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Santhanam’s upcoming horror comedy film, Devil’s Double Next Levelis drawing attention for all the wrong reasons. Just days before its scheduled release on May 16, the film has run into a major controversy over one of its songs — Cat 47.

What was meant to be a fun, spooky entertainer has now found itself in the eye of a storm due to a devotional track featured in one of its songs. With political figures demanding its removal and massive compensation, the team is facing unexpected heat just a day before the release.

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Song triggers outrage

The trouble began with the release of Cat 47a song from the film that mixes a western track with the devotional chant Srinivasa Govinda Srivenkatesa Govinda.

Though released as a lyric video, the remix, composed by ofRo and written by Kelithee, garnered lakhs of views on YouTube and triggered serious backlash from political and religious circles.

At a recent press meet, while promoting the film, Santhanam said that he is a devoted follower of Perumal and had no intention of offending anyone.

Legal and political fallout

BJP Leader Bhanuprakash Reddy, who also serves the tirumala tirupati devasthanam (ttd) Board

He demanded the immediate removal of the track from the film and all platforms, alleging it “hurts Hindu sentiments” and could “incite disharmony.” The notice also demands Rs 100 crore as compensation if the song remains.

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Jana Sena joins protest

The Jana Sena Party has added fuel to the fire. Its Tirupati in-charge, Kiran Royal, lodged a police complaint at the Tirupati One Town station.

He claimed the song disrespects Lord Venkateswara and allegedly offended religious sentiments, calling for a total ban on the film.

Further escalating tensions, Royal proposed that Tamil Nadu representatives be denied darshan at the Tirumala temple until the song was removed.

He also accused the Tamil Nadu government of supporting such attacks on Hindu sentiments, alleging it is run by atheists who lack faith in God and are, therefore, willing to permit such controversial content.

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Release under cloud

Directed by Prem Anand and starring an ensemble cast — Geethika Thivari, Selvaraghavan, Gautham Vasudev Menon, and others — the film was expected to be a light-hearted spooky ride. Instead, it now stands at the centre of a growing religious and political storm.

With calls for censorship and potential legal action looming, whether Devil’s Double Next Level will see a smooth release remains uncertain.