The Devil (Kannada with English Subtitles)

The Devil arrived as one of the most anticipated Kannada theatrical releases of December 2025, marking a high-profile cinematic event for fans of action thrillers and the massive star Darshan Thoogudeepa. Written and directed by Prakash Veer and produced by Veer and J. Jayamma under banners including Sri Jaimatha Combines and Vaishno Studios, The Devil promised a blend of political drama, action spectacle and dual-role heroics that would keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Darshan, often known as Challenging Star Darshan, plays a dual role — a narrative device that has long been popular in Indian cinema and here is used to explore themes of identity, morality and the murky interface between power and virtue. His presence alone ensured enormous buzz ahead of release, with fans turning out in force for pre-release shows, early morning sessions and first-day, first-show screenings across Karnataka. The film opens in a dramatic political backdrop. Chief Minister Rajashekar, a man once respected for integrity, finds himself betrayed by his own family, imprisoned on corruption charges orchestrated by his nephews to undermine his influence. In an effort to retain political control and protect his legacy, the embattled leader tasks his trusted advisor — IAS officer Anant Nambiar — with an extraordinary plan: locate his estranged son Dhanush in London and bring him back to take over the reins of the party and campaign for chief minister. Yet Dhanush is neither dedicated to public service nor willing to shoulder responsibility. Dhanush’s arrogance and entitlement set the stage for the arrival of Krishna, a simple man running a small mess and harbouring dreams of becoming an actor. Recognising Krishna’s uncanny resemblance to Dhanush, Nambiar concocts a risky scheme: have Krishna impersonate the politician’s son and lead the political movement as a stand-in. This narrative pivot — the lookalike plotline — sets The Devil on its spiralling course, as Krishna’s sincerity quickly wins over the masses, particularly when he begins expressing genuine compassion for the common people, such as serving midday meals in government schools. As Krishna’s influence grows, so does his emotional journey. Alongside the political intrigue is a personal arc involving Rukmini, played by Rachana Rai, whose relationship with Krishna deepens amid confusion, mistaken identity and emotional tension. Yet the plot thickens when the real Dhanush returns unexpectedly, triggering a collision between two identities and triggering a murky struggle for truth, power and emotional clarity. The ensemble cast of The Devil includes respected names such as Mahesh Manjrekar, Achyuth Kumar, Sharmiela Mandre, Gilli Nata, Shobaraj and Chandu Gowda, who each contribute layers of gravitas, comedic relief and narrative complication. Their inclusion helps populate the world with authentic characters whose loyalties, motivations and reactions complicate Krishna’s mission and enrich the political tapestry. Visually, The Devil stands out with cinematography by Sudhakar S. Raj, which captures sprawling political rallies, action sequences and intimate character beats with polished framing and kinetic movement. The action choreographs high-octane set pieces that aim to blend political tension with visceral spectacle — a hallmark of contemporary mass entertainers. Music by B. Ajaneesh Loknath underscores the drama with both energetic songs and atmospheric scores, including numbers like Idre Nemdiyaag Irbek that went viral on streaming platforms prior to release. At the heart of The Devil is a story about identity, authenticity and power — both personal and political. Krishna’s evolution from a humble mess owner to a figure capable of winning hearts reflects a larger narrative about leadership rooted in compassion rather than entitlement. The film uses this contrast to explore how governance and public trust can intersect with personal values, and how individuals thrust into leadership may respond differently when driven by empathy rather than self-interest. Romantic tension between Krishna and Rukmini adds an emotional layer that offsets political machinations with human stakes. Their interactions — often tinged with confusion, longing and misidentification — reveal the film’s deeper thematic concern with truth in relationships, identity beyond public roles, and the courage required to face personal and political realities. For audiences in Bengaluru and beyond, watching The Devil becomes more than just seeing a film — it’s a shared theatrical event. At Victory Cinema, where picture quality and Dolby Atmos immersive sound bring every frame to life, the emotional and dramatic beats of The Devil play out with enhanced clarity. Action scenes resonate through the auditorium, subtle character moments are palpable on the big screen, and the communal energy amplifies every applause, gasp and collective cheer. The immersive environment of Victory Cinema’s laser projection and premium audio makes narratives like The Devil feel immediate, urgent and emotionally present. Choosing to watch at Victory Cinema also means enjoying the convenience and comfort of modern theatregoing — intuitive online booking via victorycinema.in with secure OTP authentication, smooth Razorpay payments, and no convenience fees — ensuring that the excitement begins long before the film starts. Whether attending a matinee show or evening screening, audiences can settle into comfortable seating, surrounded by fans who share their enthusiasm for action-packed entertainment. Thematically, The Devil does not shy away from larger questions about morality, power and consequence. By juxtaposing the entitled heir with the earnest everyman, the narrative invites viewers to reflect on what constitutes worthy leadership — is it birthright and privilege, or empathy and connection with ordinary people? The film’s political context mirrors real world anxieties about governance and authenticity, making its central conceit resonate with audiences on both dramatic and intellectual levels. This duality — of spectacle and reflection, mass entertainment and emotional depth — is what positions The Devil as a cinematic experience best absorbed in a theatre. In a world where streaming and home viewing are convenient, big-screen films like this command attention through scale, spectacle and shared communal response. Victory Cinema’s large screen enhances every nuance — from sweeping crowd shots to intimate exchanges — allowing subtleties in performance and direction to reach their fullest impact. In addition to its dramatic and narrative elements, The Devil also underscores the evolving nature of Kannada cinema, which continues to embrace ambitious storytelling, political engagement and character complexity. The use of a dual role — always a staple of Indian narrative tradition — here becomes a vehicle for social commentary as well as personal redemption, blending mass cinematic tropes with meaningful thematic exploration. Ultimately, The Devil is a film that thrives on contrasts — chaos and compassion, entitlement and humility, power and principle. It offers audiences a spectacle of action and political drama, anchored by Darshan’s charismatic dual performance and supported by a cast that brings texture and energy to the story. Whether viewers come for the mass entertainment, the emotional interplay, or the political intrigue, the film promises a cinematic event that benefits immensely from the big-screen environment. For Bengaluru audiences seeking a theatre outing that combines dramatic weight with visceral thrills, The Devil at Victory Cinema represents an opportunity to immerse fully in a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking — a reminder of why theatrical releases remain vital in a landscape crowded with digital viewing options. In the end, The Devil is more than a movie — it’s an occasion, a topic of conversation, and a shared experience whose impact lingers long after the credits roll, especially for those who witnessed it at a theatre like Victory Cinema where every narrative beat resonates with clarity, depth and communal excitement.