DD Next Level: Santhanam's Latest Horror Comedy Hits Theatres

DD Next Level, starring Santhanam, has hit theatres, marking the fourth installment in the popular Dhilluku Dhuddu series. While audience reactions vary, many find it a fun weekend watch. Director Prem Anand shares insights on reinventing humor in horror comedies. The film also features notable actors like Geethika Tiwary and Gautham Vasudev Menon. Discover what viewers are saying and how the film aims to break genre norms.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 16, 2025, 12:56 IST

Overview of DD Next Level

DD Next Level, also referred to as Devil's Double Next Level, has officially premiered in cinemas and is generating significant buzz this month. Featuring Santhanam in the lead role, this film marks the fourth entry in the Dhilluku Dhuddu series, which has consistently enjoyed success. The movie debuted in theatres on May 16, and audiences have begun sharing their opinions.

Audience Reactions

While some viewers have praised the film, others have drawn comparisons to previous installments in the series. Nonetheless, many fans have described DD Next Level as an enjoyable option for a weekend outing. Here are some reactions:

Director's Insights

In a conversation with a media outlet, director Prem Anand discussed the comedic elements of DD Next Level, noting that horror comedies have been popular for many years. He stated, “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.”

He further elaborated on the film's unique approach, saying, “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.”

Cast Details

The film also features Geethika Tiwary, Selvaraghavan, and Gautham Vasudev Menon in prominent roles.