Darshan involved in fight? Ahead of The Devil release, Vijayalakshmi addresses new allegations against Challenging Star

Earlier this week, it was reported that Darshan Thoogudeepa was involved in a physical altercation with fellow inmates at the Parappana Agrahara

Darshan in The Devil

In almost filmi fashion, earlier this week, reports emerged that Kannada cinema’s Challenging Star Darshan Thoogudeepa, who is currently an undertrial at the Parappana Agrahara, was involved in a physical scuffle with other inmates. The reports came at a time when the team of the actor’s next, The Devil, were promoting its release, which is happening in his absence on December 11. After the news broke, Vijayalakshmi Darshan, the Challenging Star’s wife, who is spearheading the film’s publicity, took to social media to address the allegation.

Vijayalakshmi urges media to refrain from creating false headlines

In an Instagram story, Vijayalakshmi wrote that after speaking to Darshan, the jail authorities, and the men who were allegedly roughed up by the actor, she realized that the reports were “fake, baseless and created with malicious intent” and said that she was pained by news coverage that chose “lies over facts”. Urging the media to refrain from creating false headlines, she said the need of the hour was to correct misinformation instead of amplifying it.

Also read: Darshan Thoogudeepa’s The Devil release advanced to appease actor’s ‘celebrities’

The Devil, directed and produced by Tarak maker Prakash Veer, is set for a massive opening, with pretty much all the shows that have been opened so far for advance bookings either sold out or fast filling. The film’s release had been advanced by a day following demand from the actor’s fans, but 6-6.30 am shows have been opened only at single-screen theatres. According to the distributors, multiplexes will not have such early shows and bookings to national chains had not opened until the time of publication.

The film, which went on floors in early 2024, was stalled when Darshan was arrested in connection with the Renukaswamy murder case in June. Although the Challenging Star was released on bail nearly 5 months later, he returned to the set only in March this year and then quickly wrapped up the shoot, before his bail was cancelled by the Supreme Court. The actor, who is accused number 2 in the case, is awaiting trial, which is said to begin on December 17.

The Devil FAQs

Q. What was Darshan Thoogudeepa's last release?

A. Darshan Thoogudeepa was last seen onscreen in 2023's Kaatera , which is available on Z5 (via OTTplay Premium also).

Q. What is Darshan's next film?

A. Darshan's next is The Devil, which has him reuniting with Tarak maker Prakash Veer. The film had been announced as a December 12, 2025 release, but has now been advanced by a day. The film is being released in the actor's absence, as he is currently in jail in connection with the Renukaswamy murder case.

Q. List the cast of The Devil

A. The Devil is led by Darshan Thoogudeepa, who is paired with Rachana Rai. The film also stars Mahesh Manjrekar, Achyuth Kumar, Vinay Gowda, Chandu B Gowda, among many others.

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