2024-858970 |access-date=16 February 2024 |website=www.thehansindia.com |language=en |archive-date=29 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240929140007/https://www.thehansindia.com/cinema/jr-ntrs-devara-part-1new-release-date-announced-locks-for-dussehra-2024-858970 |url-status=live }} The film was originally announced with a release date on 5 April 2024, coinciding with the weekend of Ugadi.{{Cite news |last=PTI |date=1 January 2023 |title='NTR30': Jr NTR's film with Koratala Siva to release globally on April 5, 2024 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/ntr30-jr-ntrs-film-with-koratala-siva-to-release-globally-on-april-5-2024/article66326622.ece |access-date=31 August 2024 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=31 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240831153425/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/ntr30-jr-ntrs-film-with-koratala-siva-to-release-globally-on-april-5-2024/article66326622.ece |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Shackleton |first=Liz |date=19 May 2023 |title='RRR' Star NTR Jr's 30th Film Title Confirmed As 'Devara'; First Look Revealed |url=https://deadline.com/2023/05/rrr-star-ntr-jr-n-t-rama-rao-jr-devara-first-look-1235373127/ |access-date=31 August 2024 |website=Deadline |language=en-US |archive-date=19 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230519213622/https://deadline.com/2023/05/rrr-star-ntr-jr-n-t-rama-rao-jr-devara-first-look-1235373127/ |url-status=live }} However, it was pushed to 10 October 2024, during Dusshera navaratri, due to the extensive post-production and VFX works,{{Cite web |date=16 February 2024 |title=Devara Part One: NTR Jr's film to now release on October 10. See the new poster |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/devara-part-one-ntr-jr-film-to-now-release-on-october-10-see-the-new-poster-9165147/ |access-date=31 August 2024 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=16 February 2024 |title=Jr NTR's 'Devara Part 1' release date out, makers announce with new poster |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/jr-ntr-saif-ali-khan-janhvi-kapoor-devara-new-release-date-out-makers-share-new-poster-2503166-2024-02-16 |access-date=31 August 2024 |website=India Today |language=en |archive-date=29 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240929135933/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/jr-ntr-saif-ali-khan-janhvi-kapoor-devara-new-release-date-out-makers-share-new-poster-2503166-2024-02-16 |url-status=live }} before being moved to its earlier release date.{{Cite web |date=13 June 2024 |title=Devara PREPONED! Jr NTR's Film With Saif Ali Khan and Janhvi Kapoor To Now Release On THIS Date |url=https://www.news18.com/movies/devara-preponed-jr-ntrs-film-with-saif-ali-khan-and-janhvi-kapoor-to-now-release-on-this-date-8931646.html |access-date=31 August 2024 |website=News18 |language=en |archive-date=31 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240831153424/https://www.news18.com/movies/devara-preponed-jr-ntrs-film-with-saif-ali-khan-and-janhvi-kapoor-to-now-release-on-this-date-8931646.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=News Network |first=Bollywood Hungama |date=13 June 2024 |title=Release of Jr NTR and Janhvi Kapoor starrer Devara Part 1 preponed to Gandhi Jayanti weekend |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/south-cinema/release-jr-ntr-janhvi-kapoor-starrer-devara-part-1-preponed-gandhi-jayanti-weekend/ |access-date=31 August 2024 |website=Bollywood Hungama |language=en |archive-date=31 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240831153423/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/south-cinema/release-jr-ntr-janhvi-kapoor-starrer-devara-part-1-preponed-gandhi-jayanti-weekend/ |url-status=live }} Prior to the release, the makers trimmed seven minutes from the Hindi dubbed version featuring some solo scenes of Telugu actors in order to cater to a broader audience.{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/jr-ntr-janhvi-kapoor-and-saif-ali-khan-starrer-devara-part-1-hindi-version-trimmed-by-seven-minutes/articleshow/113723028.cms|title=Jr NTR, Janhvi Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan starrer 'Devara: Part 1' Hindi version trimmed by seven minutes|website=Times of India|access-date=27 September 2024|archive-date=27 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927055443/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/jr-ntr-janhvi-kapoor-and-saif-ali-khan-starrer-devara-part-1-hindi-version-trimmed-by-seven-minutes/articleshow/113723028.cms|url-status=live}}

The film was released in standard, IMAX, 4DX, ScreenX, D-Box, MX4D and ICE formats.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNYA6bqL6bU |title=Devara Release Trailer (Telugu) {{!}} NTR {{!}} Saif Ali Khan {{!}} Janhvi {{!}} Koratala Siva {{!}} Anirudh {{!}} 27 Sep |date=22 September 2024 |last= |publisher=NTR Arts |time=2:03–2:05 |access-date=26 September 2024 |via=YouTube |archive-date=26 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926103954/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNYA6bqL6bU |url-status=live }}

The film had its world premiere at the Beyond Fest film festival in Los Angeles on 26 September 2024,{{Cite news |date=13 September 2024 |title='Devara Part 1' to be screened at Beyond Fest 2024 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/devara-part-1-to-be-screened-at-beyond-fest-2024/articleshow/113324393.cms |access-date=26 September 2024 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=26 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926142424/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/devara-part-1-to-be-screened-at-beyond-fest-2024/articleshow/113324393.cms |url-status=live }} with Rama Rao and Siva participating in the event.{{Cite news |date=25 September 2024 |title='Devara': Jr NTR delights fans with surprise entry at Beyond Fest, talks about the film |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/devara-jr-ntr-delights-fans-with-surprise-entry-at-beyond-fest-talks-about-the-film/articleshow/113660382.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926062949/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/devara-jr-ntr-delights-fans-with-surprise-entry-at-beyond-fest-talks-about-the-film/articleshow/113660382.cms |archive-date=26 September 2024 |access-date=26 September 2024 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}{{Cite web |last=K. |first=Janani |date=25 September 2024 |title=Watch: Jr NTR gets thunderous response at Beyond Fest in Los Angeles |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/jr-ntr-gets-thunderous-response-at-beyond-fest-in-los-angeles-2606037-2024-09-25 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926063027/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/jr-ntr-gets-thunderous-response-at-beyond-fest-in-los-angeles-2606037-2024-09-25 |archive-date=26 September 2024 |access-date=26 September 2024 |website=India Today |language=en}}

Dharma Productions and AA Films acquired the theatrical distribution rights for the Hindi dubbed version.{{Cite web |date=10 April 2024 |title=Karan Johar teams up with Jr NTR for Devara: 'Brace yourself for a mass hurricane' |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/karan-johar-teams-up-with-jr-ntr-for-devara-brace-yourself-for-a-mass-hurricane-9262021/ |access-date=31 August 2024 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=31 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240831153425/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/karan-johar-teams-up-with-jr-ntr-for-devara-brace-yourself-for-a-mass-hurricane-9262021/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=10 April 2024 |title=Karan Johar Announces Partnership With Jr NTR's Devara For North Theatrical Distribution Rights |url=https://www.news18.com/movies/karan-johar-announces-partnership-with-jr-ntrs-devara-for-north-theatrical-distribution-rights-8846839.html |access-date=31 August 2024 |website=News18 |language=en |archive-date=31 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240831153425/https://www.news18.com/movies/karan-johar-announces-partnership-with-jr-ntrs-devara-for-north-theatrical-distribution-rights-8846839.html |url-status=live }} Sithara Entertainments acquired the distribution rights for the film in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.{{Cite web |date=15 June 2024 |title=Jr NTR's Devara Part 1 A Commercial Success Even Before Release? Here's What We Know |url=https://www.news18.com/movies/jr-ntrs-devara-part-1-a-commercial-success-even-before-release-heres-what-we-know-8933541.html |access-date=31 August 2024 |website=News18 |language=en |archive-date=31 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240831153425/https://www.news18.com/movies/jr-ntrs-devara-part-1-a-commercial-success-even-before-release-heres-what-we-know-8933541.html |url-status=live }} KVN Productions and SS Karthikeya's Showing Business acquired the Karnataka theatrical rights.{{Cite web |last=Features |first=C. E. |date=3 August 2024 |title=KVN Productions and SS Karthikeya acquire Karnataka Distribution rights for Devara |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/telugu/news/2024/Aug/03/kvn-productions-and-ss-karthikeya-acquire-karnataka-distribution-rights-for-devara |access-date=31 August 2024 |website=Cinema Express |language=en |archive-date=31 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240831153424/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/telugu/news/2024/Aug/03/kvn-productions-and-ss-karthikeya-acquire-karnataka-distribution-rights-for-devara |url-status=live }} The North America distribution rights were acquired by Prathyangira Cinemas and Hamsini Entertainment.{{cite web |access-date=9 September 2024 |title=Devara Premiere Pre-Sales To Touch $1 Million; Craze For NTR's Film Reaches Fever pitch In North America |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/telugu/devara-premiere-pre-sales-to-touch-1-million-craze-for-ntrs-film-reaches-fever-pitch-in-north-america-article-113181877 |work=Times Now |date=9 September 2024 |archive-date=9 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240909062702/https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/telugu/devara-premiere-pre-sales-to-touch-1-million-craze-for-ntrs-film-reaches-fever-pitch-in-north-america-article-113181877 |url-status=live }} Theatrical rights for release in Tamil Nadu were purchased by Sri Lakshmi Movies, whereas Kerala distribution rights were bought by Wayfarer Films.{{Cite web |date=17 September 2024 |title=പ്രഭാസിന് ശേഷം ജൂനിയർ എൻടിആറിനൊപ്പം ദുൽഖർ ; 'ദേവര' കേരളത്തിലെത്തിക്കുന്നത് വേഫെറർ ഫിലിംസ്|url=https://www.reporterlive.com/amp/entertainment/entertainment-news/2024/09/17/devara-kerala-distribution-bagged-by-wayfarer-films|website=Reporter TV |language=ml}}

The ticket price hikes were estimated to be around ₹250 in single screen theatres and ₹418 in multiplex theatres across Telangana, and ₹200 in single screen theatres and ₹325 in multiplexes across Andhra Pradesh.{{Cite web |date=23 September 2024 |title=Jr NTR's Devara opening day ticket prices hiked in Telangana, extra shows added |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/jr-ntr-devara-opening-day-ticket-prices-hiked-telangana-extra-shows-added-2605255-2024-09-23#:~:text=Devara%20has%20been%20granted%20permission,a%20Rs%20100%20price%20increase. |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240929140416/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/jr-ntr-devara-opening-day-ticket-prices-hiked-telangana-extra-shows-added-2605255-2024-09-23#:~:text=Devara%20has%20been%20granted%20permission,a%20Rs%20100%20price%20increase. |archive-date=29 September 2024 |access-date=26 September 2024 |website=India Today |language=en}}

Prior to its release, the film made a business of nearly {{INRConvert|180|C}} from its theatrical rights.{{Cite web |date=21 September 2024 |title=Devara Makes Worldwide Pre-release Business Of Rs 180 Crore: Report |url=https://www.news18.com/movies/devara-makes-worldwide-pre-release-business-of-rs-180-crore-report-9058975.html |access-date=19 October 2024 |website=News18 |language=en}} The Andhra Pradesh and Telangana distribution rights were sold for {{INRConvert|113|c}}.{{Cite web |last=S |first=Hari Prasad |title=Devara Pre-release business: భారీగా దేవర ప్రీరిలీజ్ బిజినెస్.. తెలంగాణలో బ్రేక్ ఈవెన్ సాధ్యమేనా? |url=https://telugu.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/devara-pre-release-business-jr-ntr-movie-needs-53-crores-to-be-in-safe-zone-says-a-report-121727264788187.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926062021/https://telugu.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/devara-pre-release-business-jr-ntr-movie-needs-53-crores-to-be-in-safe-zone-says-a-report-121727264788187.html |archive-date=26 September 2024 |access-date=26 September 2024 |website=Hindustantimes Telugu |language=te}} While earlier reports claimed that the film's theatrical rights for the Hindi version had been sold for ₹45–60 crore (US$5.4–7.2 million,{{efn|While Pinkvilla reported that the theatrical rights in the Hindi version were sold to {{INRConvert|45|c}}, Deccan Chronicle reported that the amount was {{INRConvert|60|c}}.{{Cite web |date=18 April 2024 |title=Business Talk: Jr NTR, Saif Ali Khan and Janhvi Kapoor's Devara Part 1 rights get sold for 45 crores in Hindi |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/box-office/business-talk-jr-ntr-saif-ali-khan-and-janhvi-kapoors-devara-part-1-rights-get-sold-for-45-crores-in-hindi-1296606 |access-date=31 August 2024 |website=PINKVILLA |language=en |archive-date=29 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240929140418/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/box-office/business-talk-jr-ntr-saif-ali-khan-and-janhvi-kapoors-devara-part-1-rights-get-sold-for-45-crores-in-hindi-1296606 |url-status=live }}}} with Deccan Chronicle attributing the huge price in the Hindi version to Rama Rao's fan following among the audiences in North India, as well as his Bollywood debut with War 2, calling it as "one of the highest rates for a Telugu actor in recent times".{{Cite web |last=Prakash |first=B. V. S. |date=20 April 2024 |title=Exclusive: Jr NTR's Devara Hindi Rights Strikes Gold |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/tollywood/devara-hindi-fetches-highest-price-for-any-telugu-actor-in-recent-times-890289 |access-date=31 August 2024 |website=Deccan Chronicle |language=en |archive-date=31 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240831153423/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/tollywood/devara-hindi-fetches-highest-price-for-any-telugu-actor-in-recent-times-890289 |url-status=live }} However, later reports claimed that the rights were sold for {{INRConvert|15|C}}. The film made a combined deal of {{INRConvert|16.5|c}} from distribution in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala theatres. The overseas distribution rights were sold for {{INRConvert|26|c}}. As per estimates, the film needed to earn around {{INR}}180 crore distributor share ({{INR}}350 crore gross) at the worldwide box office to break even. It further made {{INRConvert|150|c}} from non-theatrical rights, including digital, satellite and music rights.

The digital distribution rights of the film were acquired by Netflix for {{INRConvert|155|c}}.{{Cite web |date=19 January 2024 |title=Jr NTR-starrer Devara's Digital Rights Secured By Netflix At Record Price? What We Know |url=https://www.news18.com/movies/jr-ntr-starrer-devaras-digital-rights-secured-by-netflix-at-record-price-what-we-know-8746610.html |access-date=31 August 2024 |website=News18 |language=en |archive-date=16 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240416115537/https://www.news18.com/movies/jr-ntr-starrer-devaras-digital-rights-secured-by-netflix-at-record-price-what-we-know-8746610.html |url-status=live }} The film would have its digital premiere in all languages only after 7–8 weeks of its theatrical run.{{Cite news |date=26 September 2024 |title=Jr NTR's 'Devara: Part 1' to have THIS long theatrical run before OTT release |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/jr-ntrs-devara-part-1-to-have-this-long-theatrical-run-before-ott-release/articleshow/113682724.cms |access-date=26 September 2024 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=26 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926075954/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/jr-ntrs-devara-part-1-to-have-this-long-theatrical-run-before-ott-release/articleshow/113682724.cms |url-status=live }} The film began streaming on Netflix from 8 November 2024 in Telugu and dubbed versions of Tamil, Malayalam and Kannada languages.{{cite news |title='Devara' Part 1 OTT release date: When and where to watch Jr.NTR's action drama |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/devara-part-1-ott-release-date-when-and-where-to-watch-jr-ntrs-action-drama/articleshow/114972515.cms |work=Times of India |date= 5 November 2024 |access-date=5 November 2024}}{{Cite news |last=Shiwani |date=3 November 2024 |title=OTT Releases This Week: From Devara to Vettaiyan, web series and films to watch on Netflix, Prime Video and more |url=https://www.etnownews.com/entertainment/ott-releases-this-week-from-devara-to-vettaiyan-web-series-and-films-to-watch-on-netflix-prime-video-and-more-article-114912423 |work=ET Now |access-date=3 November 2024}} An English dubbed version of the film began streaming from 21 November 2024.{{cite news |title=Jr NTR's 'Devara: Part 1' now streaming in multiple foreign languages |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/jr-ntrs-devara-part-1-now-streaming-in-multiple-foreign-languages/articleshow/115511607.cms |work=Times of India |date=21 November 2024 |access-date=21 November 2024}} The Hindi dubbed version of the film began streaming from 22 November 2024.{{cite news |title=Devara's Hindi version released on OTT; Where to watch Jr NTR's blockbuster |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/devaras-hindi-version-released-on-ott-where-to-watch-jr-ntrs-blockbuster/articleshow/115568741.cms |work=The Economic Times |date=22 November 2024 |access-date=22 November 2024}}

Devara: Part 1 received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike.{{Cite news |last=Dundoo |first=Sangeetha Devi |date=4 October 2024 |title='Devara: Part 1' movie review: NTR and Anirudh amp up the intensity in an overstretched action drama. |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/devara-part-1-movie-review-jr-ntr-and-anirudh-amp-up-the-intensity-in-an-overstretched-action-drama/article68685830.ece |work=The Hindu |access-date=13 November 2024}} {{Rotten Tomatoes prose|score=33|count=18|average=5.7|consensus=|ref=yes |access-date=4 October 2024}}

Mahpara Kabir of ABP Live gave 3.5/5 stars and wrote "Devara: Part 1 is a gripping action drama that offers an entertaining cinematic experience. Jr NTR delivers a stellar performance in two distinct roles, while Saif Ali Khan shines as the vengeful antagonist. The film's stunning visuals, epic action sequences, and compelling performances make it a must-watch, even if the storyline becomes predictable at times."{{cite web|url=https://news.abplive.com/movie-review/entertainment/movie-review-devara-part-1-movie-review-jr-ntr-saif-ali-khan-janhvi-kapoor-prakash-raj-breathe-life-into-koratala-siva-film-1720318|title=Devara Part 1 Movie Review: Jr NTR And Saif Ali Khan Deliver Stellar Performances In This Grand Action Spectacle|website=ABP Live|date=27 September 2024 |access-date=27 September 2024|archive-date=29 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240929140447/https://news.abplive.com/movie-review/entertainment/movie-review-devara-part-1-movie-review-jr-ntr-saif-ali-khan-janhvi-kapoor-prakash-raj-breathe-life-into-koratala-siva-film-1720318|url-status=live}} Bollywood Hungama gave 3/5 stars and wrote "Devara: Part 1 suffers from a weak second half, but makes up for the minuses with a terrific first half, clapworthy action scenes and mass-appealing avatar of Jr NTR."{{cite web|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/devara-part-1/critic-review/devara-part-1-movie-review/devara-part-1-suffers-from-a-weak-second-half/|title=Devara: Part 1 Movie Review: DEVARA PART 1 suffers from a weak second half|website=Bollywood Hungama|date=27 September 2024 |access-date=27 September 2024|archive-date=27 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927100455/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/devara-part-1/critic-review/devara-part-1-movie-review/devara-part-1-suffers-from-a-weak-second-half/|url-status=live}}

Paul Nicodemus of The Times of India gave 3/5 stars and wrote "Devara: Part 1 is visually stunning but narratively underwhelming. Jr NTR's solid performance, combined with high production values and Anirudh's score, makes it worth watching."{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movie-reviews/devara-part-1/movie-review/113734788.cms|title=Devara: Part - 1 Movie Review: Jr NTR shines in a visually stunning yet predictable action drama|website=The Times of India}} Lachmi Deb Roy of Firstpost gave 3/5 stars and wrote "Saif Ali Khan and NTR Jr ’s performance are larger than life, but only if some justice was done to the role given to Janhvi Kapoor, the movie could have been a super-hit. But, alas! she just had an ornamental role."{{cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/devara-part-1-movie-review-jr-ntr-saif-ali-khan-janhvi-kapoors-entertaining-film-lacks-substance-13819674.html|title=Devara Part 1 Movie Review: NTR Jr, Saif Ali Khan, Janhvi Kapoor's entertaining film could have been the next blockbuster, but it lacks substance|website=Firstpost|date=27 September 2024 }}

Sukanya Verma of Rediff gave 2.5/5 stars and wrote "Devara's self-appointed guardian of the sea unleashing violence as a means to end violence is purely Junior NTR fan-tasy."{{cite web | last=Verma | first=Sukanya | title=Devara Part 1 Review: : A Jr NTR Show | website=Rediff | date=27 September 2024 | url=https://m.rediff.com/movies/review/devara-part-1-review/20240927.htm}}{{rating|2.5|5}} Sashidhar Adivi of Times Now gave 2.5/5 stars and wrote "Devara manages to dish up more action to drama to romance and even exotic locations in songs. However, a tighter writing in the second half could have made the film more engaging."{{cite web|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/reviews/telugu/devara-part-1-movie-review-jr-ntr-janhvi-kapoor-and-saif-ali-khan-film-is-action-packed-review-113716457|title=Devara Movie Review: Jr NTR And Saif Ali Khan's Action Thriller Is Not Engaging Enough|website=Times Now|date=27 September 2024 |access-date=27 September 2024|archive-date=27 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927094037/https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/reviews/telugu/devara-part-1-movie-review-jr-ntr-janhvi-kapoor-and-saif-ali-khan-film-is-action-packed-review-113716457|url-status=live}} Avad Mohammed of OTTplay gave 2.5/5 stars and wrote "Devara: Part 1 is a stylish action drama that has Jr NTR's terrific performance. While the visuals and action click, the drama is weak. The build-up for the second half looks half-baked and makes the film just a passable watch."{{cite web|url=https://www.ottplay.com/review/devara-part-1-review-jr-ntr-shines-in-this-otherwise-predictable-action-drama/67f2fd4cec88|title=Devara Part 1 Review: Jr NTR shines in this otherwise predictable action drama|website=OTTplay|access-date=27 September 2024|archive-date=29 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240929140421/https://www.ottplay.com/review/devara-part-1-review-jr-ntr-shines-in-this-otherwise-predictable-action-drama/67f2fd4cec88|url-status=live}}

K. Janani of India Today gave 2.5/5 stars and wrote "Devara: Part 1 is an action drama with elaborate characterisations. The film is replete with great performances from Jr NTR and Saif Ali Khan, but the story remains predictable. Devara: Part 1 ends on a cliffhanger just like SS Rajamouli's Baahubali did, but it is also a film that makes you question if all ambitious films deserve two parts.{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/devara-part-1-review-jr-ntr-saif-ali-khan-shoulder-koratala-siva-predictable-action-drama-2607353-2024-09-27|title=Devara Part 1 review: Jr NTR, Saif Ali Khan shoulder predictable action drama|website=India Today|date=27 September 2024 |access-date=27 September 2024|archive-date=29 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240929140540/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/devara-part-1-review-jr-ntr-saif-ali-khan-shoulder-koratala-siva-predictable-action-drama-2607353-2024-09-27|url-status=live}} Avinash Ramachandran of The Indian Express gave 2.5/5 stars and wrote "The Jr NTR film starts off really strong, only to suffer an extended downward slide that is finally salvaged by a bloody finale that is equal parts engaging and outlandish."{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/devara-movie-review-jr-ntr-anchors-this-action-drama-burdened-by-the-allure-of-a-sequel-9591098/|title=Devara Movie Review: Jr NTR anchors this action drama burdened by the allure of a sequel|website=The Indian Express|date=27 September 2024 |access-date=27 September 2024|archive-date=29 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240929141021/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/devara-movie-review-jr-ntr-anchors-this-action-drama-burdened-by-the-allure-of-a-sequel-9591098/|url-status=live}}

Saibal Chatterjee of NDTV gave 2.5/5 stars and wrote "Jr NTR, Janhvi Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan's film is a mixed bag. The parts that work, few and far between as they are, might serve to whet the appetite of fans of big-canvas action and melodrama."{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/devara-review-jr-ntrs-film-does-occasionally-manage-to-anchor-itself-to-terra-firma-2-5-stars-6662514|title=Devara Review: Jr NTR's Film Does Occasionally Manage To Anchor Itself To Terra Firma|website=NDTV|access-date=27 September 2024|archive-date=27 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927120917/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/devara-review-jr-ntrs-film-does-occasionally-manage-to-anchor-itself-to-terra-firma-2-5-stars-6662514|url-status=live}} Jaya Dwivedi of India TV gave 2.5/5 stars and wrote "the writing and direction are weak and the film can come across as predictable. Moreover, audiences can feel like it's a repetition of several films that we have already watched in the past. Overall, the cinematography and acting are the only things that try to save the sinking boat. The film does not give you a new experience, overall there is a huge lack of originality."{{cite web |last1=Dwivedi |first1=Jaya |title=Devara: Part 1 Movie Review: Jr NTR, Saif Ali Khan's high-octane actioner misses originality and spark; where is Janhvi Kapoor? |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/entertainment/movie-review/devara-part-1-movie-review-jr-ntr-saif-ali-khan-s-high-octane-actioner-misses-originality-and-spark-where-is-janhvi-kapoor-949 |website=India TV |access-date=27 September 2024 |archive-date=27 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927110847/https://www.indiatvnews.com/entertainment/movie-review/devara-part-1-movie-review-jr-ntr-saif-ali-khan-s-high-octane-actioner-misses-originality-and-spark-where-is-janhvi-kapoor-949 |url-status=live }}

BVS Prakash of Deccan Chronicle gave 2/5 stars and wrote "Director Koratala Siva should have selected a relatable script, than a fictional and weak plot for a big hero like NTR. He just banks on NTR's heroism and anger image and elevates it, but the emotional core among characters is missing. His concept of invisible fear would have worked better, if he had a good script on hand which is real and familiar."{{cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/movie-review/devara-review-rating-1826369|title=Devara Review: NTR excels in this fictional, formulaic sea pirates story|website=Deccan Chronicle|date=27 September 2024 |access-date=27 September 2024|archive-date=27 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927083601/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/movie-review/devara-review-rating-1826369|url-status=live}} Pratikshya Mishra of The Quint rated the film with 2/5 stars.{{cite web |last1=Mishra |first1=Pratikshya |title='Devara' Review: Jr NTR's Larger-Than-Life Presence Meets a Worthy Adversary |url=https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/devara-part-1-new-movie-koratala-siva-jr-ntr-janhvi-kapoor-review#read-more |website=The Quint |date=27 September 2024 |access-date=27 September 2024 |archive-date=27 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927141141/https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/devara-part-1-new-movie-koratala-siva-jr-ntr-janhvi-kapoor-review#read-more |url-status=live }}

Sangeetha Devi Dundoo of The Hindu wrote "Director Koratala Siva and Jr NTR mount an intense action drama, with huge help from Anirudh Ravichander, only for the later portions to lose steam in the over-zealousness to stretch the story for a sequel."{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/devara-part-1-movie-review-jr-ntr-and-anirudh-amp-up-the-intensity-in-an-overstretched-action-drama/article68685830.ece|title='Devara: Part 1' movie review: Jr NTR and Anirudh amp up the intensity in an overstretched action drama|website=The Hindu|access-date=27 September 2024|archive-date=27 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927093529/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/devara-part-1-movie-review-jr-ntr-and-anirudh-amp-up-the-intensity-in-an-overstretched-action-drama/article68685830.ece|url-status=live |last1=Dundoo |first1=Sangeetha Devi }} Neeshita Nyayapati of Hindustan Times wrote "Koratala cannot help but write characters who want to save the world, and while that might not be a bad thing, it does feel repetitive. With a Baahubali-esque ending setting up the story for a sequel, here's hoping there are better things ahead."{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/telugu-cinema/devara-part-1-review-jr-ntr-janhvi-kapoor-saif-ali-khans-film-doesnt-live-up-to-the-legend-it-spins-101727419295894.html|title=Devara Part 1 review: Jr NTR, Janhvi Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan's film doesn't live up to the legend it spins|website=Hindustan Times|date=27 September 2024 |access-date=27 September 2024|archive-date=29 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240929141022/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/telugu-cinema/devara-part-1-review-jr-ntr-janhvi-kapoor-saif-ali-khans-film-doesnt-live-up-to-the-legend-it-spins-101727419295894.html|url-status=live}}

The film grossed {{INRConvert|132|c}} worldwide on its opening day, becoming Jr. NTR's second-biggest opener after RRR.{{cite news |title=Top Rs 100 Crore Gross Indian Worldwide Openers: Jr NTR led Devara Part 1 becomes 12th film to enter the coveted club |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/box-office/top-rs-100-crore-gross-indian-worldwide-openers-jr-ntr-led-devara-part-1-becomes-12th-film-to-enter-the-coveted-club-1350798 |access-date=28 September 2024 |work=Pinkvilla |date=28 September 2024}} The film grossed {{INRConvert|200|c}} worldwide in two day of its release.{{Cite news |date=29 September 2024|title=Jr NTR's Devara has a great start at the box-office|url=https://www.filmfare.com/news/south/jr-ntrs-devara-has-a-great-start-at-the-box-office-68717.html |access-date=29 September 2024|work=Filmfare}} and also crossed the {{INRConvert|100|c}} mark in India.{{Cite web |last=Bharat |first=E. T. V. |date=29 September 2024 |title=Devara Box Office Collection Day 2: Jr NTR's Film Hits Rs 100 Cr In India, Soars Past Rs 200 Cr Worldwide In Just Two Days |url=https://www.etvbharat.com/en/!entertainment/devara-box-office-collection-day-2-jr-ntrs-film-hits-rs-100-cr-in-india-soars-past-rs-200-cr-worldwide-in-just-two-days-enn24092901171 |access-date=30 September 2024 |website=ETV Bharat News |language=en}} In its opening weekend, the film collected {{INRConvert|250|c}} globally.{{Cite web |title=Devara box office collection day 4: Jr NTR, Saif Ali Khan, Janhvi Kapoor film begins to lose race |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-devara-box-office-collection-day-4-jr-ntr-saif-ali-khan-janhvi-kapoor-film-begins-to-lose-race-3110721 |access-date=1 October 2024 |website=Daily News and Analysis |language=en}} Pinkvilla reported the worldwide gross of {{INR|303.5 crore}} in the first seven days,{{cite news |last1=Jogani |first1=Rishi |date=4 October 2024 |title=Devara Part 1 Week 1 Box Office: Jr NTR, Saif Ali Khan and Janhvi Kapoor movie grosses Rs 235 crore in India; Goes past Rs 300 crore worldwide|url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/box-office/devara-part-1-week-1-box-office-jr-ntr-saif-ali-khan-and-janhvi-kapoor-movie-grosses-rs-235-crore-in-india-goes-past-rs-300-crore-worldwide-1351917 |work=PINKVILLA |access-date=4 October 2024}} while The Indian Express reported the collection was {{INRConvert|370|c}}.{{Cite web |date=4 October 2024 |title=Devara box office collection day 7: Jr NTR-Janhvi Kapoor's film sees a sharp 65% drop, but will pass Rs 400 crore this weekend |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/devara-box-office-collection-day-7-jr-ntr-janhvi-kapoors-film-sees-a-sharp-65-drop-but-will-pass-rs-400-crore-this-weekend-9602867/ |access-date=4 October 2024 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}

Hindustan Times reported that the film grossed {{INRConvert|408|c}} worldwide in its two-week run, with {{INRConvert|208|c}} from its home territory of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.{{Cite web |last=Kumar |first=Sanjiv |date=11 October 2024 |title=Devara Collection: రూ. 408 కోట్లు కొల్లగొట్టిన దేవర.. 2 వారాల కలెక్షన్స్ ఇవే! మరి ప్రాఫిట్ ఎంతో తెలుసా? |trans-title=Devara Collections: Devara Collects Rs 408 crore in 2 weeks, the total profit of the film is |url=https://telugu.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/devara-14-days-worldwide-box-office-collection-jr-ntr-devara-2nd-week-collection-408-cr-gross-and-devara-profit-50-cr-121728635711090.html |website=Hindustan Times |language=te}}

As per Bollywood Hungama, it grossed over {{INRConvert|521|c}} in 18 days of its release{{Cite web |title=Devara: Part 1 Box Office: Jr. NTR starrer storms past Rs. 521+ crores worldwide |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/box-office-special-features/devara-part-1-box-office-jr-ntr-starrer-storms-past-rs-521-crores-worldwide/ |website=Bollywood Hungama |date=15 October 2024 |access-date=13 November 2024 |language=en}} and per Pinkvilla, global gross was {{INR}}403.83 at the near end of its run. While, Daily News and Analysis reported that the film collected {{INRConvert|420|c}} in its final run.{{Cite web |last=Wadhwa |first=Aman |title=After Jawan, Kalki 2898 AD, Salaar, Devara to release in Japan on this date; can Jr NTR repeat RRR's magic? |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-after-jawan-kalki-2898-ad-salaar-devara-to-release-in-japan-on-this-date-can-jr-ntr-repeat-rrr-magic-3135515 |access-date=30 March 2025 |website=DNA India |language=en}}

The film was split into two parts, one being Devara: Part 2, and shooting could start in 2026. The film will focus on Devara's family.{{Cite news |last=Arora |first=Gobind |date=29 September 2024 |title=Devara Part 2 Release Date: What to Expect from Junior NTR's Upcoming Blockbuster |url=https://english.newstrack.com/entertainment-news/devara-part-2-release-date-what-to-expect-from-junior-ntrs-upcoming-blockbuster-470274 |work=english.newstrack.com |access-date=21 January 2025}}{{Cite news |title=MSN |url=https://www.msn.com/en-in/entertainment/movies/jr-ntr-s-devara-2-to-go-on-floors-in-2026-report/ar-AA1xav7J?ocid=BingNewsSerp |access-date=21 January 2025}}

{{notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

• {{IMDb title|id=11821912}}
• [https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/devara-part-1/cast/ Devara: Part 1] at Bollywood Hungama

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Category:2024 action drama films

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