The Devil Review: From ‘Outdated’ To ‘Total Waste’ — Audience Verdict on Darshan’s New Release
Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa’s new film The Devil has hit cinemas while the star continues to be incarcerated in relation to the Renukaswamy murder case.
The movie launched with full houses, with certain locations screening shows from 6:30 am onwards. However, social media responses indicate that the initial excitement quickly faded.
Viewers on X have expressed strong disappointment. One reviewer, awarding the film just two stars, stated: “OUTDATED! Even Darshan fans cannot save this film. Devil is a colossal disappointment. It’s shocking to believe this comes from the same hero who gave us Kaatera.”
The review slammed the movie’s “weak, predictable” narrative, claiming the screenplay lacks tension, emotional depth and pacing. The reviewer further alleged that director Prakash Veer has reused sequences from Darshan’s earlier works—Prince, Kranti, Jaggu Dada, and Yajamana—describing the outcome as “rotten food.”
Regarding the music, the reviewer noted it is mediocre, with background score effective in certain segments, but songs are “forced awkwardly” into critical scenes, disrupting continuity.
South Cinema described the project as a “total waste” in their assessment, pointing to a formulaic political storyline, clumsy scene cuts, hasty editing, and Krishna’s ill-fitting wig. The review also stated that Darshan’s attempts at comedy feel unnatural, and aside from the sleek Devil look and the interval sequence, “nothing really works.”
India Today’s critique similarly concluded that the political drama “falls flat, offering only disappointment.”
Another X user bluntly termed the film “out of context.”
A day prior to the theatrical release, Darshan had communicated with supporters via his wife’s social media account, expressing gratitude for their steadfast backing throughout the promotional campaign despite his physical absence.
“This message comes straight from my heart, carried to you all by Viji,” he posted, noting that she had kept him informed about “your love, your concern, your tireless support, your unstoppable promotions across the state.”