The highly anticipated Telugu film Devara starring Jr NTR, has officially hit theaters today, September 27, and has garnered immense attention from fans and industry insiders alike. Directed by Koratala Siva, the movie features Bollywood big names Saif Ali Khan and Janhvi Kapoor, both making their debut in Telugu cinema. This star-studded project is packed with expectations, especially since it marks Jr NTR’s first release after his worldwide success with RRR (2022).
Adding to the excitement, acclaimed filmmaker SS Rajamouli, who has previously collaborated with Jr NTR in RRR, was spotted attending the first-day, first show of Devara at a cinema hall in Hyderabad. Dressed casually in a beige shirt and black pants, Rajamouli greeted fans and the audience with waves and smiles, further fueling the hype around the movie.
The 'Rajamouli Curse' – A Myth or Reality?
The concept of the "Rajamouli Curse" has long been a topic of discussion in Tollywood circles. The so-called curse suggests that actors who achieve blockbuster success under the direction of SS Rajamouli often struggle with box-office flops in their subsequent films. While this theory may seem far-fetched, there are notable examples that have contributed to the narrative.
For instance, Prabhas, after delivering a massive hit with Rajamouli’s Baahubali series, faced a commercial failure with Saaho (2019). Similarly, Ram Charan, after Magadheera experienced challenges with several films that followed. Jr NTR himself is no stranger to this phenomenon, as he has experienced box-office disappointments after working with Rajamouli in the past.
In the case of Devara fans are eager to see if Jr NTR can break free from this alleged curse. His previous successes with Rajamouli, like Student No. 1 and Simhadri were followed by underperforming films like Subbu and Andhrawala. Despite this pattern, early reviews suggest that Devara could be poised to defy the odds.
Can Jr NTR Defy the Curse?
Given Jr NTR’s massive popularity and the momentum generated by his role in RRR, Devara has been released with high expectations. The film is seen as a crucial turning point for Jr NTR, not just because of the Rajamouli Curse but also due to the strong buzz and excitement that surrounded it even before its release. The fact that Devara is his first movie after RRR which grossed an astonishing Rs 1,230 crore globally and earned international accolades, including a Golden Globe and an Academy Award, has only increased the pressure.
Trade experts are predicting a massive opening for Devara. According to sources, fans have been raving about the chemistry between Jr NTR and Janhvi Kapoor, as well as the overall cinematic experience the film provides. The first-day, first-show reviews have been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising Jr NTR’s powerful performance. Early viewers have expressed optimism that this film will help Jr NTR finally break free from the so-called Rajamouli Curse.
A Strong Pre-Release Buzz
Devara has not only generated excitement because of its lead actor but also because of the stellar cast and strong directorial efforts by Koratala Siva. Saif Ali Khan and Janhvi Kapoor’s debuts in Telugu cinema have been much awaited, and their performances are expected to attract both Telugu audiences and Bollywood enthusiasts. Saif Ali Khan’s entry into the Telugu film industry is being seen as a bold move, and fans are eager to witness his performance in a new cinematic space.
On the production side, Koratala Siva has proven his directorial prowess, creating an epic saga with high-octane drama, action, and emotional depth. As the director of films like Bharat Ane Nenu and Srimanthudu, he is known for delivering impactful stories, and Devara appears to be no different. The strong narrative combined with a talented cast has helped build a solid foundation for the film's success.
Breaking the Box-Office Pattern?
The so-called Rajamouli Curse has haunted many actors over the years, leading to major flops immediately after delivering blockbuster hits with the director. Jr NTR himself has faced this trend. After starring in Rajamouli’s Student No. 1 in 2001, his subsequent movie Subbu turned out to be a disappointment at the box office. He experienced the same fate again after the success of Simhadri in 2003 when his next project, Andhrawala underperformed in 2004. The curse struck a third time when Kantri (2008) failed to meet expectations after Yamadonga (2007) became a major success.
However, despite this strange pattern, early indicators suggest that Devara is primed to be an exception. The first wave of reviews has been positive, and viewers have lauded the performances and the film’s overall execution. As trade analysts closely monitor the film’s performance over the coming weeks, it remains to be seen whether Devara will finally shatter the Rajamouli Curse once and for all.
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