It’s a bit disheartening, though not entirely unexpected, to learn that Devara 2 has been put on hold. Many fans were eager to see the story continue from the first Devara, but it seems industry whispers are confirming that the sequel is officially off the table.
While the original film received a mixed bag of reviews in the South, it did manage to do quite well in the North Indian market, earning it the label of a commercial success. However, things appear to have shifted after the disappointing performance of War 2.
Sources from the industry suggest that NTR, who had been keen on expanding the Devara universe, had a change of heart after seeing how War 2 was received. The action-packed film from YRF, which featured NTR, didn’t quite hit the mark, both critically and at the box office. This outcome seems to have prompted a reevaluation of future collaborations aimed at the North.
Devara 2 was in the works with director Koratala Siva, and there were some early talks about it. But the lukewarm reception of War 2 appears to have sealed its fate. Reports indicate that both NTR and the team felt it was wiser to move on rather than risk pouring resources into a sequel that might not connect with audiences.
There was also some excitement about another high-budget spy action film under the Yash Raj Films banner, with NTR in the lead role. However, that project is now reportedly shelved as well, likely due to the same worries about the unpredictable nature of the pan-India market and the changing landscape after War 2.
This whole situation raises a bigger question about Tollywood’s increasing fixation on the North Indian market. While it’s great to expand reach, not every project needs to chase pan-India appeal, especially if it compromises originality or regional flavor. There’s a strong case to be made for Telugu stars to focus more on teaming up with South Indian filmmakers who truly understand the local pulse and storytelling nuances.
NTR is a talented actor with a fanbase that spans across regions. But quality storytelling should always come first, rather than just chasing trends.
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