DD Next Level, released on May 16, 2025, is the latest addition to the popular Dhilluku Dhuddu horror-comedy franchise. Directed by S. Prem Anand, the film features Santhanam in the lead role, alongside Geethika Tiwary, Selvaraghavan, and Gautham Vasudev Menon. This fourth installment takes a meta-cinematic approach, blending traditional horror-comedy elements with a self-aware narrative that tries to break new ground for the franchise.
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However, while the movie’s concept holds promise, the execution has met with mixed responses from audiences and critics alike. This review explores what works and what falls short in this ambitious but uneven film.
Plot Summary
In DD Next Level, Santhanam portrays Krishnamoorthy, a quirky and outspoken YouTube film reviewer who, along with his family, receives an invitation to a mysterious film screening. The group soon realizes that they are trapped within a sinister horror movie crafted by a vengeful filmmaker.
The storyline unfolds as a film-within-a-film, making the audience question the layers between reality and fiction. This meta-narrative tries to blend satire on film criticism with horror tropes, all sprinkled with the trademark slapstick humor Santhanam is known for.
Despite this interesting premise, the plot struggles to maintain a steady pace or build lasting suspense, often leaning more heavily into comedy than horror.
Performances and Characters
Santhanam carries the film with his usual comic timing and charm, portraying Krishnamoorthy with a blend of wit and nervous energy. His role as a film reviewer adds a fresh dimension to his character in this franchise. However, the screenplay limits the depth and development of his character beyond the surface-level jokes.
Geethika Tiwary’s role is brief and underutilized, and the presence of Selvaraghavan and Gautham Vasudev Menon adds curiosity, but both actors have minimal screen time, reducing their impact on the overall narrative.
The supporting cast offers some entertaining moments, but the film’s writing fails to fully capitalize on their talents.
Direction and Screenplay
Director S. Prem Anand attempts to push boundaries by integrating a self-referential script that comments on filmmaking and audience expectations. The idea of blending horror and comedy with meta-commentary is ambitious but proves to be a double-edged sword here.
The screenplay frequently switches between horror sequences and comedy scenes, but the tone often feels disjointed. Horror moments lack tension and fail to evoke genuine fear, while comedic sequences occasionally slip into juvenile and repetitive humor. This imbalance hampers the film’s overall flow.
Additionally, certain plot points appear predictable, and the narrative momentum weakens as the film progresses.
Technical Aspects
Visually, DD Next Level stays true to the franchise’s style, with dark, moody settings interspersed with comic relief. The cinematography captures the eerie atmosphere when required, but the film rarely ventures beyond standard horror-comedy aesthetics.
The background score attempts to blend spooky soundscapes with lighthearted music cues but doesn’t significantly enhance the viewing experience.
Editing is adequate but could have been tighter to improve pacing, especially in the second half, where scenes tend to drag.
Comedy and Horror Balance
The hallmark of the Dhilluku Dhuddu series has been its unique mix of horror and humor. While DD Next Level maintains this formula, the execution falls short of earlier installments.
Many of the jokes rely on slapstick and repetitive gags, which may not resonate with all viewers. The meta-humor, focusing on film reviewers and filmmakers, is clever in concept but not always well-executed, sometimes feeling forced or overly self-indulgent.
On the horror front, the film delivers fewer genuine scares, with predictable jump scares and a lack of sustained suspense.
Audience Response
Audience reactions reflect the critical divide. Fans of the franchise and Santhanam’s comedy style appreciate the film’s lighter moments and his signature wit. However, a significant number of viewers express disappointment with the lack of fresh content and the thin storyline.
Some viewers have praised the film’s attempt at a meta-narrative and breaking away from the usual horror-comedy template, though many feel the attempt falls flat due to poor script execution.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Santhanam’s comic timing and presence remain a highlight
- Unique meta-cinematic premise adds novelty to the franchise
- Several humorous moments and references that horror fans may enjoy
- Decent cinematography and production values
Cons
- Inconsistent tone, wavering between horror and comedy
- Predictable plot with limited character development
- Overreliance on slapstick and juvenile humor
- Horror sequences lack genuine scares or tension
- Supporting cast underutilized
Moving Ahead
DD Next Level attempts to reinvent the Dhilluku Dhuddu franchise by blending meta-horror elements with comedy, but the results are mixed at best. While Santhanam’s performance and the film’s unique premise provide some entertainment, the inconsistent tone, weak screenplay, and ineffective scares limit its overall impact.
For viewers seeking light-hearted comedy with horror undertones, this movie offers a few laughs but might disappoint those looking for a strong story or genuine thrills.
Final Verdict: DD Next Level delivers some fun moments but falls short of being a memorable or impactful horror-comedy. Fans of the series may find enough here to enjoy, but new viewers should temper expectations.
Rating: 2.5 out of 5
By – Nikita
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