DD Next Level Movie – Breaking Stereotypes, Bungalows, and the Fourth Wall

DD Next Level: For over a decade, Tamil cinema has leaned heavily into the horror-comedy genre, with hits like Aranmanai, Kanchana, and Dhilluku Dhuddu drawing audiences in with their successful blend of scares and laughs. Now, filmmaker Prem Anand is returning with Santhanam for their latest venture, DD Next Level — a film that promises to take the genre somewhere new.

“In most horror-comedies, the ghost — or pei — rarely leaves the bungalow,” says Prem with a smile. “But with DD Next Level, we’re trying to flip that idea. We’re taking the pei out of the bungalow — both literally and creatively.”

Keeping the Genre Alive

Prem believes that horror-comedy continues to thrive not because filmmakers try to force it, but because audiences turn to it naturally.

“There’s no need to make an effort to keep a trend alive,” he says. “When viewers are bombarded with family dramas and action films, something like a horror-comedy becomes a welcome break. I feel directors like Sundar C and actors like Santhanam understand the pulse of the audience and deliver the right content at the right time.”

From Counters to Conscious Comedy

Prem Anand began his career as a comedy writer on Lollu Sabha before collaborating with Santhanam on several comedy tracks. Over the years, he has watched both the audience and the humour evolve.

“In the past, we relied on ‘counter’ dialogues and even body-shaming jokes — those were the trends back then,” he reflects. “But times have changed. Now, we find comedy in other places, like Santhanam’s wardrobe choices in films like Oru Kal Oru Kannadi. We’ve grown out of old patterns and play to our strengths in more mindful ways.”

This shift is not just in writing, he adds, but in performance too. “Santhanam gives me the creative space to try new things. He understands the need to evolve. If a certain comedic trope works for a time, we enjoy it — and then we move on. If we revisit it, it’s with restraint and a new perspective.”

Humour with Awareness

In DD Next Level, Prem hints at a more self-aware brand of comedy.

“There are scenes where Santhanam calls out politically incorrect jokes made by other characters,” he reveals. “It’s still funny, but with an undertone of social awareness. We want to entertain without offending, and still keep it sharp.”

What to Expect from DD Next Level

As the next entry in the Dhilluku Dhuddu universe, DD Next Level looks to build on its predecessors while offering a refreshed approach to horror and humour.

With Santhanam’s ever-evolving comedic style and Prem Anand’s intent to challenge genre conventions, the film is poised to be both entertaining and innovative.

“We’re not just trying to make people laugh,” Prem concludes. “We’re making them think a little while they laugh.”

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