‘DD Next Level’ OTT: Santhanam starrer to stream on THIS date - Read more

Tamil actor Santhanam made his grand comeback with the horror comedy film ‘DD Next Level’ and after a mediocre theatrical run, the movie is gearing up for OTT releaseThe much-awaited Tamil horror comedy ‘DD Next Level’ is set to premiere on OTT on June 13.

A franchise film with friction

‘DD Next Level’, starring comedian-actor Santhanam, generated buzz not only for its genre-bending plot but also for controversy. One of the songs in the film drew criticism for allegedly disrespecting the revered Tirupati shrine, sparking backlash from certain religious groups and fans. While the team refrained from a direct response, the incident overshadowed much of the film’s promotional run.

What’s the story?

The film’s core revolves around a film critic who suddenly finds himself trapped inside the very horror movies he routinely mocks.

But this isn’t your usual jump-scare fare. Instead, ‘DD Next Level’ dives into a surreal “horror-verse,” ruled by a ghost — not just any spirit, but a failed filmmaker seeking posthumous vengeance. As the critic navigates this paranormal realm, he must follow eerie clues, confront supernatural dangers, and ultimately reckon with his own arrogance and cynicism. The narrative offers a mix of horror, satire, and self-awareness, giving the genre a meta twist.

Streaming details and what to expect; our review

Zee5, in its announcement on X, called the film “2025’s biggest horror comedy blast”, highlighting its quirky premise. Whether the OTT audience will respond more favourably than theatregoers remains to be seen, but DD Next Level’s quirky setup, paired with Santhanam’s signature humour, could find its footing in the home viewing space. ETimes gave the movie a rating of 2 stars out of 5 and our review reads, “On a technical level, the film isn't without merit; the set designs are reasonably imaginative, and the VFX are competent.

But these polished visuals serve as mere window dressing for a comedic structure that feels decidedly shaky. When the most memorable parts of your comedy are the awkward silences where the jokes were supposed to be, it’s a clear sign that the script might have needed a few more levels of refinement.”