The Devil Review Outdated or Not? – Complete Analysis of Darshan’s Latest Film

Darshan Thoogudeepa’s much-anticipated film The Devil has become the most debated Kannada release of the season. From packed theatres on Day 1 to heated discussions on social media, the central question remains: Is The Devil outdated or not? This in-depth review breaks down what critics are saying, what audiences feel, and whether the storytelling aligns with current cinematic trends.

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⭐ Background: Why The Devil Was So Hyped

The Devil had already created massive buzz due to:

• Darshan’s return in a dual role
• The emotionally charged pre-release environment
• The political and action-driven narrative promised in the trailers
• Fan expectations after a long gap with no major releases from the star

The film was marketed as a high-voltage political drama blended with mass action — a formula that historically worked well for Darshan’s fanbase. However, cinema trends have shifted significantly in the last 3–4 years, creating new expectations for storytelling depth, character arcs, and narrative innovation.

This gap between expectation vs. execution is exactly where the “outdated or not” debate begins.

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🧩 Is The Devil Outdated or Not? Let’s Break It Down

🎬 1. Storytelling & Screenplay – The Main Point of Contention

Why Some Call It Outdated

Many viewers feel the screenplay carries a 2000s-era mass movie structure, including:

• Predictable plot turns
• Over-dramatic confrontations
• Slow-paced political subplots
• Familiar villain-vs-hero dynamics

The film leans heavily on monologue-style dialogues and larger-than-life sequences that younger audiences now often label as formulaic. (The Devil Review Outdated or Not?)

Why Fans Still Defend It

Despite criticism, loyal fans argue:

• The storyline fits Darshan’s mass action persona
• The emotional weight in certain scenes resonates strongly
• Political thrillers don’t always need experimental storytelling
• Familiar mass elements actually add nostalgia

So the movie isn’t entirely outdated — it simply uses a tried-and-tested storytelling style.

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🎭 2. Darshan’s Dual Role: The One Undisputed Highlight

Whether viewers loved or disliked the film, everyone agrees on one point:
Darshan’s performance is powerful, intense, and carries the entire movie.

He brings:

• Sharp contrast between both characters
• Strong emotional depth
• Mass appeal through screen presence

Many critics acknowledge that without his dual performance, the film would feel significantly weaker.

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🎥 3. Direction & Cinematic Treatment: Stuck in the Past?

The direction follows a traditional commercial-film approach:

• Long scenes with extended dialogue
• Classic villain introductions
• Heavy reliance on background score instead of natural tension
• Outdated editing transitions

While this style appeals to fans of old-school Kannada cinema, modern audiences exposed to OTT-quality thrillers may find it lacking freshness. (The Devil Review Outdated or Not?)

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⚖️ 4. Audience Reaction: Divided but Passionate

Positive Reactions

• “Mass scenes are satisfying”
• “Darshan is back with thunder”
• “Good whistle-worthy moments for fans”

Negative Reactions

• “Political angle feels dragged”
• “Predictable from start to finish”
• “Old-school making brings the energy down”

This split is why the question “The Devil Review Outdated or Not?” continues trending online.

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📰 5. Critics’ Perspective: A Problematic Yet Ambitious Film

Professional reviewers mostly agree that the film:

• Lacks modern screenplay finesse
• Struggles with pacing
• Relies heavily on star power instead of plot depth

However, some critics acknowledge:

• The movie attempts to blend politics + action
• The narrative has emotional layers, even if execution feels old-fashioned

So critics don’t dismiss it entirely; they critique its style, not the idea. (The Devil Review Outdated or Not?)

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📈 6. Box Office Performance: Does “Outdated” Affect Business?

Surprisingly, no.

Early numbers show:

• Strong Day 1 collections
• Massive turnout in single screens
• Fan-driven momentum helping the movie sustain

This proves that even if a film’s style feels outdated to critics, star value + fanbase + emotional buzz can keep the numbers strong. (The Devil Review Outdated or Not?)

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🔮 7. Will The Devil Influence Future Kannada Cinema?

The debate may push filmmakers to:

• Update political thrillers with tighter scripts
• Invest in more modern narrative techniques
• Combine mass elements with OTT-style realism
• Avoid overusing familiar templates

Darshan’s strong performance also reminds the industry that:
A powerful lead actor can still elevate a weak script.

If anything, The Devil serves as a lesson that content and presentation must evolve to satisfy both mass and urban audiences. (The Devil Review Outdated or Not?)

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🧠 Final Verdict: The Devil Review — Outdated or Not?

Partially outdated, but not entirely irrelevant.

• The storytelling style feels old-fashioned
• The execution struggles to match modern cinema standards
• But Darshan’s dual role and mass moments still deliver entertainment

So the film stands between nostalgia and modern expectations, creating a divided response.