Devmanus Marathi Movie Review
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Directed by Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar, Devmanus (2025) is a Marathi thriller that reimagines the 2022 Hindi film Vadh. Brought to life by Luv Films—famous for Bollywood films like Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar—it stars Mahesh Manjrekar, Renuka Shahane, Subodh Bhave, and Siddharth Bodke. This gripping tale wrestles with morality and desperation, pulling you into the depths of the human soul.
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Set in rural Maharashtra, the story centers on Keshav (Manjrekar), a gentle retired teacher and Warkari devotee, and his wife Laxmi (Shahane), a gifted Paithani saree weaver. They sacrifice everything for their son’s education abroad, only to be left heartbroken and in debt. When a cruel loan shark, Dilip (Bodke), tortures them, Keshav reaches his limit and takes a drastic step—killing him. What follows is a raw, emotional struggle: should he confess or hide his deed? Woven with Marathi traditions like the Warkari pilgrimage and lively Lavani dances, it’s a fresh yet rooted take on Vadh.
The film shines visually, with breathtaking shots of the pilgrimage and warm, earthy weaving scenes that reflect the couple’s love and resilience. The songs, especially “Panduranga,” stirs the soul, though the background score sometimes overdoes the drama. Pacing stumbles in the second half—subplots like the pilgrimage slow the pace—and Keshav’s shift to a cunning mindset feels a stretch, echoing a flaw from Vadh. Keshav’s journey questions whether a “good” man can justify a heinous act when pushed to the brink, with the title “Devmanus” (Man of God) serving as an ironic reflection of his struggle to reconcile faith with sin. The film also touches on social issues, such as the breakdown of familial bonds and the exploitation of the vulnerables by predatory lenders.
Mahesh Manjrekar delivers a striking performance, portraying Keshav with a quiet intensity that unravels into raw vulnerability. His journey from a soft-spoken devotee to a man haunted by his actions is mesmerising. In one standout scene, Keshav stares into a cracked mirror after the murder, his trembling hands and tear-streaked face revealing the storm within. Fans of Manjrekar’s work in Viruddh will recognise his ability to convey profound emotion with minimal dialogue, making Keshav’s moral dilemma achingly real. Renuka Shahane imbues Laxmi with a tender strength, her character serving as the emotional anchor of the story.
Siddharth Bodke is a revelation as the sadistic loan shark, his menacing charm making Dilip a villain you love to hate. His taunting laughter and predatory swagger—especially in a scene where he humiliates Keshav in front of villagers—ignite the tension that drives the plot. Bodke’s performance ensures that Keshav’s drastic act feels justified, amplifying the film’s stakes and drawing the audience into the moral grey zone. Subodh Bhave, celebrated recently for Sangeet Manapmaan, brings gravitas to his understated role as a friend or confidant (the screenplay leaves his character’s purpose ambiguous). One wishes the script had given him more to do. His restraint hints at a richer backstory left unexplored. Sai Tamhankar lights up the screen in a brief but electrifying Lavani performance.
At its core, Devmanus probes large questions about right and wrong, sacrifice, and desperation, with a nod to classics like Crime and Punishment. The title, meaning “Man of God,” adds a poignant twist to Keshav’s faith-fueled turmoil. Its a story of two halves – first filled with intense drama and second with thrilling mystery.
Devmanus is a bold, touching step for Luv Films into Marathi cinema, lifted by powerful performances and a rich regional spirit. It may not outdo Vadh’s sharp focus, but it stands apart as a soulful emotional-thriller. For anyone who loves Marathi stories or complex characters, it’s a moving journey worth taking.
