TTD board member seeks Rs 100 crore compensation and apology from Santhanam for using devotional song in 'DD Next Level': 'Censor board need to be careful'
etimes.in | May 15, 2025, 12.08 PM IST
Actor Santhanam, known for his comic roles in Kollywood, is gearing up for the release of his latest horror-comedy 'DD Next Level' on May 16. However, the film has landed in controversy, as Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) board member and politician Bhanuprakash Reddy has sent a legal notice to Santhanam and the producers of the movie, amidst concerns over the inclusion of the devotional track 'Srinivasa Govinda' in the film’s rap number 'Kissa 47'.Legal turmoil
Speaking to News18 Telugu, Bhanuprakash strongly criticised the choice of song placement in the rap, stating, “Would they add songs from Christianity or Islam to a rap song? Why are only Hindu sentiments always hurt? We have sent them a legal notice and have demanded an apology. If Srinivasa Govinda isn’t removed from the song, both online and in the film, we will file a defamation suit and seek compensation of ₹100 crore.”
The TTD member further expressed concern about how devotional songs are often misused in mainstream films. “The censor board has also been sent a copy of the notice. They need to be more careful when issuing certification to films. How did this go unnoticed by them?” he questioned.
He also emphasised that filmmakers must refrain from using religious songs in such a manner and should not assume that an apology is sufficient once objections are raised.
About 'DD Next Level'
The controversy stems from the use of Srinivasa Govinda, a well-known devotional hymn dedicated to Lord Venkateswara. The song has been featured in a portion of the rap track from the film.
'DD Next Level' (Devil’s Double Next Level) is the fourth instalment in the popular 'Dhilluku Dhuddu' series. Directed by S Prem Anand, the film features Santhanam, Geethika Tiwary, Selvaraghavan, and Gautham Vasudev Menon in key roles.
On the other hand Santhanam's previous outing was in the long-delayed film 'Madha Gaja Raja' where he played the role of Kalyanasundaram. The movie starred Vishal in the lead role and did a decent box office business.
Speaking to News18 Telugu, Bhanuprakash strongly criticised the choice of song placement in the rap, stating, “Would they add songs from Christianity or Islam to a rap song? Why are only Hindu sentiments always hurt? We have sent them a legal notice and have demanded an apology. If Srinivasa Govinda isn’t removed from the song, both online and in the film, we will file a defamation suit and seek compensation of ₹100 crore.”
Devil's Double Next Level - Official Telugu Trailer
03:24
The TTD member further expressed concern about how devotional songs are often misused in mainstream films. “The censor board has also been sent a copy of the notice. They need to be more careful when issuing certification to films. How did this go unnoticed by them?” he questioned.
He also emphasised that filmmakers must refrain from using religious songs in such a manner and should not assume that an apology is sufficient once objections are raised.
About 'DD Next Level'
The controversy stems from the use of Srinivasa Govinda, a well-known devotional hymn dedicated to Lord Venkateswara. The song has been featured in a portion of the rap track from the film.
'DD Next Level' (Devil’s Double Next Level) is the fourth instalment in the popular 'Dhilluku Dhuddu' series. Directed by S Prem Anand, the film features Santhanam, Geethika Tiwary, Selvaraghavan, and Gautham Vasudev Menon in key roles.
On the other hand Santhanam's previous outing was in the long-delayed film 'Madha Gaja Raja' where he played the role of Kalyanasundaram. The movie starred Vishal in the lead role and did a decent box office business.