'DD Next Level' Twitter review: Santhanam's horror comedy falls short of its promise

Directed by Prem Anand, 'DD Next Level,' also known as 'Devil’s Double Next Level,' is a comedy-horror spoof that marks another experimental outing for comedian-turned-actor Santhanam. With a concept that blends satire, a film-within-a-film setup, and horror parody, the film aimed to stand out with its unique narrative. Released in theatres today (May 16), the movie has built curiosity among audiences expecting Santhanam’s signature brand of humour in a fresh format.Mixed reactions across the boardHowever, fans’ reactions on social media have been largely mixed. While some enjoyed the quirky moments and Thala Ajith references scattered throughout, many felt the humour didn’t land as effectively as in Santhanam’s earlier films. Several tweets pointed out that the comedy was underwhelming and the lead character’s arc lacked punch. Others felt the film struggled to decide whether it wanted to be a smart satire or a laugh-out-loud entertainer, and fell short in both.Spotlight on cast & creative choicesThe film is headlined by Santhanam, who plays a film critic caught in a bizarre, eerie plot. His performance in the climax has been appreciated by a few viewers for tying the narrative together, but overall, the film lacks strong supporting characters and punchy dialogue. The direction takes a bold turn, attempting genre-blending comedy, but the screenplay falters with slow pacing and uneven tone.A genre mashup that falls short of ‘Next Level’Released across Tamil Nadu with moderate buzz, 'DD Next Level' promised to be a “next level” comic entertainer. The plot revolves around a haunted production setup with self-referential moments and horror spoofs, but these elements only work in parts. While the film does have occasional sparks of creativity, the overall experience feels inconsistent. For fans of experimental comedy or Santhanam completists, it might be a one-time watch, but those expecting full-fledged laughs may walk away underwhelmed.