The Devil Review: Outdated to total waste, what people are saying about Darshan's latest film

Kannada star Darshan Thoogudeepa returns to the big screen with his latest release, The Devil, even as he remains in prison in connection with the Renukaswamy murder case.

The film opened to packed theatres, with some regions beginning shows as early as 6:30 am. But reactions online suggest the enthusiasm didn’t last long.

On X, viewers appear far from impressed. One user, who rated the film two stars, wrote:

“OUTDATED!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 criticised the film’s “weak, predictable” story, saying the screenplay lacked grip, emotion, and rhythm. The user also accused director Prakash Veer of recycling scenes from Darshan’s older films — Prince, Kranti, Jaggu Dada, and Yajamana — calling the result “rotten food.”

The music, they added, is passable, with the BGM working in parts, but songs “forced awkwardly” into key moments disrupt the flow.

South Cinema in its review called the film a “total waste,” criticising its routine political plot, poor scene transitions, rushed editing, and even Krishna’s mismatched wig. According to the post, Darshan’s forced comedy doesn’t land either, and apart from the stylish Devil avatar and the interval block, “nothing really works.”

India Today’s review echoed the sentiment, stating that the political drama “falls flat, offering only disappointment.”

One more X user simply called the film “out of context.”

A day before release, Darshan had shared a message for fans through his wife’s social media handle, thanking them for their unwavering support during promotions despite his absence.

“This message comes straight from my heart, carried to you all by Viji,” he wrote, adding that she kept him updated about “your love, your concern, your tireless support, your unstoppable promotions across the state.”