Devamanus: An Honest Remake, But Lacking the Original’s Impact

The Hindi film ‘Vadh,’ released in 2022, told the story of a retired teacher’s act of violence against a corrupt moneylender. Its Marathi remake, ‘Devamanus,’ is a decent adaptation, offering a well-intended exploration of how far evil can be allowed to progress before it becomes unbearable. The central moral dilemma involves a young girl who becomes the object of the villainous loan shark’s lust. The story follows Keshav (Mahesh Manjrekar), a principled educator, who murders the criminal and conceals the body. His friends and family, including his wife Laxmi (Renuka Shahane), then shield him, viewing him as a ‘Devamanus,’ a man of God who had to commit murder to fight evil. ‘Devamanus’ deviates from the original by prioritizing melodrama. The villain’s portrayal borders on parody. Mahesh Manjrekar delivers a strong performance as the conflicted protagonist. Renuka Shahane’s portrayal of the disapproving wife is also noteworthy. However, the remake lacks the raw intensity of the original. The director’s approach is less focused, and the film leans more toward a potboiler than a genuine thriller, ultimately offering an unremarkable adaptation.