Santhanam’s “DD Next Level” faces controversy due to a song perceived as disrespectful to a religious shrine, but the film’s visuals and VFX are commendable. The film’s comedic structure received criticism. The film’s visuals and VFX are commendable, but the comedic structure received criticism.
- One of the songs in the film drew criticism for allegedly disrespecting the revered Tirupati shrine, sparking backlash from certain religious groups and fans.
- The film’s core revolves around a film critic who suddenly finds himself trapped inside the very horror movies he routinely mocks.
- The narrative offers a mix of horror, satire, and self-awareness, giving the genre a meta twist.
Santhanam’s “DD Next Level” is a franchise film with friction, generating buzz not only for its genre-bending plot but also for controversy. The much-awaited Tamil horror comedy is set to premiere on OTT on June 13.
| Streaming details | Zee5, in its announcement on X, called the film “2025’s biggest horror comedy blast”, highlighting its quirky premise. |
| Rating given by ETimes | 2 stars out of 5, with a review that reads, “On a technical level, the film isn’t without merit; the set designs are reasonably imaginative, and the VFX are competent. But these polished visuals serve as mere window dressing for a comedic structure that feels decidedly shaky. When the most memorable parts of your comedy are the awkward silences where the jokes were supposed to be, it’s a clear sign that the script might have needed a few more levels of refinement.” |
The story follows a film critic trapped in horror movies, confronting a vengeful ghost filmmaker. Santhanam’s signature humour adds to the film’s quirky setup.
“We are thrilled to bring ‘DD Next Level’ to our audience through our OTT platform. The film’s unique blend of horror and comedy has garnered significant attention, and we are confident that it will resonate with our viewers.” — A spokesperson for Zee5
The film’s visuals and VFX are a testament to the team’s hard work and dedication to creating a unique cinematic experience.
- The set designs are reasonably imaginative, and the VFX are competent.
- The film’s narrative offers a mix of horror, satire, and self-awareness, giving the genre a meta twist.
While the film’s comedic structure received criticism, Santhanam’s signature humour adds to the film’s quirky setup. Example: In the film, Santhanam’s character is trapped in a horror movie and must navigate through the film’s world, encountering various supernatural creatures and eerie clues. The film’s pacing is well-balanced, with a mix of jump scares and comedic moments that keep the viewer engaged. Highlights:
- Quirky premise
- Polished visuals
- Santhanam’s signature humour
- Unique cinematic experience
While the film’s comedic structure received criticism, its visuals and VFX are commendable, and Santhanam’s signature humour adds to the film’s quirky setup.
A film that is part of a series or franchise, often with a shared universe or recurring characters.
A self-aware or meta element in a film that acknowledges or comments on the nature of the genre or storytelling itself.
A plot that combines elements from multiple genres, creating a unique and unexpected narrative.
A form of comedy that uses irony, sarcasm, or ridicule to comment on or critique societal norms, politics, or cultural issues.
A film that acknowledges or comments on its own nature, often using meta elements or winking at the audience.
A unique and unexpected plot or concept that sets a film apart from others in its genre.
Visual effects used in filmmaking to create realistic or fantastical elements on screen.
High-quality visuals that are visually appealing and engaging.
A type of scare that is sudden and unexpected, often used in horror movies to create a frightening effect.
The overall organization and pacing of a film’s comedic elements, including jokes, gags, and humor.
To make fun of or ridicule something or someone, often in a humorous or sarcastic way.
A film critic’s excessive pride or skepticism, which can lead to a more negative and critical attitude towards horror movies.
Clues or hints that suggest a supernatural or paranormal presence, often used in horror movies to create tension and suspense.
A ghost or spirit seeking revenge or retribution after death, often used in horror movies to create a sense of fear and dread.
Films that aim to scare or frighten the audience, often using supernatural or paranormal elements.
A self-aware or meta element in a film that acknowledges or comments on the nature of the genre or storytelling itself.
A film that is part of a series or franchise, often with a shared universe or recurring characters.
A plot that combines elements from multiple genres, creating a unique and unexpected narrative.
A form of comedy that uses irony, sarcasm, or ridicule to comment on or critique societal norms, politics, or cultural issues.
A film that acknowledges or comments on its own nature, often using meta elements or winking at the audience.
A unique and unexpected plot or concept that sets a film apart from others in its genre.
Visual effects used in filmmaking to create realistic or fantastical elements on screen.
High-quality visuals that are visually appealing and engaging.
A type of scare that is sudden and unexpected, often used in horror movies to create a frightening effect.
The overall organization and pacing of a film’s comedic elements, including jokes, gags, and humor.
To make fun of or ridicule something or someone, often in a humorous or sarcastic way.
A film critic’s excessive pride or skepticism, which can lead to a more negative and critical attitude towards horror movies.
Clues or hints that suggest a supernatural or paranormal presence, often used in horror movies to create tension and suspense.
A ghost or spirit seeking revenge or retribution after death, often used in horror movies to create a sense of fear and dread.
Films that aim to scare or frighten the audience, often using supernatural or paranormal elements.
The film’s visuals and VFX are a testament to the team’s hard work and dedication to creating a unique cinematic experience. The film’s narrative offers a mix of horror, satire, and self-awareness, giving the genre a meta twist. The story follows a film critic trapped in horror movies, confronting a vengeful ghost filmmaker. Santhanam’s signature humour adds to the film’s quirky setup. Example: In the film, Santhanam’s character is trapped in a horror movie and must navigate through the film’s world, encountering various supernatural creatures and eerie clues. The film’s pacing is well-balanced, with a mix of jump scares and comedic moments that keep the viewer engaged. Highlights:
- Quirky premise
- Polished visuals
- Santhanam’s signature humour
- Unique cinematic experience
- Definition:
- Franchise film:
A film that is part of a series or franchise, often with a shared universe or recurring characters.
- Meta twist:
A self-aware or meta element in a film that acknowledges or comments on the nature of the genre or storytelling itself.
- Genre-bending plot:
A plot that combines elements from multiple genres, creating a unique and unexpected narrative.
- Satire:
A form of comedy that uses irony, sarcasm, or ridicule to comment on or critique societal norms, politics, or cultural issues.
- Self-awareness:
A film that acknowledges or comments on its own nature, often using meta elements or winking at the audience.
- Quirky premise:
A unique and unexpected plot or concept that sets a film apart from others in its genre.
- VFX:
Visual effects used in filmmaking to create realistic or fantastical elements on screen.
- Polished visuals:
High-quality visuals that are visually appealing and engaging.
- Jump scares:
A type of scare that is sudden and unexpected, often used in horror movies to create a frightening effect.
- Comedic structure:
The overall organization and pacing of a film’s comedic elements, including jokes, gags, and humor.
- Mocking:
To make fun of or ridicule something or someone, often in a humorous or sarcastic way.
- Arrogance and cynicism:
A film critic’s excessive pride or skepticism, which can lead to a more negative and critical attitude towards horror movies.
- Eerie clues:
Clues or hints that suggest a supernatural or paranormal presence, often used in horror movies to create tension and suspense.
- Posthumous vengeance:
A ghost or spirit seeking revenge or retribution after death, often used in horror movies to create a sense of fear and dread.
- Horror movies:
Films that aim to scare or frighten the audience, often using supernatural or paranormal elements.
- Meta twist:
A self-aware or meta element in a film that acknowledges or comments on the nature of the genre or storytelling itself.
- Franchise film:
A film that is part of a series or franchise, often with a shared universe or recurring characters.
- Genre-bending plot:
A plot that combines elements from multiple genres, creating a unique and unexpected narrative.
- Satire:
A form of comedy that uses irony, sarcasm, or ridicule to comment on or critique societal norms, politics, or cultural issues.
- Self-awareness:
A film that acknowledges or comments on its own nature, often using meta elements or winking at the audience.
- Quirky premise:
A unique and unexpected plot or concept that sets a film apart from others in its genre.
- VFX:
Visual effects used in filmmaking to create realistic or fantastical elements on screen.
- Polished visuals:
High-quality visuals that are visually appealing and engaging.
- Jump scares:
A type of scare that is sudden and unexpected, often used in horror movies to create a frightening effect.
- Comedic structure:
The overall organization and pacing of a film’s comedic elements, including jokes, gags, and humor.
- Mocking:
To make fun of or ridicule something or someone, often in a humorous or sarcastic way.
- Arrogance and cynicism:
A film critic’s excessive pride or skepticism, which can lead to a more negative and critical attitude towards horror movies.
- Eerie clues:
Clues or hints that suggest a supernatural or paranormal presence, often used in horror movies to create tension and suspense.
- Posthumous vengeance:
A ghost or spirit seeking revenge or retribution after death, often used in horror movies to create a sense of fear and dread.
- Horror movies:
Films that aim to scare or frighten the audience, often using supernatural or paranormal elements.
- Meta twist:
A self-aware or meta element in a film that acknowledges or comments on the nature of the genre or storytelling itself.
- Franchise film:
A film that is part of a series or franchise, often with a shared universe or recurring characters.
- Genre-bending plot:
A plot that combines elements from multiple genres, creating a unique and unexpected narrative.
- Satire:
A form of comedy that uses irony, sarcasm, or ridicule to comment on or critique societal norms, politics, or cultural issues.
- Self-awareness:
A film that acknowledges or comments on its own nature, often using meta elements or winking at the audience.
- Quirky premise:
A unique and unexpected plot or concept that sets a film apart from others in its genre.
- VFX:
Visual effects used in filmmaking to create realistic or fantastical elements on screen.
- Polished visuals:
High-quality visuals that are visually appealing and engaging.
- Jump scares:
A type of scare that is sudden and unexpected, often used in horror movies to create a frightening effect.
- Comedic structure:
The overall organization and pacing of a film’s comedic elements, including jokes, gags, and humor.
- Mocking:
To make fun of or ridicule something or someone, often in a humorous or sarcastic way.
- Arrogance and cynicism:
A film critic’s excessive pride or skepticism, which can lead to a more negative and critical attitude towards horror movies.
- Eerie clues:
Clues or hints that suggest a supernatural or paranormal presence, often used in horror movies to create tension and suspense.
- Posthumous vengeance:
A ghost or spirit seeking revenge or retribution after death, often used in horror movies to create a sense of fear and dread.
- Horror movies:
Films that aim to scare or frighten the audience, often using supernatural or paranormal elements.
- Meta twist:
A self-aware or meta element in a film that acknowledges or comments on the nature of the genre or storytelling itself.
- Franchise film:
A film that is part of a series or franchise, often with a shared universe or recurring characters.
- Genre-bending plot:
A plot that combines elements from multiple genres, creating a unique and unexpected narrative.
- Satire:
A form of comedy that uses irony, sarcasm, or ridicule to comment on or critique societal norms, politics, or cultural issues.
- Self-awareness:
A film that acknowledges or comments on its own nature, often using meta elements or winking at the audience.
- Quirky premise:
A unique and unexpected plot or concept that sets a film apart from others in its genre.
- VFX:
Visual effects used in filmmaking to create realistic or fantastical elements on screen.
- Polished visuals:
High-quality visuals that are visually appealing and engaging.
- Jump scares:
A type of scare that is sudden and unexpected, often used in horror movies to create a frightening effect.
- Comedic structure:
The overall organization and pacing of a film’s comedic elements, including jokes, gags, and humor.
- Mocking:
To make fun of or ridicule something or someone, often in a humorous or sarcastic way.
- Arrogance and cynicism:
A film critic’s excessive pride or skepticism, which can lead to a more negative and critical attitude towards horror movies.
- Eerie clues:
Clues or hints that suggest a supernatural or paranormal presence, often used in horror movies to create tension and suspense.
- Posthumous vengeance:
A ghost or spirit seeking revenge or retribution after death, often used in horror movies to create a sense of fear and dread.
- Horror movies:
Films that aim to scare or frighten the audience, often using supernatural or paranormal elements.
- Meta twist:
A self-aware or meta element in a film that acknowledges or comments on the nature of the genre or storytelling itself.
- Franchise film:
A film that is part of a series or franchise, often with a shared universe or recurring characters.
- Genre-bending plot:
A plot that combines elements from multiple genres, creating a unique and unexpected narrative.
- Satire:
A form of comedy that uses irony, sarcasm, or ridicule to comment on or critique societal norms, politics, or cultural issues.
- Self-awareness:
A film that acknowledges or comments on its own nature, often using meta elements or winking at the audience.
- Quirky premise:
A unique and unexpected plot or concept that sets a film apart from others in its genre.
- VFX:
Visual effects used in filmmaking to create realistic or fantastical elements on screen.
- Polished visuals:
High-quality visuals that are visually appealing and engaging.
- Jump scares:
A type of scare that is sudden and unexpected, often used in horror movies to create a frightening effect.
- Comedic structure:
The overall organization and pacing of a film’s comedic elements, including jokes, gags, and humor.
- Mocking:
To make fun of or ridicule something or someone, often in a humorous or sarcastic way.
- Arrogance and cynicism:
A film critic’s excessive pride or skepticism, which can lead to a more negative and critical attitude towards horror movies.
- Eerie clues:
Clues or hints that suggest a supernatural or paranormal presence, often used in horror movies to create tension and suspense.
- Posthumous vengeance:
A ghost or spirit seeking revenge or retribution after death, often used in horror movies to create a sense of fear and dread.
- Horror movies:
Films that aim to scare or frighten the audience, often using supernatural or paranormal elements.
- Meta twist:
A self-aware or meta element in a film that acknowledges or comments on the nature of the genre or storytelling itself.
- Franchise film:
A film that is part of a series or franchise, often with a shared universe or recurring characters.
- Genre-bending plot:
A plot that combines elements from multiple genres, creating a unique and unexpected narrative.
- Satire:
A form of comedy that uses irony, sarcasm, or ridicule to comment on or critique societal norms, politics, or cultural issues.
- Self-awareness:
A film that acknowledges or comments on its own nature, often using meta elements or winking at the audience.
- Quirky premise:
A unique and unexpected plot or concept that sets a film apart from others in its genre.
- VFX:
Visual effects used in filmmaking to create realistic or fantastical elements on screen.
- Polished visuals:
High-quality visuals that are visually appealing and engaging.
- Jump scares:
A type of scare that is sudden and unexpected, often used in horror movies to create a frightening effect.
- Comedic structure:
The overall organization and pacing of a film’s comedic elements, including jokes, gags, and humor.
- Mocking:
To make fun of or ridicule something or someone, often in a humorous or sarcastic way.
- Arrogance and cynicism:
A film critic’s excessive pride or skepticism, which can lead to a more negative and critical attitude towards horror movies.
- Eerie clues:
Clues or hints that suggest a supernatural or paranormal presence, often used in horror movies to create tension and suspense.
- Posthumous vengeance:
A ghost or spirit seeking revenge or retribution after death, often used in horror movies to create a sense of fear and dread.
- Horror movies:
Films that aim to scare or frighten the audience, often using supernatural or paranormal elements.
- Meta twist:
A self-aware or meta element in a film that acknowledges or comments on the nature of the genre or storytelling itself.
- Franchise film:
A film that is part of a series or franchise, often with a shared universe or recurring characters.
- Genre-bending plot:
A plot that combines elements from multiple genres, creating a unique and unexpected narrative.
- Satire:
A form of comedy that uses irony, sarcasm, or ridicule to comment on or critique societal norms, politics, or cultural issues.
- Self-awareness:
A film that acknowledges or comments on its own nature, often using meta elements or winking at the audience.
- Quirky premise:
A unique and unexpected plot or concept that sets a film apart from others in its genre.
- VFX:
Visual effects used in filmmaking to create realistic or fantastical elements on screen.
- Polished visuals:
High-quality visuals that are visually appealing and engaging.
- Jump scares:
A type of scare that is sudden and unexpected, often used in horror movies to create a frightening effect.
- Comedic structure:
The overall organization and pacing of a film’s comedic elements, including jokes, gags, and humor.
- Mocking:
To make fun of or ridicule something or someone, often in a humorous or sarcastic way.
- Arrogance and cynicism:
A film critic’s excessive pride or skepticism, which can lead to a more negative and critical attitude towards horror movies.
- Eerie clues:
Clues or hints that suggest a supernatural or paranormal presence, often used in horror movies to create tension and suspense.
- Posthumous vengeance:
A ghost or spirit seeking revenge or retribution after death, often used in horror movies to create a sense of fear and dread.
- Horror movies:
Films that aim to scare or frighten the audience, often using supernatural or paranormal elements.
- Meta twist:
A self-aware or meta element in a film that acknowledges or comments on the nature of the genre or storytelling itself.
- Franchise film:
A film that is part of a series or franchise, often with a shared universe or recurring characters.
- Genre-bending plot:
A plot that combines elements from multiple genres, creating a unique and unexpected narrative.
- Satire:
A form of comedy that uses irony, sarcasm, or ridicule to comment on or critique societal norms, politics, or cultural issues.