Can Santhanam-Starrer Maintain Hit Status Of This Horror Franchise? Read Netizens’ Verdict
DD Next Level, also known as Devil’s Double Next Level, has finally arrived in theatres and is one of the most exciting releases of this month. Starring Santhanam in the lead role, DD Next Level is the fourth instalment of the Dhilluku Dhuddu film series and all the movies have been success. As the movie arrived in theatres on May 16, netizens have also given their verdict.
Some netizens praised the movie but also compared it to the other films in the franchise. However, many fans also called DD Next Level a fun watch for the weekend. Read the reviews here:
DD returns > DD next level
But good entertainment for the weekend pic.twitter.com/Z4usrWZyH7— 𝕏 Neruppu 𝕏 (@Neruppu_) May 16, 2025
Honestly speaking.. DD next level movie one time decent watching.. General. Audience can be laughed
— GLITZ GALATTA (@GGalatta) May 16, 2025
DD next level with a banger audience response ❤️🔥 Santhanam comedy timing 🔥 Fun filled thriller #Santhanam #DDNextLevel #DDNextLevelReview #STR #Arya #Review #FinalDestinationBloodlines pic.twitter.com/rZJkSU9nrH
— 𝕯𝖊𝖊𝖕𝖆𝖐🦅 (@Deepak32763716) May 16, 2025
#DDNextLevel Basic problem is makers getting confused whether to show brilliancy in unique story or tickle the funny bones. They have failed in doing justice to both at end. Humour is so scarce, and the protagonist’s character ‘Critic’ and basic conflict itself is not amusing. 👎 pic.twitter.com/HtWbf3xvIn
— Star Talkies (@startalkies_ofl) May 15, 2025
In an interview with The Indian Express, director Prem Anand talked about the humour in DD Next Level and horror comedy has been a trend for decades. He said, “Both Santhanam and I believe in reinventing humour. If something works for a particular period, we know it will run its course and leave it after a while. If at all we need to reuse a trope, we use it sparingly. In fact, we have worked on certain scenes where you will see Santhanam creating humour out of correcting the other characters’ politically incorrect jokes.”
Trying to defy a genre’s norms will bring out exciting things. With DD Returns, I wanted to remove the possession, priest and exorcism trope atypical to the genre and create a game-show setup hosted by a ghost family. Despite the innovation, we couldn’t resist setting the story against a bungalow backdrop, which is also an overused element. With DD Next Level, we wanted to break free from that as well. So with this film, we are bringing the pei out of the bungalow. Why can’t ghosts roam around freely? Why should it be tied to a building? This will give the genre a fresh makeover,” he added.
The movie also stars Geethika Tiwary, Selvaraghavan and Gautham Vasudev Menon in the lead roles.