Darshan arrest fallout: Song launch of The Devil postponed; film too to face same fate?
Darshan arrest fallout: The first song from Darshan’s The Devil, was scheduled to be out on Independence Day, with the makers also teasing a release date announcement shortly. All that changes now
Last Updated: 12.45 PM, Aug 15, 2025
Idre Nemdiyaag Irbeku, the first song from Challenging Star Darshan’s next, The Devil, was meant to be out on August 15, 2025 and fans were eagerly looking forward to it, as the makers had also teased that the film’s theatrical release date would be announced shortly. The hope was that the release date would be revealed along with the song. But then, the Supreme Court verdict on Darshan’s bail came and upset the applecart. The actor’s bail was cancelled on August 14, with an immediate arrest ordered. With less than a day to go for the song launch, Darshan was back in jail, forcing the makers to put the brakes on their plans.
As of now, the song launch remains indefinitely postponed, and the film is also likely to face the same fate, depending on the outcome of the Renukaswamy murder case. According to reports citing legal experts, Darshan is not eligible to apply for bail again until the completion of the trial court proceedings in the case, a timeline for which is not available yet. In the last few weeks, there was speculation that The Devil would be in theatres before the end of the year, which now looks doubtful.
Timeline of events
Darshan was shooting for The Devil, when he was arrested in June 2024, in connection with the Renukaswamy murder case.
In August, he was shifted to the Ballari Jail, after images of him enjoying a cuppa and a smoke along with other known rowdy sheeters emerged, as well as enjoying VIP privileges including mobile phone usage, emerged.
In November, Darshan is granted interim bail, citing medical issues requiring immediate attention, including surgery.
In December, the Karnataka High Court grants the actor regular bail, which is challenged by the Bengaluru police and the state government in the Supreme Court.
After lying low for several months, during which time he did not get the medical attention he claimed he needed, Darshan resumed shooting for The Devil in February 2025.
Actor travels abroad multiple times as part of the shoot of The Devil in May and July and wraps it up.
August 14, 2025, Darshan’s bail is cancelled by the Supreme Court, ending his 8-months long freedom. He is shifted to Parappana Agrahara immediately.
Also read: Ramya on Darshan’s bail cancellation: ‘It sends a strong message; all are equal before law’
FAQs
Q. Who is the director of The Devil?
A. The Devil is directed by Prakash Veer, who earlier made Tarak with Darshan.
Q. Why has Darshan been arrested in the Renukaswamy case?
A. It is alleged that Renukaswamy was brought to Bengaluru from Chitradurga at Darshan's behest and tortured at a shed in Pattanagere, in the presence of the actor and his partner, Pavitra Gowda. Renukaswamy later succumbed to the injuries he sustained.