In a dramatic turn of events, the much-anticipated Kannada film 'The Devil', starring superstar Darshan Thoogudeepa, is officially set to hit theatres on December 11. This announcement comes while the lead actor himself remains incarcerated in Bengaluru Central Prison, entangled in the high-profile Renukaswamy murder case.
Press Conference Held in Actor's Absence
The film's team, led by director Prakash Veer, made the release date public during a press conference held in Bengaluru on Tuesday. Veer expressed deep regret over Darshan's inability to attend the event, revealing that the team had initially planned to wait for the actor's release but were compelled by circumstances to proceed without him.
"We waited till now, and today we are holding the press meet. Please forgive us for the delay. Unfortunately, even today, Darshan is not with us," the director told the media. He emotionally described Darshan as his "strength of an elephant," highlighting the actor's crucial support throughout their professional collaboration.
Darshan's Professionalism Amid Legal Turmoil
Director Prakash Veer confirmed that Darshan had completed all his work for the film, including shooting and dubbing, during a period when he was out on bail. The actor received interim bail on October 30, 2024, for six weeks on medical grounds to undergo spine surgery, after spending 131 days in custody following his arrest on June 11, 2024.
Veer praised Darshan's unwavering professionalism, stating there was "no difference in his performance" when he resumed filming after his temporary release. The director also clarified that the film's title, 'The Devil', was chosen purely for its narrative relevance and not for any sensational value.
The movie also features prominent actors Sharmiela Mandre, Rachana Rai, and Achyuth Kumar in key roles.
The Ongoing Legal Battle: A Timeline
The backdrop to this film release is the serious legal case involving the Kannada star. Darshan, along with Pavithra Gowda and 15 others, was arrested on June 11, 2024, for the alleged kidnapping and murder of a 33-year-old fan, Renukaswamy.
Following his interim medical bail, the Karnataka High Court granted him regular bail on December 13, 2024. However, in a significant reversal, the Supreme Court canceled his bail on August 13, 2025, leading to his return to judicial custody where he currently remains.
As the legal proceedings continue, the film industry and fans alike are now preparing for the release of 'The Devil', a project completed under the shadow of one of Sandalwood's most controversial chapters.
