Darshan’s much-talked-about The Devil is hitting theatres on December 11, and the trailer drops on Friday through Saregama, with a bang. Fans have already embraced it as an instant hit, sharing reactions and dissecting every frame.
The trailer unveils Darshan in a fresh, edgy avatar, far from his familiar romantic or heroic image. Rugged, lean, and stylish, his look, crafted by Chetan and executive producer Thashwini, combined with shadowy lighting and intense expressions, hints that The Devil is no conventional drama. Darshan radiates brooding intensity, sharp focus, and controlled body language, dominating every frame. With punchy dialogues and unmistakable swag, the trailer delivers a mass-hero moment charged with force. One of the opening lines, "Khel katham, natak bandh," sets the stage for a story of power, betrayal, and high-voltage action.
Director and producer Prakash Veer crafts the trailer as a tense, gritty showdown between a man and the forces that corner him. The edit is brisk, the visuals moody and heavy, and Ajaneesh Loknath’s background score heightens the drama with charged tension. Cinematographer Sudhakarr S Raj moves between dark and colourful palettes that complement the film’s aesthetic.
The trailer deliberately withholds plot details, emphasising mood, style, and Darshan’s towering screen presence. A standout line, "Naan bartha edini chinna" (I am coming, dear), hints at a protagonist who may act as a saviour or disruptor, establishing The Devil as a stylised commercial entertainer.
The film also stars Rachana Rai as the female lead, alongside Mahesh Manjrekar, Achyuth Kumar, Shobaraj, Gilli Nata, Vinay Gowda, Chandan Gowda, Huli Karthik, and Sharmiela Mandre. Written and directed by Prakash Veer, produced under Sri Jai Matha Combines in association with Vaishno Studios, with dialogues by Kanthraj, and edited by Harish Komme, the film is shot across Bengaluru, Rajasthan, and Bangkok.
Promotions for the film are handled by Darshan's fans, whom he addresses as celebrities, alongside the film’s team and his wife Vijayalakshmi. Darshan’s wife manages his social media account, previously sharing, “My fans should not worry about anything. You’ve shown love to all my films. But for The Devil, give even more love.” A post today adds, “Here is the trailer of The Devil, dedicated to all our celebrities. Watch, enjoy, and shower your love and support.”
For fans’ sake, the film will hit theatres a day before the original release, with early morning shows starting at 6:30 am.
