Story

Taking place in the year 1945, Devil (played by Kalyan Ram) is a covert operative employed by the British police force. His mission is to unravel a perplexing murder case that involves a prominent royal family. However, his ulterior motive is to gain the trust of Nyshyda (portrayed by Samyuktha Menon), his cousin who is suspected of being involved with Subhash Chandra Bose's INA. Devil's objective is to obtain a top-secret code from Nyshyda in order to uncover the whereabouts of Netaji. Will Devil succeed in his mission? And what is the true identity of this enigmatic spy? These questions are revealed in the film.

Analysis

Devil takes place during the time of British rule in India before it gained independence. The British army is on the hunt for Subhash Chandra Bose, but this larger social conflict becomes intertwined with the murder of a girl in a village. The connection between these two events is not well-established, leading to confusion and complications. However, as the story progresses, clarity begins to emerge. Despite this, the first half of the film and its events prove to be quite tiresome. One of the main challenges for a film set in a patriotic background is the core theme itself. It is not easy to evoke strong emotions from events that took place many decades ago.

Additionally, it can be difficult for the audience to connect with fictional characters who are portrayed as followers of freedom fighters. The lack of a clear villain or antagonist also poses a problem. In Devil, Kalyanram faces the same issue. While it is undeniable that British rule was brutal and powerful, the colonels and majors in the film are portrayed as unintelligent, always one step behind the protagonist. This lack of logic undermines the story. The writing in Devil is quite cliche, and the events that unfold are too predictable. The initial part of the movie is absolutely insufferable and establishes the foundation for the pivotal second half.

The latter portion somewhat redeems the film. There is one notable twist before the climax that deserves praise, even though it can be predicted. The incorporation of Morse code and other covert communication techniques adds to the allure. The concluding segments of the film have a few redeeming moments. Once again, Devil demonstrates the importance of effectively handling patriotic and historical films. Failing to do so results in a half-baked film like Devil. Ultimately, the mission fails to hit its mark.

Performance

Kalyan Ram showcases his signature style in his performance, perfectly embodying the character and receiving commendable presentation. Samyuktha Menon's role begins with an air of suspicion, but gradually develops into a substantial presence. Actor Satya manages to elicit laughter, although his tendency to be overly loud and talkative can also be irritating at times.

The film features a number of actors who aptly fulfill their respective roles. Devil employs a rather ordinary and predictable approach to its espionage thriller narrative. The plot revolves around informants on both sides, resulting in leaked information. Despite the film's grand production, the action scenes fail to leave a lasting impact. While the production quality deserves praise, the overall content is disappointingly underwhelming.

Stills from this movie

Videos & Trailers