UA | 2 hrs 49 mins | Released: 11 Dec, 2025 | Kannada
Genres: Action & Drama
Critic’s Rating: ★ 2.5/5
Users’ Rating: ★ 2.5/5
By Mahesha H
Devil begins with immense hype, but what unfolds is a surprisingly uneven drama that struggles to justify its scale and star power. The film attempts a dark psychological narrative but stumbles due to an overlong screenplay and an unconvincing emotional core.
Story
Darshan appears in a double role one as Devil, the reckless son of a corrupt Chief Minister, and the other as Krishna, a simple youngster aspiring to become an actor. Devil is portrayed as a power-driven man with disturbing traits, including drug abuse and predatory behaviour a characterisation that has shocked a section of Darshan’s loyal fanbase.
The plot loosely echoes elements of the 1984 Hollywood thriller Body Double, and the connection becomes clear as the story progresses. While the idea of two contrasting personalities crossing paths has potential, the film never develops a compelling reason for their eventual conflict. The drama remains surface-level, failing to evoke emotional depth.
Where the Film Falters
The biggest drawback is its runtime. At 2 hours 49 minutes, Devil becomes exhausting, especially in the second half when multiple twists and political angles derail the narrative. Instead of building tension, the screenplay meanders, leading to confusion rather than engagement.
The production struggles to deliver standout moments, Darshan’s introduction lacks punch, the background score feels generic, and not a single song leaves a lasting impression.
Performances
- Darshan delivers a strong performance in both roles, proving once again that he can elevate even flawed writing. His portrayal of Krishna is warm, while Devil’s darker shades allow him to explore intense acting terrain.
- Rachana Rai performs well and leaves an impression in her limited screen time.
- Mahesh Manjrekar’s character is underwritten and fails to make the desired impact.
Technical Aspects
While the film’s idea is ambitious, the execution is inconsistent. The dialogues land well, and the double-role sequences are handled neatly, but the editing is patchy and the pacing irregular.
Verdict
Devil is a highly anticipated Darshan starrer that ultimately falls short due to its weak story, excessive length, and lack of emotional grip. It remains watchable mainly for Darshan’s committed performance in a challenging double role.
Watch it only if you’re a Darshan fan but prepare for a messy second half.
