26-04-2025
Ground Zero Director Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar's Unique Achievement; His Marathi Film Devmanus Also Released On Friday
In a rare cinematic feat, filmmaker Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar released two feature films—Ground Zero and Devmanus—on the same day, April 25, 2025.
In a rare and remarkable feat in Indian cinema, filmmaker Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar has achieved a milestone that few directors can claim: the simultaneous release of two distinct films in different languages on the same day. On April 25, 2025, Deoskar's Hindi action thriller 'Ground Zero' and Marathi psychological thriller 'Devmanus' hit theaters, showcasing his versatility and ability to navigate diverse storytelling styles across genres and languages. This unique box-office moment has cemented Deoskar's reputation as a dynamic and innovative filmmaker, captivating audiences with two powerful narratives on the same day)
Ground Zero: A Gripping Tribute To An Unsung Hero
'Ground Zero' is a Hindi-language action thriller that brings to life the heroic story of BSF officer Narendra Nath Dhar Dubey, who played a pivotal role in tracking and eliminating terrorist mastermind Rana Tahir Nadeem, also known as Ghazi Baba, following the 2001 Parliament attack. Directed by Deoskar and produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar under Excel Entertainment, the film stars Emraan Hashmi in the lead role as Dubey, delivering a nuanced and powerful performance that has already garnered praise for its intensity and emotional depth.
Set in Kashmir during the early 2000s, 'Ground Zero' is rooted in real events and highlights the sacrifices made by BSF officers in maintaining national security. The film's raw and intense narrative, coupled with masterful storytelling, has been lauded for its ability to balance action with emotional resonance. Alongside Hashmi, the film features a strong ensemble cast, including Sai Tamhankar, Zoya Hussain, Lalit Prabhakar, and Abhay Dheeraj Singh, among others. With a runtime of 2 hours and 14 minutes, 'Ground Zero' boasts a Dolby Atmos sound mix and a score composed by Tanishk Bagchi, Rohan-Rohan, and Sunny Inder, with lyrics by Vayu, Rashmi Virag, Kumaar, and Irshad Kamil.
The film made history as the first movie in 38 years to premiere in Srinagar, Kashmir, with a special screening hosted for BSF jawans in April 2025. Deoskar described the premiere as a 'full circle moment," given that the film was shot entirely in the valley, resonating deeply with local audiences. Critics have hailed 'Ground Zero' as a fitting tribute to Dubey, with reviews praising its gripping pacing and Hashmi's standout performance.
Devmanus: A Marathi Thriller With Cultural Depth
On the same day, Deoskar's Marathi film 'Devmanus' captivated audiences with its intense psychological thriller narrative. Produced by Luv Films and directed by Deoskar, 'Devmanus' is a reimagining of the Hindi film 'Vadh', infused with the cultural soul of Maharashtra. The film follows the story of a devout priest whose peaceful existence unravels after a moral transgression, forcing him to confront a harrowing choice between confession and making amends. Featuring a stellar cast, including Mahesh Manjrekar, Renuka Shahane, Subodh Bhave, and Sai Tamhankar, 'Devmanus' has been praised for its powerful performances and gripping storyline.
Devmanus' stands out for its seamless integration of Maharashtra's cultural elements, including the portrayal of a Warkari, a Paithani saree weaver, and an electrifying Lavani performance, all woven into a suspenseful narrative. The film's teaser and soulful track 'Panduranga" have already generated significant buzz, with audiences eagerly anticipating its theatrical release. Writer Neha Shitole emphasized the film's aim to feel 'deeply personal to Marathi audiences" while delivering an immersive and entertaining experience. 'Devmanus' marks Luv Films' debut in Marathi cinema, with producers Luv Ranjan and Ankur Garg backing Deoskar's vision.
Deoskar has described the dual release as 'both a challenge and a privilege," noting the rarity of helming two films on the same day. 'It's overwhelming when there's just one film releasing, but having two is an entirely different kind of high," he said in an interview with Zoom. 'Both films have completely different subjects and are treated uniquely, but the common factor is that they both are powerful." The positive reception to Devmanus's teaser has fueled anticipation for Ground Zero's promotional material, with Deoskar expressing eagerness to share its teaser with audiences.
Who Is Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar?
Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar, born on May 14, 1983, is an Indian film director and screenwriter whose work spans Marathi and Hindi cinema. Known for his ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences, Deoskar has established himself as a versatile filmmaker with a knack for blending entertainment with emotional depth. His career began with short films before he transitioned to feature films, earning critical and commercial success with his unique storytelling approach.
Deoskar's breakthrough came with the Marathi film Ajinkya (2013), the first Marathi movie centered on basketball, which captured the flavor of the Vidarbha region and showcased his ability to tackle unconventional subjects. He followed this with Premsutra (2013), a bold romantic drama, and 'Bucket List (2018), which marked Madhuri Dixit's Marathi debut and earned praise for its heartfelt exploration of unfulfilled wishes. 'Bucket List' was a commercial and critical success, with Deoskar's direction lauded for its sensitivity and Dixit's performance celebrated widely.
In 2019, Deoskar served as the creative producer for 'Baba', a Marathi film that garnered critical acclaim and secured 17 awards at national and international film festivals. The film was a competitor at the prestigious Golden Globe Awards and won three Filmfare Marathi Awards, including Best Film Critics Award, Best Story, and Best Actor for Deepak Dobriyal. Deoskar's foray into Hindi cinema came with Chhatriwali (2023), a social comedy produced by Ronnie Screwvala, which received widespread praise for its bold subject matter and Deoskar's nuanced direction.
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