Santhanam’s horror-comedy 'DD Next Level,' directed by
Prem Anand, is gearing up for a global theatrical release on May 16. Featuring a star-studded cast including Gautham Menon, Selvaraghavan, Keerthi Pandian, Yashika Anand, and others, the film blends satire and supernatural elements. However, controversy has clouded the excitement after the song “Kissa” drew accusations of disrespecting Lord Perumal from members of the
Jana Sena Party.
Jana Sena Party demands ₹100 crore compensation over ‘Govinda Govinda’ lyrics.
The dispute intensified when party members expressed outrage over the “Govinda Govinda” chant used in the film, calling it derogatory. The issue reached political circles when party representatives showed the song clip to opposition leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami during his
Tirupati visit. With no apology forthcoming from the filmmakers, a ₹100 crore legal notice was served, threatening the film's smooth release.
Cool Suresh’s emotional support for Santhanam shocks audience at public event.
Amid the mounting tension, actor Cool Suresh made headlines with an emotional on-stage declaration at a recent film event. Stating, “I’ll fall at
Pawan Kalyan’s feet for Santhanam,” he took many by surprise, showing his loyalty in a dramatic fashion. His act has since gone viral, generating mixed reactions and further amplifying attention on the controversy surrounding the film.
Fans defend the film with examples from past movies featuring similar religious references.
Supporters of Santhanam have pointed out that the use of devotional phrases in mainstream cinema is not new. They cited examples like Selvaraghavan’s 'Aayirathil Oruvan' and Pawan Kalyan’s 'Suswagatham,' where similar language was used without issue. The comparison has fueled debate about double standards and whether the current uproar is politically motivated.