The Devil X review: Long-delayed Kannada movie The Devil finally hits the theatres on December 11, even as the lead actor Darshan Thoogudeepa is lodged in Ballari Central Prison over the Renukaswamy murder case. Directed by Prakash Veer, the film also stars Mahesh Manjrekar, Achyuth Kumar, Sharmiela Mandre, Roger Narayanan, Shobhraj, Srinivas Prabhu, and Rachana Rai.
Darshan, one of the highest paid actors in Kannada films, has worked in over 50 films in a career spanning two decades. However, controversies have impact his success streak. The actor was also arrested in 2011 on charges of his wife Vijayalakshmi’s assault. Around that time, his film Sarathy released even as he was behind the bars.
As the film finally released on December 11, it’s expected to dominate most of Karanataka’s theatres. Looking at the extraordinary number of shows for the film, a huge opening is expected.
Here are the early X reviews for Darshan Thoogudeepa’s The Devil.
Calling The Devil a total waste, a netizen termed the movie a big disappointment “with routine politics, poor scene flow, rushed editing and even Krishna’s wig looking completely off. Darshan’s forced comedy doesn’t help either.”
“Except for the stylish Devil avatar and a decent interval block, nothing really works. Overall, one of the weakest films from this team,” the review further read.
Darshan’s performance steals the show
However, Darshan’s screen presence apparently saved the film as a netizen praised the actor’s performance calling it solid. “Mass moments hit well, action looked big, and the political angle was good,” continued the review.
“The Devil will rewrite the records in single screens 🥶🔥🔥Perfect mass entertainer for the masses,” wrote another.
More criticism came the film’s way as a user noted that “a couple songs felt forced and the writing wasn’t smooth in a few places.”
The verdict
“Overall: A loud, stylish, crowd-pleasing watch for Dboss fans,” a fan chimed in.
Why Devil was delayed
Owing to Darshan’s arrest the film’s production was paused and the song and trailer releases were also pushed making the release uncertain. With the actor’s wife Vijayalakshmi taking over and handling the film’s promotion in his absence, December 11 release was locked.
The actor shared a note for his fans, urging for their support for the film.
“I want to tell you this…please don’t worry about anything people say. Don’t let any noise, any rumour, or any negativity shake your heart. You are my strength, you are my family, and today more than ever, I am standing only because of the trust you’ve placed in me. At this point in my life, my biggest power is you. And all I want is for you to worry less and channel that love and energy towards what truly matters – our movie, Devil,” read part of the note.
The Devil storyline
Written and directed by Prakash and produced under Sri Jaimatha Combines and Vaishno Studios, The Devil stars darshan in the lead. Rachana Rai, Mahesh Manjrekar, Achyuth Kumar, and Sharmiela Mandre also star in the film. In “a saga of power, vengeance, and true love,” Darshan plays a mysterious protagonist whose motives remain under wraps until the climax. The storyline has elements of political intrigue, personal vendettas, and large-scale action sequences.
Why is Darshan behind the bars
Darshan is currently in jail in connection with Renukaswamy murder case after SC cancelled his bail in August 2025. Previously granted bail, he was sent back to prison after the court ruling, with charges framed. The Kannada superstar was arrested in June last year for the murder of Renukaswamy, his 33-year-old fan, along with 17 other people.