Irrespective of Devara’s box-office performance, one major issue continued to haunt the film long after its release. NTR fans heavily trolled cinematographer Rathnavelu for the way their idol was presented on the big screen.
Many fans felt NTR looked oddly short and confined in several shots, including the much-discussed container destruction sequence. The backlash largely stemmed from the belief that Rathnavelu’s framing choices made NTR appear smaller than he should have, with some fans arguing that the cinematography failed to capture the hero’s larger-than-life screen presence.
The trolling became so intense that Rathnavelu has now addressed the issue during the promotional interviews of Peddi.
Speaking in an interview with M9 News, Rathnavelu explained that such issues cannot be blamed solely on the cinematographer and that multiple creative departments contribute to how a hero ultimately appears on screen.
According to him, camera placement has to be carefully designed based on the actor’s height, body structure, face shape, and overall screen personality. He pointed to his long association with Ram Charan and explained that years of working together helped him understand exactly which angles and profiles work best for the actor.
Rathnavelu said every hero requires a different visual approach. Wide frames and top-angle shots naturally carry the risk of making an actor appear smaller, especially when surrounded by physically imposing supporting actors or dominant background elements. To counter this, filmmakers often rely on low-angle shots, selective framing, and editing techniques that enhance the hero’s impact.
Interestingly, Rathnavelu appeared to shift part of the responsibility away from the cinematographer. He explained that editing decisions, shot duration, staging, and overall visual planning all influence how a hero is perceived on screen.
Referring to large-scale action sequences like those seen in Devara, he explained that when heavily built supporting actors share the frame with the hero, the team must ensure those characters do not visually overpower the hero for long durations. While a cinematographer can frame shots carefully, the final impact also depends on how those shots are edited and assembled.
He also cited examples from Hollywood, pointing out how actors like Tom Cruise have often overcome height-related limitations through clever camera work, staging, and editing.
While some viewers believe he made valid technical points, others continue to feel that Devara did not showcase NTR in the most powerful manner possible.
What is clear, however, is that Rathnavelu believes the trolling directed at him was not entirely justified.
#Devara Trolls:
Not the DOP’s fault.
In his interview with M9, Rathnavelu explains who is actually responsible.
WATCH: pic.twitter.com/8FLzdQoTdv
— M9 NEWS (@M9News_) June 11, 2026
