Visual effects supervisor Yugandhar Tammareddy, who was recently inducted into the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, has pointed out a striking similarity between Jr NTR’s Devara and the Hollywood series Chief of War, starring Jason Momoa.

“When @tarak9999 rides the shark in Devara… and a Hollywood warrior follows. Pleasantly surprised to see Chief of War (Apple TV+) show Jason Momoa doing the same. Feels good when Hollywood draws inspiration from Telugu cinema,” Yugandhar wrote on social media, accompanying side-by-side visuals.

Yugandhar’s comparison centres on both projects’ visually arresting shark-riding sequences, one featuring Jr NTR’s character Vara in Devara, and another showcasing Momoa’s character, suggesting possible creative influence. 

Yugandhar, who served as VFX supervisor on films like Rangasthalam, Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo, and Devara, was among 534 new global members welcomed into the Academy this year, joining notable names such as Kamal Haasan and Ayushmann Khurrana.

Chief of War, created and co-written by Jason Momoa, premiered its first two episodes on August 1, with new episodes arriving weekly via September. Set in 18th-century Hawai‘i, the nine-part series follows the warrior Ka’iana (Momoa) as he attempts to unite the islands before the onset of Western colonisation.

While Chief of War is based on historical events from the era, Devara, released in 2024, is a pan-Indian action drama directed by Koratala Siva. Yugandhar’s comments have sparked discussion among fans and industry observers about the growing visibility of Telugu cinema’s visual storytelling on the global stage. His social media post received mixed reactions, it has to be seen whether makers of either projects react.