Devil’s Double Next Level (2025), the fourth installment in the Dhilluku Dhuddu series, delivers a chaotic mix of action, horror, and comedy with Santhanam leading the charge. Here’s a spoiler-free review with the BMR Rating!
⭐ Movie Details:
Title: Devil’s Double Next Level
Language: Tamil
Genre: Action | Horror | Comedy
Runtime: 133 minutes
Director: S. Prem Anand
Release Date: 16 May 2025
Box Office: ₹14.95 crore (estimated)
Production: The Show People, Niharika Entertainment
Cast:
- Santhanam
- Selvaraghavan
- Gautham Vasudev Menon
- Geethika Tiwary
🧩 Plot Summary (No Spoilers):
Devil’s Double Next Level continues the supernatural misadventures of the Dhilluku Dhuddu franchise, with Santhanam returning as the reluctant ghostbuster who stumbles into yet another haunted mess. This time, the setting is an eerie palace-turned-resort, where bizarre paranormal events begin to unfold, forcing the hero and his gang to take on devilish entities with brains, brawn, and a lot of bumbling humor.
The narrative builds on the already established tone of the franchise: part satire, part spoof, and full-time entertainer. With elements of black magic, exorcism, and old Tamil folklore blended with outrageous comedy and jump-scare horror, the movie rides high on its massy appeal.
🎭 Performances:
- Santhanam is in top form, blending physical comedy with his signature sarcastic timing. His scenes with ghosts and clueless sidekicks are a riot, providing the bulk of the laughs.
- Selvaraghavan, usually behind the camera, is a surprising addition. As the eccentric occultist, he adds both mystery and deadpan humor.
- Gautham Vasudev Menon, another director in front of the lens, plays a sophisticated villain with a supernatural twist. His understated menace works well.
- Geethika Tiwary, as the female lead, plays her part with grace, although the script offers her limited scope beyond the horror tropes.
🎬 Direction & Writing:
S. Prem Anand, who co-wrote and directed the film, sticks to the zany formula that worked for Dhilluku Dhuddu. But in Next Level, he aims for a more stylish execution with flashier VFX, tighter action, and a layered horror backdrop.
The writing by Anand, E. Murugan Eswara Moorthy, and G. L. Sethu Raman is a mix of spoof comedy and traditional ghost story beats. While not groundbreaking, it keeps the audience entertained with unexpected twists, eerie atmospherics, and punch dialogues.
🎥 Technical Aspects:
- Cinematography by Deepak Kumar Padhy gives the film a sleek and polished look. The haunted resort scenes are well-framed, with dim lighting and fog-heavy visuals that enhance the spooky vibe.
- Editing by Bharath Vikraman is sharp, ensuring the film doesn’t lose pace despite its 133-minute runtime. Jump cuts and comedic timing are executed well.
- Music by OfRo is foot-tapping and energetic. The background score leans into the horror genre’s orchestral jolts while keeping it playful. Songs are situational, with a couple of them becoming viral hits post-release.
🎃 Horror, Humor & Action Blend:
The film thrives on the classic horror-comedy dynamic, similar to what we’ve seen in Chandramukhi, Kanchana, and the previous Dhilluku Dhuddu films. What makes Devil’s Double Next Level stand out is its high-octane action scenes and meta-humor, where characters often mock horror movie clichés.
Despite the genre mixing, the screenplay is coherent. The action sequences—especially a mid-film exorcism scene turned into a slow-motion fight—are absurdly fun and inventive.
🧠 Flaws & Misses:
- The film occasionally loses momentum in the second half with repetitive gags.
- Horror elements might feel diluted for purists seeking genuine scares.
- Geethika’s character is underwritten, and the romantic subplot feels like an afterthought.
- Some jokes are a hit-or-miss depending on your tolerance for slapstick.
🎯 Final Verdict:
Devil’s Double Next Level delivers exactly what it promises: a high-energy ride filled with comedy, ghosts, action, and exaggerated drama. It’s not a film you watch for logic, but one you enjoy for its chaos and creativity. Santhanam’s charm, combined with quirky cameos and visual treats, makes this a solid masala entertainer.
Whether you’re a fan of the franchise or just in the mood for an offbeat Tamil horror comedy, DDNL won’t disappoint. Just suspend disbelief, grab popcorn, and enjoy the madness.
🌟 BMR Rating: 7.2 / 10
A madcap horror comedy that balances chills and chuckles with decent style. Santhanam shines as always, and the film is a worthy addition to the franchise.