#devaratha “deva” raisaar

[sam7sparks7]

Salaar is my favourite queer movie of the year which is not a queer movie (it is seeped in heavy stereotypes about almost everything and has many triggering scenes so don't go watch it without being aware of all that it contains)

Man it has such great narratives.

The main leads they are childhood best friends, the prince, Vardha and his enforcer Deva

A sweet montage of them chasing each other around when they were kids is shown

They give their everything for the other, then have to seperate for years

The present story hints at them being estranged, but the events from the past show them being each other's supports

There's a whole sequence of the prince touching his enforcer, a hand on his, an arm around his midsection and the cutesy scene where Vardha falls asleep with his head on Deva's lap and Deva puts a hand over his sleeping prince's heart (swoon!)

Deva is the ultimate protective boyfriend, with the classic 'no one is allowed to touch him' dialogue

And the way Vardha absolutely trusts him so much, like there's an action scene where everyone is scared of what Deva is doing and Vardha is over there standing with a smile on his face and his eyes closed, like he really said, go on bae do your thing

They also do some evil plotting to shake up the political structure of the country together when locked in cells side by side

And they fight side by side while bantering!

Also, it's not just them who are so queer for each other.

Vardha's older sister has a weird possibly toxic codependency with her handmaiden and his macho violent trigger angry older brother keeps letting a guy repeatedly cling onto his muscular bare arms

Hmm, maybe the royal family of Mannar has something in its blood

I told my parents I loved the movie and they asked me why and I was immediately forced to think of a reason other than 'it was so gay' XD

[magicaldragons]

deva: a weapon.

the movie does everything to show us that deva holds no agency over himself or his actions and that he has no ambition whatsoever.

his main trait is loyalty, and this is emphasized again and again.

• he is enraged at the mistreatment of aadhya, but where an actual 'hero' would save her, disregarding any rules or conditions – he remains bound by his mother's words.

• he is a weapon in the hands of anybody he gives his loyalty to, and throughout the movie, all of his actions aren't really credited to him, but to the person he commits these acts for/with permission of:

1. in the first scene, we see both deva and varadha, without hesitation, understand that deva has to complete the task for varadha's honor

2. it's evident, when bilal tells aadhya, that the only person who can keep her safe is 'amma' (because it is true, only deva's mother can allow deva to help)

3. when we are first introduced to deva, it is through his mother describing him as a "blood-shedding weapon"

4. when varadha comes to ask deva to accompany him, the narration doesn't feel accurate. varadha has barely voiced his request for deva to go with him – it is actually deva who wants to protect him after seeing his condition, but the narration is: "on one hand varadha had decided to take deva, no matter what, and on the other hand, his mother would not allow him to go" further emphasizing that deva is comparable to an object between the only two people who 'own' him

5. in the first action sequence, after his mother releases him from the promise he made to her, we have this shot:

framing deva's mother as if it is her who is responsible for that first blow

6. even after she has given him agency over himself, he still follows his mother's orders, not bothering to put any energy into what he thinks is the correct thing to do

7. we also see this when radha rama blames varadha for vishnu's death and has to be reminded that – no. it was the new guy who dealt the blow.

8. and again, when naarang heads in varadha's direction, completely disregarding deva and all of deva's attempts to provoke him, even though deva is the one who killed vishnu

it's an interesting way of depicting his personality – the movie equates him to a weapon at every turn, either metaphorically or though dialogue

which also makes it extremely significant, that the ONLY TIME deva has ever acted on his own (according to what we know) is when he: 1. went against his mother: to make a promise to varadha instead 2. did not follow varadha's explicit instructions: and pleaded with naarang to leave varadha alone

deva only breaks free from the narrative for varadha – which really speaks about varadha's importance and the power that varadha holds over deva.

[3-2-whump]

Absolutely NOTHING compares to the ecstasy of looking up a new OTP from a movie you just watched and learning they have ✨FANFICTION✨

[scarletsabers-blog]

Deva: *Is carrying all the groceries*

Varadha: *holds out hand to help*

Deva: *aggressively moves all the groceries to one hand to hold varadha’s hand*

[ulaganayagi]

@salaarfanindia's historic tribal varadeva au inspired me to do this.

[navinskizz]

“Deva wished everyone would die so that he and varadha could conquer khansaar alone.”

It took divine intervention to bring them down.

[celestesinsight]

Salaar Analysis!

Time and again, we were told in the movie about how dangerous Shouryangas were! How even if only one of them survives, they would come for revenge! Raja Mannar used the darkness of night to kill them all in their sleep. Even after thinking he had wiped out all the Shouryangas, he still lived in fear for 25 years, built walls and gathered an army. He was not unjustified in his fear too as Bhaarava and others were biding their time for revenge.

But it is interesting that all Deva, their true leader, cared about was Varadha, not revenge. When Aadhya asked Bilal if Deva knew that he was the rightful heir to the throne, he didn't reply. The movie ended with a suspense that Deva might have promised Varadha the throne, being unaware of his own claim.

I believe that Deva was fully aware of his identity. First of all, the scars on his back and sword ritual he performed during climax, proved that Deva's knowledge about its Shouryanga identity.

Secondly, only children survived the massacre. If Deva's birth and identity wasn't a public knowledge in the tribe, how could Bhaarava and others be aware of Deva's identity, with no surviving adults to tell them the secret.

Most of Deva's time in Khanshar was either spent with Varadha or sitting alone on the cliff, looking over the entire Khanshar. This fixation of Deva made me feel that Deva also wanted to take Khanshar from Raja Mannar as revenge, not for himself but for Varadha.

Varadha had given up his right to be a Dora and most probably his only chance of being his father's heir by throwing away the bracelet.

It was clear from the first scene that Varadha, being the child of the second wife, didn't enjoy the same power and prestige as Rudra. But Varadha could have a chance at being the heir if he could prove himself stronger than Rudra. Because in Khanshar strength prevails over everything. But he gave up his chance when he threw away the bracelet.

And Deva understood it very well. When Varadha threw away the bracelet and Ranga's father picked it up, Deva lowered his head in helplessness. He couldn't bear to see Varadha giving away his rights and only hope of life with dignity for his sake. He looked up only when he heard his Amma cry and went to hug her and cried in her arm. He was crying due to his inability to not only protect his mother, but also Varadha. That's why he shuddered when Varadha touched him to assure him of his support. There was a rage and determination in his eyes when Varadha asked them to leave immediately. And he didn't promise his Amma that he would never return to Khanshar, but promised Varadha instead.

That was the moment, Deva stopped being a person and became a weapon in Varadha's hands. Baba and Varadha realised this and named him Salaar. It was clear from Amma's dismay that she realised it too.

And that was the moment, Deva decided to give the entire Khanshar to Varadha and he was only waiting for Varadha to ask for it. That's why he asked why he didn't call him sooner, when Varadha questioned why he didn't come sooner. Deva was waiting for the last 25 years for Varadha to decide he wanted the throne and call him.

The scene when Deva stepped into the gates of Khanshar again was juxtaposed with a young Deva stepping out of Khanshar. When young Deva was stepping out he was looking back with determination and rage. His dialogue that walls were made to prevent people from getting in, not from getting out, further emphasized his understanding of Raja Mannar and his character.

During the climax fighting scene, right after Varadha declared that he wanted everything he was looking at, the scene changed to Raja Mannar telling Radha Rama that everyone was after his throne and then showed Deva's devilish smile, the reaction to Varadha's declaration. His reaction in the scene was like Varadha had finally said the words he was waiting to hear for so long.

Thiru was not correct, when he said every Shouryangas wanted revenge except Deva. Deva wanted revenge too, but not by burning Raja Mannar with his throne like Bhaarava and other Shouryangas. But his method of wreaking vengeance on Raja Mannar was to take his prized throne and give it to the son, whom he considered as a disgrace and let bullied since childhood. The son who was supposed to be his most promising legacy, if only he wasn't loyal to his most dangerous enemy.

In the childhood scenes in 'Sooreede' song, when Varadha ate the morsel of food meant for Deva, he playfully charged at him. But then in the next sequence, he himself gave Varadha his share. Varadha never had to take anything from Deva, he would give it to him voluntarily, be it his share of food or the throne of Khanshar.

[literariyumi]

This sequence really hurt me in the movie. It's just beautiful how Varadha could trust that one person, be vulnerable in front of him and him alone, without fear.

[lillieslotus]

varadha and his extremely pressing concerns that he decided to vocalize at a very opportune time (not like they’re fighting death rn)

[lunaxx08]

y'all can't tell me that despite being an ardent varadha hater, radha rama isn't a varadeva shipper, albeit a reluctant one, or at least doesn't acknowledge their unique, intense and *cough* homoerotic *cough* relationship. why else would she go to such lengths to take revenge on both and exploit their deep connection if not by plotting them against each other, knowing it will inflict the most profound pain on both. after all, only varadeva can kill each other, if anyone else so much as touches one, the other will skin them alive- (we have seen that this is the case for both, with the way deva cut off narang's hand AND head for touching and talking bad about varadha (the theatrics involving narang's head rolling to rest upon varadha's feet was just chef's kiss) while varadha was willing to give away bhargat, his largest territory and in turn, accept years of humiliation and torture, to save deva and his mother, not to mention the threats he was spewing as he angrily walked towards ranga's father). she could have simply thought of another plan where she could have taken them both in one go, but no- she wanted them to suffer, and suffer bad. and how about the fact that she literally called deva "varadha raja mannar ka salaar". like, that one line is so romantic, carrying a subtle undertone of endearment, hinting at a closeness beyond what meets the eye. i have no comments on that scene other than, damn, girl knows her facts-

[ahamasmiyodhah]

Tiffins and Talks

𝐏𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆: Devaratha 'Deva'Raisaar x Priya Makhija (Original Character)

𝐒𝐘𝐍𝐎𝐏𝐒𝐈𝐒: Amma is busy with work and Priya takes it on herself to give tiffin to Deva. A oneshot requested by @myvarya

The narrow, dusty path leading to the mines was lined with tall trees, their leaves whispering secrets to the wind. Priya clutched the steel tiffin box in her hands, its warmth seeping through her fingers. She had agreed to bring it to Deva Raisaar, the tall, brooding man who worked tirelessly at the mines. Amma, his mother, was running late today, and Priya, her favorite teacher, had been entrusted with the task.

As she approached the entrance to the mine, she spotted Deva standing alone, his tall frame silhouetted against the fading light. He was a man of few words, preferring the company of his thoughts to that of people. His dark eyes, deep-set and intense, seemed to always be looking beyond the present, searching for something.

“Deva,” Priya called out softly as she approached him, her voice hesitant but clear. She wasn’t sure how he would react to her presence. “Amma couldn’t make it today, so she asked me to bring your tiffin.”

Deva turned slowly, his eyes landing on her with a quiet intensity that made her heart skip a beat. For a moment, he said nothing, simply studying her as if trying to place her in his mental landscape. Then, with a nod, he stepped forward, his large hands reaching out to take the tiffin from her.

“Thank you,” he said, his voice low and gravelly, the words almost lost in the sound of the wind rustling through the trees.

Priya smiled, though she wasn’t sure if he noticed. “Amma worries about you, you know. She says you don’t eat properly when you’re working.”

Deva looked down at the tiffin in his hands, his expression unreadable. “The work doesn’t leave much time for anything else.”

“You need to take care of yourself too,” Priya said gently. She didn’t know why she felt the need to say it, but there was something about Deva that made her want to reach out, to bridge the gap that seemed to surround him.

Deva met her gaze, his eyes searching hers for a moment. “It’s just easier this way,” he finally replied, his tone resigned.

Priya bit her lip, sensing the weight of his words. “But it doesn’t have to be. Sometimes... it’s okay to let someone in.”

Deva’s grip on the tiffin tightened slightly. He was silent for a long moment before he spoke again, his voice softer, almost hesitant. “And why would someone want to?”

Priya took a step closer, her eyes never leaving his. “Because everyone needs someone, Deva. Even you.”

The wind picked up, carrying the scent of earth and metal. Deva looked away, his jaw clenching as he absorbed her words. Priya wondered if she had overstepped, if she had said too much. But before she could apologize, Deva nodded again, a small, almost imperceptible movement.

“Maybe,” he said quietly, more to himself than to her.

Priya felt a small smile tug at the corners of her lips. She didn’t know if she had reached him, but she felt that, perhaps, she had planted a seed. “I’ll see you around, Deva,” she said, turning to leave.

“Priya.”

She paused, turning back to him, surprised to hear him call her by name.

“Thank you,” he said, his eyes meeting hers for a brief moment before he turned and walked away, disappearing into the shadows of the mine.

Priya watched him go, a sense of quiet satisfaction settling over her. It was a small step, but maybe, just maybe, it was the beginning of something more.

𝐑𝐄𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐒 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍!

Just drop in my Asks for them ❤️.

Tags: @mahi-wayy @harinishivaa @warnermeadowsgirl @houseofbreadpakoda @celestesinsight @hollogramhallucination @yehsahihai @thegleamingmoon @thecrazyinktrovert @myvarya @voidsteffy @desigurlie and others too!

[magicaldragons]

the promise.

deva knew exactly what he was doing when he made that promise to Varadha.

Only for you, when you call me, I'll come back.

That promise, even though it was made for Varadha, was Deva's selfish desire to tie Varadha to him – to make sure Varadha wouldn't be able to leave him within the past.

Deva knew that Varadha was the realistic one of the both of them, the kind of person to put his head down, understand a situation, and accept the constraints he had to live within.

Even as a child, Deva understood so well that, if he didn't leave a life line for Varadha to hold onto, Varadha would force himself to accept their separation, and wouldn't strive for more, especially with how self-sacrificing Varadha was.

Deva's mother asked Deva to forget Khansaar – asked him to let go of everything associated with the place – and Deva knew that the situation they were in would require Varadha to forget Deva's existence too, for Deva's sake and his own.

Deva offering Varadha that promise was his only way of saying, 'I won't let you forget me.' and it worked.

The seed Deva planted within Varadha functioned exactly as Deva knew it would, and it definitely tempted Varadha countless times to call for Deva. It kept the idea of Deva being a part of Varadha's future alive in Varadha's mind.

Of course, Deva didn't count on Varadha holding himself back for twenty-five years, but it's why Deva was so confident Varadha would definitely call for him at some point.

[deadloverscity]

The aga naga vision was too strong, so here we go! (@coolsoundingusername thank you for putting this vision in my head sjshsk)

He is made to kneel, on the damp grass amdist the smell of fresh sea water. There is a blindfold around his eyes, and his hands are tied to the back, but he doesn't feel helpless, and oddly--calm.

"Untie me", Deva says, to whoever is listening, to whoever was here with him. Sure, there was someone, or so was indicated by rustling of fabric and the the soft clings of bells. Instead of a reply, there is a swift motion, and the sword tucked in his waist is unsheathed.

"Who are you?" , he questions, with an unwavering voice. Who-, and the sword is directed over his shoulders, next to his neck.

"It seems you have failed", the person speaks, and the sound of the voice, Oh, it makes Deva's heart skip a beat in realization. The bells cling together louder against the wind, and the sword now vertically point at the back of neck.

And there is a slight press, only the slightest to make him gasp, an embarressing sound in response to the pain.

Oh Varadha, what are you doing?

"You were given an order, what happened to it?", he is asked, and he tries his best to not smile, to let the facade keep going.

"It is something I will only be answerable to the prince"

The blade is dragged acorss his shoulder, "Is it so?", the voice mocks him.

In a swift motion, the ropes that bound his hands are torn, freeing his hands. Deva scrambles to straighten himself, and now the man, his prince, stands in front of him, with a sword pointing at his throat.

Deva feels the sharpness of the blade against his skin, and he'd be a dead man if it was pressed any further, but there was an inherent gentleness in the way the blade was handled, a familiar gentless reserved for him.

He carefully takes hold of the edge of the blade, grabbing them with bare heads and shifting them over his shoulders.

"Besides, the order has been carried out", Deva declares, rather proudly. How he had beheaded the enemies and ran a river of blood in the name of the second prince.

"Not that one-", he is chided, "There was an order to not keep your life at stake."

To return home safely. And, he did, didn't he?

Deva walks ahead, following the trail of blade held his hands, perhaps it pricks him little, and perhaps it stings against his palm.

"Marching against an army with a few men, what did you think?", He hears, but he is closer now, his hands past the hilt of the sword, now holding on the arm. The kadaiyam on the hand, and the familiar muscles he has held onto for countless nights.

They are closer now, feeling each other's breath, and it makes Deva chuckle, "Varadha, don't you think your pitiful lover atleast deserves to see your face, after coming back home from a war?"

"Devaratha, don't you think you are being very bold?"

Deva smiles, inching closer and hums, "You know what is really being bold?--", he leans closer while one hand clutched onto Varadha's shoulder blade, another hand crept towards the side, over to his jawline. " "It is this", he whispers, gently running his thumb over the edge of Varadha lips, and tilting his head upwards for precision and carefully presses his own on them.

[spookypeacephantom]

All I know is this deva will let this varadha make all the clones he wants

[scarletsabers-blog]

Varadha:*drunk* [to deva] deva has no idea i am in love with him.

Deva: you are in love with me?

Varadha: oh sorry

Varadha: [to bacchi] deva has no idea i am in love with him.

Bacchi:*rolling his eyes*

[ulaganayagi]

At some point I feel like either varadha or deva is going to die. imagine if it ends just like Nandini and Adita Karikalan in PS-II where nandini just screams to hold adita karikalan's body just one last time again while she was being dragged away?? What if Varadha dies by the hands of his own salaar, deva who is avenging the shouryaangas, his hands having the same blood of the one who he took a vow to be the hunted or the hunter just for him?

(I want someone to sketch this </3)