DD Next Level: Santhanam's Latest Horror Comedy Hits Theatres
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:
DD returns > DD next level
β π Neruppu π (@Neruppu_) May 16, 2025
But good entertainment for the weekend pic.twitter.com/Z4usrWZyH7
Honestly speaking.. DD next level movie one time decent watching.. General. Audience can be laughed
β GLITZ GALATTA (@GGalatta) May 16, 2025
DD next level with a banger audience response β€οΈβπ₯ Santhanam comedy timing π₯ Fun filled thriller #Santhanam #DDNextLevel #DDNextLevelReview #STR #Arya #Review #FinalDestinationBloodlines pic.twitter.com/rZJkSU9nrH
β π―ππππππ¦ (@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. π pic.twitter.com/HtWbf3xvIn
β Star Talkies (@startalkies_ofl) May 15, 2025
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, βBoth 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 charactersβ politically incorrect jokes.β
He further elaborated on the film's unique approach, saying, βWith 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 couldnβt 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 canβt ghosts roam around freely? Why should it be tied to a building? This will give the genre a fresh makeover.β
Cast Details
The film also features Geethika Tiwary, Selvaraghavan, and Gautham Vasudev Menon in prominent roles.