DD Next Level ending explained: Will Santhanam's Kissa 47 be able to save his family before the end credits roll?
The Santhanam-starrer DD Next Level made its OTT debut on ZEE5 and OTTplay Premium recently. The fourth part in the Dhilluku Dhuddu franchise, DD Next Level is a standalone film with a quirky premise. Directed by Prem Anand, the film revolves around a film critic, Kissa 47, who gets invited for a special screening along with his family. But a series of events makes him realise that he has gotten pulled into the film, which is directed by a ghost and failed director Hitchcock Iruthyaraj, who warns him that he only has time till the end credits to save himself and his family, who are now characters in the screenplay. Will Kissa 47 be able to save his family and come out of the big screen horror into reality? (Spoilers ahead)
Watch DD Next Level and more Tamil horror comedies such as Ghosty, Hostel and all parts of Dhilluku Dhuddu on OTTplay Premium right now
In each of the Dhilluku Dhuddu films, the protagonist gets stuck in a space that is haunted, with the rest of the film playing out to be an escape room format. With DD Next Level too, Santhanam's Kissa 47 is stuck, but here it's the screenplay of a film he is pulled into, setting the quirky tone. Further taking it to a meta-level, DD Next Level takes a dig at the film review culture while also questioning the tropes attached to the commercial cinema.
When Kissa 47 and a fellow yellow journalist get mysteriously transported to a cruise, he meets his family members who do not seem to recognise him. His father is the cruise's captain, while his mother and sister have adopted a much more glamorous lifestyle and appearance as opposed to their real lives. But when a serial killer is on the loose, Kissa manages to ward him off, only for them to end up on a secluded island haunted by man-eaters. After a series of events and fantasy interventions, Kissa seems to be winning and the director's card also comes up, hinting that all seems to be going towards a happy climax. But it is at this time, the man-eaters come out once again, given Kissa 47 had saved his girlfriend from getting killed, thus overturning the fates of the man-eaters also.
Towards the actual climax, with Kissa's family captured by the man-eaters, he must now kill them before the end credits roll, and for that, the only way is to defeat the villains. After a tough physical combat with the man-eaters, Kissa 47 races against time and the end credits to plot several traps to kill the antagonists. But with his smart choices and the typical heroism, Kissa 47 shoots the hero of the sequel, DSP Ragavan (Gautham Vasudev Menon spoofing Kamal Haasan's character from his Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu), thus putting an end to the film and breaking off the possibility of a sequel. He also, on a meta-level, talks to Iruthyaraj, that no matter whether the review is good or bad, it cannot determine a film's outcome and that good films will get celebrated no matter what. This convinces Hitchcock Iruthyaraj that Kissa 47 is the best reviewer to watch cinema and transports him out of the film, where he reunites with his family members who are unaware of what has happened.
DD Next Level ends with Kissa 47 and his family coming out of the theatre, where he is surrounded by other reviewers who question him about how he got to watch the film. As he asks them to get to see the film themselves and be the first ones to review, Santhanam walks out of the theatre.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
'I don't ever want to lose Sonam and Dhanush," said Aanand L Rai; Revisiting 'Raanjhanaa' as 'Kuberaa' releases
In 2013, the movie 'Raanjhanaa' was not just a film; it was a cultural mood. Directed by 'Aanand L. Rai,' it introduced ' Dhanush ' to Hindi cinema and gave ' Sonam Kapoor ' one of her most emotionally layered roles. The film has reached its 12-year milestone. Kundan and Zoya The movie was set against the vibrant chaos of Banaras. 'Raanjhanaa' told the story of Kundan, played by Dhanush, a Hindu boy hopelessly in love with Zoya, portrayed by Sonam Kapoor, who was a Muslim girl with dreams far beyond her hometown. Their love was utterly messy, one-sided, and ultimately tragic but at the end felt real. Dhanush's vulnerability and Sonam's quiet strength made the film unforgettable. The film's recent 12-year anniversary was marked by a special screening in Mumbai, attended by Dhanush, director Aanand L. Rai, and other cast members. Though Sonam couldn't attend in person, she joined the celebration online, resharing clips and tributes that overflew social media. Rai's heartfelt words in an old interview with The Indian Express still resonate: 'I don't ever want to lose Sonam and Dhanush'—a statement to the rare chemistry and emotional depth they brought to the screen. From Kundan to Deva in ' Kuberaa ' Now in 2025, Dhanush returns to Hindi cinema with 'Kuberaa,' a socio-political thriller directed by 'Sekhar Kammula.' Released on June 20, the film sees him as Deva, a beggar caught in a chaos of corruption and class war. The film also stars 'Nagarjuna' and 'Rashmika Mandanna,' and is set to stream on OTT in July. While 'Kuberaa' is far from the romantic idealism of 'Raanjhanaa,' both films showcase Dhanush's ability to humanise the marginalised. His journey from Kundan's heartbreak to Deva's rebellion is a dual change in emotional storytelling. Legacy and Continuity What makes 'Raanjhanaa' effective is not just because of its music or visuals; it's the honesty between its leads emotionally. Sonam and Dhanush, though from different worlds of cinema, created a bond that was felt through the screen. As Rai once said, 'They gave me more than performances—they gave me their hearts.' With 'Kuberaa' now capturing headlines and 'Raanjhanaa' still being in the hearts of fans, it's clear that some collaborations are not just cinematic; they are a deep mark on the souls.
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
Priyanka Chopra pens note as she will miss Rekha's Umrao Jaan re-release in theatres, calls it her 'favourite movie'
Actor Priyanka Chopra has penned a note as she will miss the re-release of Rekha-starrer Umrao Jaan in theatres. Taking to her Instagram Stories, Priyanka also called it her "favourite movie". Priyanka Chopra talked about Rekha-starrer Umrao Jaan. Priyanka shared a brief clip from the film featuring Rekha, Farooque Shaikh, and Naseeruddin Shah. She wrote, "So sad to not be there to support my favourite movie and actors. It will be a legendary night. Congratulations Re ma'am #RekhaMaam #NaseeruddinShah sir." Priyanka shared a brief clip from the film featuring Rekha. About Umrao Jaan The 1981 movie has been restored and will be re-released in cinemas on 27 June. It was restored by the National Film Development Corporation-National Film Archive of India under the National Film Heritage Mission. Set in the 19th century, the film traces Amiran's (Rekha) arrival in a brothel in Lucknow and her relationships with three key characters played by Farooque Shaikh, Raj Babbar, and Naseeruddin Shah. An adaptation of Mirza Hadi Ruswa's historical 1899 novel, Umrao Jaan Adaa, the film garnered wide acclaim for its nuanced storytelling, songs and performance by Rekha, who earned her first National Award for her portrayal of Amiran. The film also won the National Award for Best Music Direction, Best Art Direction, and Best Female Playback Singer, as well as three Filmfare awards. Recently, speaking with news agency PTI, filmmaker Muzaffar Ali described the re-release of the Rekha-starrer period drama as a moment of "emotional catharsis." He also said that Umrao Jaan had lost some of its sheen but had come to life in "full flesh and blood" after a restoration. About Priyanka's upcoming projects Priyanka will star in Heads of State alongside Idris Elba and John Cena. Fans will also see Priyanka in the highly anticipated web series Citadel 2. The second season, which was scheduled to release this year, has been postponed "to a spring 2026 debut". Priyanka will reportedly star in SS Rajamouli's upcoming film alongside Mahesh Babu. In The Bluff, she will play a 19th-century Caribbean pirate.
Pink Villa
2 hours ago
- Pink Villa
Viraatapalem OTT Release: When and where to watch Abhignya Vuthaluru starrer intense Telugu cop thriller online
Viraatapalem, better known as Viraatapalem: PC Meena Reporting, is one of the latest additions to cop drama series all set to venture into the OTT space. Even before its release, the show has already generated considerable buzz, as it features YouTuber-turned-actress Abhignya Vuthaluru in the lead role. When and where to watch Viraatapalem Telugu cop drama Viraatapalem will be available for viewing on the OTT platform Zee 5 from June 27 onwards. The streaming giant had confirmed the same with an official post on their X handle. Sharing the poster, they wrote, 'Girls of Viratapalem village, if you are thinking of getting married, take a step back! Let's see what this village is like, come on. #ViraatapalemOnZee5 PREMIERES 27th JUNE. From the director and makers of the blockbuster #RecceOnZee5.' Official trailer and plot of Viraatapalem The 8-episode series Viraatapalem revolves around the unusual encounters in the village of Viraatapalem and the women who reside there. For many years now, the place has seen women leave and migrate elsewhere. However, things begin to look promising yet challenging when a female cop named Meena is assigned as the new head of the police station. Her presence brings surprise and shock to many since the villagers get to see a female cop for the first time in their land. Meena is taken by surprise and curiosity over many things that unfold in the place, including haunting secrets and folklore, while navigating a bold investigation at the core of her work. Surprisingly, her latest case is to resolve the shocking and mysterious deaths of brides in Viraatapalem under strange circumstances on their wedding day itself. Cast and crew of Viraatapalem The star cast of Viraatapalem includes Abhigyna Vuthaluru in the lead, along with Charan Lakkaraju, Lavanya Sahukara, Ramaraju, Satish, Gowtam Raju, and more. This series is written by Divya Thejaswi Pera and is directed by Krishna Poluru. Rohit Kumar has composed the musical score for the Telugu series.
