The Devil Movie Review: Darshan Fails to Impress

Anticipation and Hype in Karnataka

The excitement surrounding The Devil in Karnataka reached unprecedented levels, fueled by recent controversies in the Renukaswamy case involving Darshan, the film’s lead actor. Adding to the buzz, Darshan, through his wife Vijayalakshmi, urged celebrities to support the film with extra enthusiasm.

Despite the actor’s limited presence during promotional events, fans carried the movie on their shoulders, leading to record-breaking ticket sales for early morning shows. The trailer presented Darshan in an anti-heroic light, suggesting that the film might offer more than standard mass entertainment. But does it truly deliver on this promise?

Plot Overview

Political Intrigue and Nepotism

The film opens with Karnataka’s Chief Minister Rajashekar (Mahesh Manjrekar) being jailed for corruption. He soon discovers that his nephews orchestrated the verdict to eliminate him and claim his position. Determined to prevent their power grab, he instructs his secretary, IAS officer Anant Nambiar (Achyuth Kumar), to bring his son Dhanush (Darshan) back to India and groom him as the next chief minister.

The Tale of Two Darshans

Dhanush is portrayed as a spoiled, violent megalomaniac, willing to kill over trivial provocations. When Anant approaches him with his father’s request, Dhanush rejects it violently. In desperation, Anant finds Krishna, a kind-hearted lookalike of Dhanush who runs a small eatery and dreams of becoming a beloved star. Convinced, Anant persuades Krishna to impersonate Dhanush and lead the party’s political campaign.

Complications and Romantic Rivalry

The story escalates when the real Dhanush unexpectedly arrives in Karnataka. Both men become entangled in a struggle for Rukmini (Rachana Rai), raising questions about loyalty, love, and ambition. Krishna must navigate protecting Rukmini, fulfilling political duties, and confronting Dhanush—creating a complex narrative that ultimately becomes convoluted and frustrating.

Direction and Storytelling Flaws

Director Prakash Veer, known for films like Milana, Vamshi, and Tarak, fails to deliver a cohesive story in The Devil. The plot feels outdated, convenient, and messy, lacking even the basic thrills expected of a mass entertainer. While external factors such as Darshan’s personal controversies may have impacted the film, they do not excuse the narrative shortcomings.

Performances: A Tale of Two Characters

Darshan’s dual performance is inconsistent. As Krishna, he evokes the charm and charisma reminiscent of his early 2010s “Challenging Star” persona, creating some moments of genuine engagement. However, his portrayal of Dhanush, the titular “Devil,” is monotonous and over-the-top—a caricatured villain better suited to the 1980s.

Rachana Rai delivers a visually appealing performance but is reduced to a predictable damsel in distress. Achyuth Kumar contributes meaningfully early on but fades as the climax approaches. The ensemble cast, including Mahesh Manjrekar and Gilli Nata, largely remains underutilized, with comedic elements falling flat.

Technical Aspects: Missed Opportunities

Technically, the film struggles. Shoddy editing, artificial set design, and poor CGI diminish the cinematic experience. The action sequences are mostly unconvincing, with only one notable moment in the second half. The soundtrack further detracts, with poorly integrated songs and a jarring background score.

Final Verdict

Ultimately, The Devil disappoints. While die-hard fans might enjoy moments of homage to Darshan’s loyal supporters, the film’s overall execution renders it exhausting for casual viewers. Despite its ambitious premise and dual performance, the movie falls short in storytelling, technical quality, and entertainment value, making it a disappointing experience at the box office.

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Sorit Chaudhary

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