Devil Review: The Doppelganger's Revenge - Chitraloka Rating 3.5
Film: The Devil
Director: Prakash Veer
Cast: Darshan, Rachana Rai, Mahesh Manjrekar, Achyuth Kumar, Gilli Nata, Shobraj, Sharmiela Mandre
Stars: 3.5
Playing a dual role as both the hero and villain isn't an easy task. Projecting both the good and bad together requires not just good characterization and script but also a tremendous effort by the concerned actor. But for fans it is a double treat, double the thrills and double the value for money. Darshan has pulled off one of the best performances of his career in this challenging act.
A mess owner Krishna is an aspiring actor who will go to any lengths to fulfill his dream. While cooking is his profession, imitating actors is his full time passion. All he wants is to become a film star and see his cut out in front of theatres and fans adoring him. Fate however has bigger plans for him. He is coerced to play the role of a powerful politician's son who is being groomed to take over the reigns of the state as the chief minister.
On the other hand is Dhanush aka The Devil, the disgraced chief minister's son who has a wayward life filled with drugs and murders. A cunning political player replaces Dhanush with Krishna and the entire state is mesmerised. But when the two different characters come together Rukmini (Rachana Rai) becomes the bone of contention. The entire film revolves around how Krishna manages to provide justice to both the people who are fooled into believing he is Danush and also save the damsel in distress.
Darshan in the dual role is a revelation. He carries off both the roles with panache. As a mild and caring Krishna he is convincing. As the menacing "Devil" he modulates his voice, changes his mannerisms and behaviour perfectly.
In supporting acts Achyuth as a retired IAS officer scheming in politics and Mahesh Manjrekar as a politician intoxicated by power stand as pillars of the narrative. Rachana Rai has a meaty role to play and is not just an eye-candy. Sharmiela Mandre and Shobraj have small roles but they manage to showcase their talent in the limited space.
Director Prakash knows what the fans want and delivers it in a eye pleasing manner. He gives the elevation when required and soberity where necessary. Two of the songs in the film have blockbuster mood infused into them. Darshan looks his best in the introductory "idre nemmdi yaagirbek" song.
Overall Devil is a treat for fans. The film has a predictable story where the dual characters are revealed very early on in the film. But the narrative never slacks and keeps the audience engaged till the end.
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