"DD Next Level": A Lesson to Critics!
Directed by Prem Anand, DD Next Level features Santhanam, Motta Rajendran, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Selvaraghavan, Geethika Tiwari, Yashika Anand, Nizhalgal Ravi, and Lollu Sabha Maaran in key roles. The film is produced by actor Arya under his banner, The Show People.
Santhanam plays Kissa 47, a popular YouTube critic known for tearing films apart with his reviews. He has both fans and haters, making him a trending topic. The story takes a turn when he is invited to a "special screening" hosted by the ghost of legendary critic Hitchcock Irudhaya Raj (played by Selvaraghavan) in a dilapidated theatre. Once there, Kissa 47 and his family get trapped in a device set up by Irudhaya Raj — and what happens next forms the rest of the story.
In the character of Kissa 47, Santhanam takes a direct and subtle dig at online reviewers, delivering a solid rebuttal through sharp satire. True to his style, he brings in his signature slapstick and comic timing, forming a lively combo on screen.
Notably, Kasturi and Yashika Anand appear in bold roles as Santhanam’s mother and sister, with Yashika’s costume choices (like a nightie draped with a dupatta) standing out and shocking some viewers.
Although Gautham Vasudev Menon appears only briefly, his presence adds a spark, making you feel like they've broken a precious piece of furniture – it’s that impactful. Selvaraghavan, too, adds gravitas. The film is packed with comic actors, so there's no shortage of humor. However, fans expecting the same level of non-stop laughter as DD Returns may find it a bit underwhelming, even though the makers have clearly attempted to match that level of humor.
The story borrows elements from multiple sources – a bit of "odavum mudiyadhu oliyavum mudiyadhu ", chup hindi movie, vibes from The Resort web series – blending them all together into a single narrative. But the core idea is clear: it’s a response to careless and unfiltered film criticism. The film effectively conveys the challenges and hard work behind filmmaking and turns it into a satirical lesson for overcritical reviewers — without being preachy.
Deepak Kumar Pathi’s cinematography shines in the cruise ship sequences and the contrasting looks of the abandoned theatre, providing a visual treat. The film, edited by Bharat Vikraman, runs for just 2 hours and 15 minutes with sharp cuts. The Kissa 47 song composed by Afro is a trending hit, though some parts were reportedly censored. The background score effectively supports the horror-comedy tone.
The film is filled with timings daughter moments.
Overall, while DD Next Level may not deliver the full-on comedy punch of DD Returns, it still manages to evoke laughs and stands out as a suitable summer entertainer. More importantly, it delivers a pointed yet humorous lesson to today’s overzealous critics.
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