Devmanus
DirectorTejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar
WriterNeha Shitole
Producer
Starring
CinematographyAmey Vasant Chavan
EditingFaisal Mahadik
Music
StudioLuv Films
DistributorPVR Inox Pictures
Released25 April 2025
Runtime129 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageMarathi

Devmanus () is a 2025 Indian Marathi language drama film directed by Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar and produced by Luv Ranjan and Ankur Garg under Luv Films.[1] Starring Mahesh Manjrekar, Renuka Shahane, Subodh Bhave, and Siddharth Bodke, the film is an adaptation of Jaspal Singh Sandhu and Rajeev Barnwal’s 2022 Hindi film Vadh, also produced by Luv Films.[2] It follows a saintly man whose life takes a dramatic turn after a pivotal act, forcing him to navigate a moral dilemma between repentance and atonement.[3] Devmanus was released in theatres on 25 April 2025.[4]

Cast

Production

Devmanus marks the debut of Luv Films in Marathi cinema. It is an adaptation of the 2022 Hindi-language film Vadh, also produced by Luv Films, starring Sanjay Mishra and Neena Gupta.[5]

In December 2024, it was announced that veteran actors Mahesh Manjrekar and Renuka Shahane would star together for the first time, with filming completed in Phaltan, Maharashtra.[6] The film marks Shahane's return to Marathi cinema since her 2018 film Bucket List, also directed by Pravin Deoskar.[7] Subodh Bhave was cast in a significant role, as revealed in January 2025.[8]

The film features Sai Tamhankar's debut Lavani performance, choreographed by Ashish Patil, for the song "Aalech Mi Lavani". Tamhankar rehearsed for 33 hours to prepare for the dance sequence.[9] Additionally, actress Neha Shitole debuted as a writer, contributing the dialogues and screenplay.[10]

Release and marketing

Release

Devmanus was scheduled for release on 25 April 2025, with the date announced on 15 January 2025.[11] Director Pravin Deoskar's Hindi action thriller Ground Zero was also released on the same day.[12]

Marketing

On 11 February 2025, the first look of the main cast was released, generating significant interest among audiences.[13] The teaser, showcasing Mahesh Manjrekar as a Warkari, was unveiled on 13 February 2025 and screened alongside the Bollywood film Chhaava in theatres. The promotional campaign included the release of the devotional song "Panduranga," featuring Manjrekar, on 2 April 2025.[14] A Lavani song, "Alech Mi Lavani," featuring Sai Tamhankar, was released on 15 April 2025.[15] The trailer was launched at an event in Mumbai on 8 April 2025, attended by the cast and crew. On 21 April 2025, the song "Sobati," featuring the lead pair and sung by Shekhar Ravjiani and Aarya Ambekar, was released.[16]

Reception

Critical response

The Marathi film Devmanus received mixed to positive reviews from critics, with praise for its performances and direction, though some noted shortcomings in its narrative execution. Santosh Bhingarde of Sakal described the film as a compelling remake, highlighting Mahesh Manjrekar and Renuka Shahane's chemistry and the film's emotional depth, though he noted pacing issues in the second half.[17] Reshma Raikwar, writing for Loksatta, appreciated director Tejas Prabha Vijay Deuskar's sensitive handling of the subject matter and the lead pair's nuanced performances, but felt the screenplay could have been tighter.[18] Kalpesh Kubal from Maharashtra Times lauded the film's attempt to balance drama and social commentary, commending Manjrekar's intensity, though he criticized certain predictable plot points.[19] Deepa Gehlot of Scroll.in called it a "respectable remake" with a well-matched lead pair, emphasizing Shahane's understated performance but pointing out that the film lacked the original's sharpness.[20] Mihir Bhanage from The Times of India gave a positive review, praising the film's engaging narrative and strong acting, particularly Manjrekar's commanding presence, but noted that some emotional beats felt repetitive.[21] He wrote "What makes Devmanus a good watch is the way the film unfolds. While the crux remains the same as Vadh, the setting changes, as do a few scenes. The casting of Devmanus is worth applauding. Every actor is immensely talented, but it’s the story that’s the star here"[22].

Accolades

AwardsYearCategoryRecipientResultRef
Zee 24 Taas Marathi Sanman2025Best VillainAbhijeet Khandkekar[23]
MaTa Sanman2026Best ActorMahesh Manjrekar[24]
Best Supporting ActorSiddharth Bodke
City Cine Awards Marathi2026Best Supporting Actor – MaleSiddharth Bodke[25]

References

  1. ^ "Mahesh Manjrekar, Renuka Shahane to star in Luv Films' maiden Marathi film 'Devmanus'". The Times of India. 2025-01-15. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived 13 February 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2025-02-13.
  2. ^ "Luv Films announces Marathi adaptation of Vadh titled Devmanus, set for release on April 25". Bollywood Hungama. Archived 9 April 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2025-04-29.
  3. ^ "Devmanus trailer: Luv Films' Marathi debut promises intensity and intrigue". The Statesman. Retrieved 2025-04-29.
  4. ^ "Mahesh Manjrekar, Renuka Shahane's Marathi movie 'Devmanus' set for April 25 release". The Times of India. 2025-01-15. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2025-02-13.
  5. ^ "Luv Films announces Marathi adaptation of Vadh titled Devmanus, set for release on April 25". Bollywood Hungama. Archived 9 April 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2025-04-29.
  6. ^ "'देवमाणूस'साठी एकत्र आले रेणूका शहाणे आणि महेश मांजरेकर, खास भूमिकेत दिसणार दिग्गज कलाकार" (in mr). Maharashtra Times. Archived 13 February 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2025-02-13.
  7. ^ ""मी हिंदी चित्रपट मोजकेच केले, कारण...", रेणुका शहाणे नेमकं काय म्हणाल्या?" (in mr). Lokmat. 2025-04-17. Retrieved 2025-04-22.
  8. ^ "तेजस देऊस्कर दिग्दर्शित 'देवमाणूस'साठी अभिनेता सुबोध भावे ऑनबोर्ड!!" (in mr). Navarashtra. 2025-01-04. Retrieved 2025-02-13.
  9. ^ "Sai Tamhankar makes Lavani debut with 'Aalech Mi' from Devmanus". Bollywood Hungama. 2025-04-15. Retrieved 2025-04-22.
  10. ^ "महेश मांजरेकर, रेणुका शहाणे, सुबोध भावे स्टारर 'देवमाणूस'साठी नेहा शितोळीची महत्त्वाची कामगिरी; म्हणाली..." (in mr). ABP Majha. 2025-03-28. Retrieved 2025-04-22.
  11. ^ "Mahesh Manjrekar, Renuka Shahane's Marathi movie Devmanus to release in April". The Telegraph. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
  12. ^ "Devmanus trailer: Mahesh Manjrekar, Renuka Shahane shine in gripping Marathi remake of Luv Films' Vadh". Bollywood Hungama. Archived 30 April 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
  13. ^ "लव फिल्म्स निर्मित 'देवमाणूस'चा टीझर लाँच; महेश मांजरेकर, रेणुका शहाणे दिसणार एकत्र" (in mr). ABP Majha. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
  14. ^ "Sonu Nigam's first Wari song Panduranga now out from Luv Films' Devmanus". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
  15. ^ "राया करा ना हो इशारा आलेच मी... सई ताम्हणकर पहिल्यांदाच गाजवणार लावणीचा फड" (in mr). Maharashtra Times. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
  16. ^ "लव फिल्म्सच्या बहुप्रतिक्षित 'देवमाणूस' चित्रपटातील 'सोबती' हे रोमँटिक गीत प्रदर्शित" (in mr). Sakal. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
  17. ^ "शांत माणसाच्या मनातील रागाच्या ज्वालामुखीचा स्फोट म्हणजे 'देवमाणूस'; कसा आहे हा चित्रपट?" (in mr). Sakal. Archived 26 April 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2025-04-29.
  18. ^ "भावकल्लोळातील रंजकता" (in mr). Loksatta. Archived 28 April 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2025-04-29.
  19. ^ "देवमाणूस" (in mr). Maharashtra Times. Archived 27 April 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2025-04-29.
  20. ^ "Devmanus review: A respectable remake with a well-matched lead pair". Scroll.in. Archived 25 April 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2025-04-29.
  21. ^ "Devmanus Movie Review". The Times of India. Archived 25 April 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2025-04-29.
  22. ^ "Devmanus Movie Review: Stellar performances and a gripping story keeps you hooked". The Times of India. Retrieved 2026-05-09.
  23. ^ "झी २४ तास 'मराठी सन्मान पुरस्कार सोहळा २०२५' आज होणार प्रसारित" (in mr). Zee 24 Taas. 2025-10-19. Retrieved 2025-10-21.
  24. ^ "आता थांबायचं नाय!, देवमाणूस, कुटुंब किर्रतन, बाई तुझ्यापायीचा 'मटा सन्मान'वर ठसा, पुरस्कार विजेत्यांची संपूर्ण यादी" (in mr). Maharashtra Times. Retrieved 2026-04-26.
  25. ^ "City Cine Awards Marathi 2026 at Radio City: Marathi Cinema's Finest Honoured". Radiocity. Retrieved 2026-04-25.