DD Next Level actor Santhanam reveals Arya got miffed as producer: 'Would ask me to get money from Sadhguru'
DD Next Level: This marks the fourth installment in the Dhilluku Dhuddu franchise, and is produced by Santhanam's close friend and actor Arya
Last Updated: 12.59 PM, May 14, 2025
Comedian-turned-actor Santhanam is expecting the release of his film DD Next Level on May 16. The film is a horror comedy and the fourth part in the film franchise Dhilluku Dhuddu. The upcoming film is produced by actor Arya, who is a close friend of Santhanam, and has worked together in films like Settai, Boss Engira Bhaskaran and Vasuvum Saravananum Onna Padichavanga. Speaking about this, Santhanam opened up about his collaboration with the actor-friend, and how they had some issues with the film budget.
DD Next Level actor Santhanam on Arya as producer
Speaking about Arya producing the film, Santhanam said that the actor appreciated him after watching Dhilluku Dhuddu 1 and 2. He also said that Arya liked the one-liner of DD Next Level and wanted to produce the film.
"When we first narrated, we gave a brief storyline, and only after he okayed the script, we revealed to him it would be a ghost in a ship. He was shocked, and he was in tension when he saw the bills rising. Sometimes we also have arguments. I would not talk to him and go off to Isha. He would sometimes ask me to get money from Sadhguru instead. We have had troubles, but he has given me everything I needed. He had given me the highest budget film in my career. Without Arya, this would not have happened,” Santhanam said.
DD Next Level is directed by Prem Kumar and features Selvaraghavan, Gautham Menon, Yashika Aanand, Geethika Tiwary and others.
Where to watch DD franchise on OTT?
All three parts of Dhilluku Dhuddu are available on OTTplay Premium. The first part, Dhilluku Dhuddu, is a 2016 film helmed by Rambala. It is about a haunted bungalow and a couple. Meanwhile, Dhilluku Dhuddu 2 on ZEE5, with Santhanam and Rambhala, is about a girl who is surrounded by black magic, causing anyone who falls in love with her to get killed. DD Returns was released in 2023 and is a standalone sequel, which is directed by Prem Kumar. DD Next Level will also be available on OTTplay Premium after its theatrical run.