“Devil’s Double Next Level” Movie Review
“Devil’s Double Next Level” marks the fourth film in the popular horror-comedy franchise known for its quirky blend of slapstick humor and supernatural elements. Directed by S. Prem Anand, the 2025 film attempts to up the ante with a self-aware storyline that mocks film criticism, horror clichés, and online media culture. Santhanam, the face of the series, returns in full comedic form, hoping to replicate the earlier successes of the franchise. However, the film offers mixed results—ambitious in concept but uneven in execution.
Plot: A Reviewer’s Nightmare Becomes Reality
Santhanam plays Krishnamoorthy, better known online as Kissa 47, a fast-talking YouTube film reviewer famous for his rap-style reviews and over-the-top slang. The story kicks off when Kissa receives a mysterious invitation from a reclusive and eccentric director named Hitchcock Iruthyaraj, played by Selvaraghavan, to attend a private screening of his unreleased film. Kissa agrees and arrives with his family, excited and skeptical in equal measure.
The screening turns bizarre when the film they’re watching literally pulls them inside its world. Kissa and his family become characters in a horror movie with deadly rules, clichéd jump scares, and a narrative that punishes them for every critical remark they’ve ever made. To survive and escape, they must play by the horror script’s rules—something Kissa never respects.
This film blurs the line between fiction and reality and adds a meta-humor layer by parodying film reviewers, social media influencers, and horror movie tropes. The concept plays cleverly with genre expectations and delivers a few sharp moments of satire.
Performances: Santhanam Holds the Fort
Santhanam dominates the screen with his characteristic energy. He leans into his role with a playful arrogance that fits the character of a cocky YouTube critic. His one-liners hit home in several scenes, especially when he mocks the absurdities of horror plots while stuck inside one himself.
Selvaraghavan, as Hitchcock, creates a sinister and eccentric villain. He delivers an intense performance, portraying a maniacal director seeking revenge against a reviewer who trashed his earlier works. His chemistry with Santhanam adds a layer of tension to the otherwise goofy tone.
Geethika Tiwary plays Kissa’s love interest and adds emotional grounding, though the script gives her little to do beyond reacting to chaos. Gautham Vasudev Menon, in a cameo, elevates the film’s climactic sequences with his screen presence, offering a dose of gravitas in the otherwise ridiculous proceedings.
Direction and Narrative: Ambitious but Inconsistent
Director S. Prem Anand chooses a bold narrative style. He builds a multi-layered storyline that mocks the very medium it belongs to. By placing a reviewer inside the world he ridicules, Anand attempts a commentary on criticism, creativity, and the fragile egos of filmmakers. His vision deserves credit for taking risks and avoiding the usual sequel formula of recycling gags and ghost antics.
However, the storytelling often feels scattered. The screenplay jumps erratically from satire to slapstick, from horror to melodrama, without maintaining tonal consistency. The film loses momentum in its second half, with jokes repeating and scares losing their edge. Several scenes stretch beyond necessity, and the editor could have trimmed the film to make it more cohesive.
Comedy: Hit or Miss
“Devil’s Double Next Level” builds its brand on comedy, and fans of Santhanam expect relentless humor. The film delivers some solid punches in the first hour. Kissa’s rants on horror logic, scream queens, haunted houses, and ghost clichés generate genuine laughs. His interactions with a talking doll and a haunted AI assistant inject freshness into the genre mash-up.
But the humor runs thin in the second half. The repetition of jokes and an overreliance on old-school punchlines make the latter part less enjoyable. Many gags aim for quick laughs without contributing to the story. Audiences who enjoy loud, slapstick comedy may remain entertained, but those looking for layered wit might lose patience.
Visuals and Technical Aspects: Stylish but Overwhelming
The art department delivers a visually dynamic film. The haunted film set, the distorted reality sequences, and the over-the-top horror makeup create a carnival-like atmosphere. The production team built imaginative sets that reflect a warped version of movie studios, complete with zombie crew members and cursed cameras.
The cinematography captures the chaos with vibrant frames and kinetic camera movements. At times, the quick cuts and stylized transitions overwhelm the senses, but they also match the film’s absurd energy.
OfRo’s music blends hip-hop and spooky tunes, aligning with Kissa’s personality. The songs don’t linger after the credits roll, but they work well within the scenes. The background score amplifies the jump scares and heightens the spoof-like vibe.
Controversy: Devotional Song Sparks Outrage
Just days before release, the film faced backlash over its use of a devotional song during a comedic horror sequence. The inclusion of the song offended religious groups, leading to legal notices and demands for a ₹100 crore compensation from a prominent temple board member.
Santhanam addressed the controversy by clarifying that the film never intended to mock any deity or belief system. The filmmakers re-edited the scene and removed the song before the theatrical release, hoping to calm tensions. The controversy, however, drew significant media attention and briefly overshadowed the film’s promotional campaign.
Box Office Performance: Decent Start Amidst Mixed Reviews
“Devil’s Double Next Level” opened in theaters on May 16, 2025. Despite the controversy and critical skepticism, the film earned approximately ₹2.85 crore on its opening day, marking a better debut than Santhanam’s earlier 2024 release, Inga Naan Thaan Kingu.
Weekend numbers will likely decide the film’s long-term fate. Word of mouth remains divided, with some praising its bold satire and others criticizing its messy structure. If the film maintains momentum, it could break even or turn a modest profit, given its relatively controlled budget.
OTT Release Plans: ZEE5 Secures Streaming Rights
The producers plan to release the film on ZEE5 following its theatrical run. This move allows the film to reach digital audiences, many of whom follow Santhanam’s work but prefer streaming platforms. The OTT version will likely include behind-the-scenes content and bonus features to attract fans.
Final Verdict: A Mixed Bag with Flashes of Brilliance
“Devil’s Double Next Level” tries to push the horror-comedy genre into new territory. Its self-aware narrative and meta-humor showcase the filmmaker’s ambition. Santhanam delivers a committed performance and carries the film with his trademark comic timing. However, inconsistent pacing, overused jokes, and tonal confusion prevent the film from reaching its full potential.
Fans of the franchise will find enough to enjoy, especially if they appreciate wacky setups and unfiltered comedy. Casual viewers or those seeking sophisticated humor may feel underwhelmed.
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.
