Plot Breakdown: A Film Critic vs. a Real Horror Movie
In DD Next Level, Santhanam plays Krishnamoorthy aka “Kissa”, a snarky film critic who trashes horror movies for a living. Ironically, his arrogance lands him in trouble when he gets mysteriously sucked into the very kind of film he mocks—a supernatural world where ghosts, curses, and bizarre paranormal rules apply.
Trapped inside a twisted horror universe, Kissa must team up with an unlikely crew—including a psychic, a skeptical scientist, and a possessed heroine—to survive and escape. The setup is brilliant on paper, blurring the line between fiction and reality. But the execution? Let’s just say the scares are soft, and the jokes hit or miss.
Star-Studded Cast: Big Names, Mixed Results
Santhanam – Back in his comfort zone of horror-comedy, he brings his trademark wisecracks and comic timing, though some critics feel he’s on autopilot this time.
Geethika Tiwary – The female lead delivers a solid performance with both glamour and grit.
Selvaraghavan – Surprisingly effective as a spiritual guru with a shady past.
Gautham Vasudev Menon – Yes, the director! He plays a psychic and adds some unexpected gravitas.
Yashika Aannand & Kasthuri Shankar – Bring in some spice and drama, though their characters aren’t deeply explored.
Nizhalgal Ravi – As always, a reliable supporting presence.
While the cast is impressive on paper, the screenplay doesn’t give everyone enough room to shine.
The Devotional Song Controversy: A Real-Life Horror Twist
Just days after the film’s release, DD Next Level found itself in hot water. A devotional song used in the film—reportedly inspired by Venkateswara—sparked religious outrage. A prominent Tirumala Tirupati Board member slammed the film’s makers, accusing them of commercializing sacred music.
Things escalated quickly when a demand for ₹100 crore in damages was made, claiming the film hurt religious sentiments. The production team has yet to issue a full apology or comment, which has only intensified the backlash.
While controversies often help films gain attention, this one might have crossed the line from viral to volatile.
Final Take: Worth a Watch or a Skip?
If you’re a fan of horror-comedy with over-the-top antics and don’t mind a few logic gaps, DD Next Level might just be your weekend popcorn flick. But if you’re looking for tight storytelling and fresh humor, this might feel like déjà vu from earlier Dhilluku Dhuddu entries.
Still, love it or troll it, DD Next Level has become the most talked-about Tamil film this May—for reasons both on and off the screen.
