https://indianpedia.org/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=KD%3A_The_DevilKD: The Devil - Revision history2026-07-30T22:35:51ZRevision history for this page on the wikiMediaWiki 1.45.4https://indianpedia.org/index.php?title=KD:_The_Devil&diff=507127&oldid=prevSnehAnchliya at 02:34, 8 May 20262026-05-08T02:34:59Z<p></p>
<p><b>New page</b></p><div>{{Short description|2026 Indian film by Prem}}<br />
{{Use dmy dates|date= August 2023}}<br />
{{Infobox film<br />
| name = KD: The Devil<br />
| image = KD - The Devil poster.jpg<br />
| caption = Theatrical release poster<br />
| director = [[Prem (director)|Prem]]<br />
| producer = Venkat K. Narayana<br />
| writer = Prem<br />
| starring = {{Plainlist|<br />
* [[Dhruva Sarja]] <br />
* [[Sanjay Dutt]] <br />
* [[Shilpa Shetty]]<br />
* [[Reeshma Nanaiah]]<br />
* [[Ramesh Aravind]]<br />
}}<br />
| cinematography = [[William David]]<br />
| editing = Sanketh Achar<br />
| music = [[Arjun Janya]]<br />
| studio = [[KVN Productions]]<br />
| distributor = <br />
| released = {{Film date|2026|04|30|df=y}}<br />
| runtime = 141 minutes<ref name="CBFC">{{cite web |access-date=29 April 2026 |title=Dhruva Sarja Starrer KD: The Devil Gets ‘A’ Certificate Ahead Of April 30 Release |url=https://www.news18.com/movies/regional-cinema/dhruva-sarja-starrer-kd-the-devil-gets-a-certificate-ahead-of-april-30-release-10063582.html |website=News18}}</ref><br />
| country = India<br />
| language = Kannada<br />
| budget = <!--Must be attributed to a reliable published source with an established reputation for fact-checking. No blogs, no IMDb.--><br />
| gross = <!--Must be attributed to a reliable published source with an established reputation for fact-checking. No blogs, no IMDb.--><br />
}}<br />
'''''KD: The Devil''''' is a 2026 Indian [[Kannada]]-language [[action thriller]] film written and directed by [[Prem (film director)|Prem]] and produced by Venkat K. Narayana for [[KVN Productions]]. The film stars [[Dhruva Sarja]] in the title role, alongside [[Sudeepa]], [[Sanjay Dutt]], [[Shilpa Shetty]], [[Ravichandran (Kannada actor)|V. Ravichandran]], [[Ramesh Aravind]], [[Reeshma Nanaiah]], [[Jisshu Sengupta]] and [[Nora Fatehi]]. The music was composed by [[Arjun Janya]], while the cinematography and editing were handled by [[William David]] and Sanketh Achar, respectively.<ref name=":0">{{cite news |title=Dhruva Sarja- Prems's film titled 'KD-The Devil', title teaser out! |url=https://deccanherald.com/entertainment/dhruva-sarja-prems-film-titled-kd-the-devil-title-teaser-out-1155432.html |date=20 October 2022|access-date=8 August 2023 |newspaper=[[Deccan Herald]] |author=NP Jayaram}}</ref><br />
<br />
''KD: The Devil'' was theatrically released on 30 April 2026.<br />
<br />
== Plot ==<br />
{{more plot|date=May 2026}}<br />
Kaalidasa, also known as Kaali or KD, who begins as a small-time, good‑natured individual with modest ambitions—often depicted as a kerosene dealer or petty criminal living within a close-knit social and family circle. His life changes when a series of missteps and external circumstances push him into contact with powerful crime syndicates. Influenced by his admiration for the feared don Dhak Deva and further complicated by his relationships—particularly with his principled brother Dharma and his assertive love interest Lakshmi—Kaali gradually becomes drawn into a world defined by violence, loyalty, and shifting power dynamics. Kaali’s involvement in the underworld intensifies into a broader struggle for survival and identity.<br />
<br />
What begins as accidental involvement evolves into a conflict driven by family protection, betrayal, and revenge, with the protagonist transforming from an underdog into a feared figure within the criminal hierarchy. Secondary elements—such as law enforcement manipulation, political pressures, and rival gang interests—expand the stakes, portraying a chaotic ecosystem where alliances are unstable and moral boundaries blur.<br />
<br />
== Cast ==<br />
{{Cast listing|<br />
* [[Dhruva Sarja]] as Kaalidasa "KD"<br />
* [[Sanjay Dutt]] as Dhak Deva<br />
* [[Shilpa Shetty]] as Satyavati<br />
* [[Ravichandran (Kannada actor)|V. Ravichandran]] as Annayappa<br />
* [[Ramesh Aravind]] as Dharma<br />
* [[Reeshma Nanaiah]] as Machhlakshmi<br />
* [[Jisshu Sengupta]] as Rudra Mishra <br />
* [[P. Ravi Shankar]]<br />
* [[Nora Fatehi]] as Senorita in item number "Sarse Ninna Seraga Sarse"<br />
* [[Sudeepa]] as Kaala Bhairava (cameo appearance)<br />
}}<br />
<br />
== Production ==<br />
Actor [[Dhruva Sarja]] announced his new project with director [[Prem (film director)|Prem]] and producer Venkat K. Narayana under the [[KVN Productions]], on 18 April 2022, tentatively titled ''#KVN4''.<ref name=":1">{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/dhruva-sarjas-kvn4-muhurath-ceremony-to-be-held-on-april-24/articleshow/90915948.cms |title=Dhruva Sarja's #KVN4 muhurath ceremony to be held on April 24 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=18 April 2022}}</ref> The film's title as ''KD: The Devil'' was announced on 20 October 2024.<ref name=":2">{{cite news |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/dhruva-sarja-prems-film-titled-kd-the-devil-title-teaser-out-1155432.html |title=Dhruva Sarja-Prem's film titled 'KD - the Devil', title teaser out! |work=[[Deccan Herald]] |access-date=21 October 2022}}</ref> [[Reeshma Nanaiah]] joined the cast to play the female lead.<ref>{{cite news |date=29 April 2023 |title=Reeshma Nanaiah to play the female lead in Prem-Dhruva Sarja's 'KD – The Devil' |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |url-access=subscription |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/reeshma-nanaiah-to-play-the-female-lead-in-prem-dhruva-sarjas-kd-the-devil/article66792445.ece |access-date=8 August 2023 |archive-date=10 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810224824/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/reeshma-nanaiah-to-play-the-female-lead-in-prem-dhruva-sarjas-kd-the-devil/article66792445.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Sanjay Dutt]],<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2024/Jul/30/sanjay-dutt-as-dhak-deva-in-prems-kd-the-devil-draws-inspiration-from-khal-nayak | title=Sanjay Dutt as Dhak Deva in Prem's 'KD - the Devil' draws inspiration from Khal Nayak | date=30 July 2024 }}</ref> [[Shilpa Shetty]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Shilpa Shetty Kundra joins the cast of Dhruva Sarja's 'KD- The Devil' |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/shilpa-shetty-kundra-joins-the-cast-of-dhruva-sarjas-kd-the-devil/article66649182.ece |date=22 March 2023 |access-date=8 August 2023 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |url-access=subscription |archive-date=10 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810230558/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/shilpa-shetty-kundra-joins-the-cast-of-dhruva-sarjas-kd-the-devil/article66649182.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Ravichandran (Kannada actor)|V. Ravichandran]], [[Ramesh Aravind]] and [[Nora Fatehi]]<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/nora-fatehi-to-make-acting-debut-in-kannada-film-industry-with-kd-the-devil/cid/1995895 |title=Nora Fatehi to make acting debut in Kannada film industry with KD-The Devil |date=24 January 2024 |newspaper=[[The Telegraph (Kolkata)|The Telegraph]] |accessdate=6 April 2024}}</ref> joined the cast in important roles. [[Principal photography]] of the film began after a [[muhurat shot]] on 24 April 2022 and filming commenced on 22 October 2024.<ref name=":1"/><br />
<br />
== Soundtrack ==<br />
{{Infobox album<br />
| name = KD: The Devil<br />
| type = soundtrack<br />
| artist = [[Arjun Janya]]<br />
| genre = [[Feature film soundtrack]]<br />
| language = Kannada<br />
| label = [[Anand Audio]]<br />
| prev_title = [[45 (2025 film)|45]]<br />
| prev_year = 2025<br />
| year = 2026<br />
| next_title = Trishulam<br />
| next_year = TBA<br />
}}<br />
The music of the film was composed by [[Arjun Janya]]. The music rights of the film were acquired by [[Anand Audio]].<ref name=":0"/> The first single titled "Shiva Shiva" was released on 24 December 2024.<ref>{{cite web |access-date=24 December 2024 |title=Soul-stirring folk anthem 'Shiva Shiva' from 'KD - The Devil' released |url=https://www.thehansindia.com/cinema/soul-stirring-folk-anthem-shiva-shiva-from-kd-the-devil-released-932275 |work=The Hans India|date=24 December 2024 }}</ref> The second single titled "Settagalla" was released on 29 March 2025.<ref>{{cite news |title=KD-The Devil {{!}} Song - Settagalla (Lyrical) |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/entertainment/music/kannada/kd-the-devil-song-settagalla-lyrical/amp_videoshow/119932633.cms |work=The Times of India|date=24 December 2024}}</ref><br />
<br />
{{Track listing<br />
| headline = Track listing<br />
| total_length = <br />
| extra_column = Singer(s) and Artist(s)<br />
| title1 = Shiva Shiva<br />
| extra1 = [[Prem (film director)|Prem]], [[Kailash Kher]]<br />
| lyrics1 = Manjunath BS<br />
| length1 = 3:37<br />
| title2 = Settagalla<br />
| extra2 = [[Mika Singh]]<br />
| length2 = 3:40<br />
| lyrics2 = Prem<br />
| title3 = Annthamma Jodetthu Kano<br />
| lyrics3 = Manjunath B.S.<br />
| extra3 = Prem<br />
| title4 = Sarse Ninna Sarega Sarse<br />
| length4 = 3:55<br />
| lyrics4 = Prem<br />
| extra4 = Aishwarya Rangarajan<br />
| title5 = Nuggi Hodi<br />
| length5 = 4:08<br />
| lyrics5 = Prem<br />
| extra5 = [[Shankar Mahadevan]]<br />
| title6 = Come On Kaali<br />
| length6 = 3:15<br />
| lyrics6 = Prem<br />
| extra6 = [[Anthony Daasan]]<br />
| length3 = 3:57<br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Release==<br />
''KD: The Devil'' was theatrically released on 30 April 2026 after facing multiple delays.<ref>{{cite web |access-date=27 December 2025 |title=Prem-Dhruva Sarja's KD: The Devil locks new release date |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/kannada/news/2025/Dec/27/prem-dhruva-sarjas-kd-the-devil-locks-new-release-date |website=Cinema Express}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |access-date=30 April 2026 |title=Rs 1500 cr on 3 films: With Toxic, Jana Nayagan, has KVN Productions bitten off more than it can chew? |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/toxic-jana-nayagan-kvn-productions-rs-1500-crore-on-3-films-10662886/ |website=The Indian Express}}</ref> The film received an [[A certificate|A (adults only) certificate]] from the [[Central Board of Film Certification|CBFC]] due to gory violence.<ref name="CBFC"/><br />
<br />
== Reception ==<br />
Sruthi Ganapathy Raman, writing for ''[[The Hollywood Reporter India]]'' commented that "Excess is the real devil here".<ref>{{cite web|first=Sruthi Ganapathy|last=Raman|title=‘KD: The Devil’ Review: Fleeting Moments Of Kitschy Fun In An Otherwise Jarring Action Drama|url=https://www.hollywoodreporterindia.com/reviews/theatrical/kd-the-devil-review-fleeting-moments-of-kitschy-fun-in-an-otherwise-jarring-action-drama|date=30 April 2026|website=The Hollywood Reporter India}}</ref><br />
Latha Srinivasan of ''[[NDTV]]'' gave 2 stars out of 5 and said that "The film makes a big entrance but doesn't keep you hooked till the end".<ref>{{cite web|first=Latha|last=Srinivasan|title=KD The Devil Review: This Dhruva Sarja Flick Is All Style And Little Substance|url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/kd-the-devil-review-this-dhruva-sarja-flick-is-all-style-and-little-substance-11431338|date=30 April 2026|website=NDTV}}</ref><br />
<br />
Susmita Sameera reviewing for ''[[The Times of India]]'' gave 2.5 stars out of 5 and writes that "Overall, KD – The Devil delivers a mixed cinematic experience"<ref>{{cite web|first=Susmita|last=Sameera|title=KD: The Devil Movie Review: A Star-Studded Spectacle with a Cliffhanger End|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movie-reviews/kd-the-devil-a-star-studded-spectacle-with-a-cliffhanger-end/movie-review/130627972.cms|date=30 April 2026|website=The Times of India}}</ref><br />
Vivek M.V. of ''[[The Hindu]]'' observed that "With a semblance of story and a decent character arc for the protagonist, ‘KD’, starring Dhruva Sarja and directed by Prem, is aimed at lovers of loud ‘masala’ movie lovers who care less for depth in writing."<ref>{{cite web|first=Vivek|last=M.V.|title=‘KD: The Devil’ movie review: Prem, Dhruva Sarja offer a fan service that’s just about watchable|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/kd-movie-review-dhruva-sarja-prem-kd-the-devil-sanjay-dutt-shilpa-shetty-fan-service-arjun-janya/article70924231.ece|date=30 April 2026|website=The Hindu}}</ref><br />
<br />
Jagadish Angadi of ''[[Deccan Herald]]'' feels that "Despite a star-studded ensemble, including veterans such as Doddanna and Dattanna, and a guest appearance by Sudeepa, the film does little justice to its talent pool."<ref>{{cite web|first=Jagdish|last=Angadi|title=KD: The Devil Review: Grand spectacle, no narrative heft|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/kd-the-devil-review-grand-spectacle-no-narrative-heft-3986423|date=30 April 2026|website=Deccan Herlad}}</ref><br />
Sanjay Ponnappa of ''[[India Today]]'' rated it 2.5/5 stars out of 5 and said that "This Dhruva Sarja-Sanjay Dutt-starrer period action drama is entertaining in bits but is mostly loud, messy and violent."<ref>{{cite web|first=Sanjay|last=Ponappa|title=KD The Devil review: Dhruva Sarja's film is a brain-rot commercial entertainer|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/kd-the-devil-review-dhruva-sarja-prem-scale-but-excess-hurts-2903663-2026-04-30|date=30 April 2026|website=India Today}}</ref><br />
<br />
== Controversy ==<br />
The film's director Prem and production house KVN Productions faced criticism over the lyrics of the song "Sarse Ninna Seraga Sarse", which was released as the third single from the soundtrack.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.youtube.com/shorts/OVtRBXdPam0 |via = [[YouTube]]| title = WTF ARE THESE LYRICS? |access-date= 17 March 2026}}</ref> The music video of the song, which prominently featured a Hindi-language version of the song, starred Nora Fatehi and Sanjay Dutt. The song faced backlash, while online users expressed their ire towards the lyrics, labeling them as “vulgar” and “suggestive”.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/kd-the-devil-song-kvn-productions-vulgar-lyrics-social-media-taken-down-prem-dhruva-sarja-sanjay-dutt-nora-fatehi/article70752457.ece/amp/| title =‘KD: The Devil’ song: KVN Productions takes down track after severe backlash over ‘vulgar’ lyrics |website = The Hindu|access-date= 17 March 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/kd-the-devil-nora-fatehi-sanjay-dutt-vulgar-song-sarse-ninna-seraga-sarse-10584951/lite/| title=KD The Devil song Sarse Ninna Seraga Sarse: Netizens call Nora Fatehi-Sanjay Dutt number ‘vulgar’, fans say they’ll disown director Prem |website = The Indian Express|access-date= 16 March 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/kd-the-devil-makers-set-to-re-release-sanitized-version-of-sarse-ninna-seraga-sarse-3936234|title=‘KD: The Devil’ makers set to re-release ‘sanitized’ version of ‘Sarse Ninna Seraga Sarse’ |website = Deccan Herald|access-date=18 March 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title='Sarke Chunariya' row: Director Prem apologises, says lyrics misinterpreted |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2026/Mar/19/sarke-chunariya-row-director-prem-apologises-says-lyrics-misinterpreted |website=The New Indian Express |access-date=19 March 2026}}</ref> The song was soon removed from YouTube.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2026-03-19 |title=Nora Fatehi 'Sarke Chunar' song controversy: Writer Raqueeb Alam says 'maine nahi likhe hain' after 'KD: The Devil' movie song pulled down amid backlash |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/new-updates/nora-fatehi-sarke-chunar-song-controversy-writer-raqueeb-alam-says-maine-nahi-likhe-hain-after-kd-the-devil-movie-song-pulled-down-amid-backlash/articleshow/129652675.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2026-03-21 |work=[[The Economic Times]] |issn=0013-0389}}</ref><br />
<br />
== Sequel ==<br />
In the film's end credits, a sequel titled ''KD 2: Evil's Kingdom'' was announced.{{cn|date=May 2026}}<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
{{reflist}}<br />
<br />
== External links ==<br />
*{{IMDb title|15295368}}<br />
<br />
{{Prem (director)}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Indian action films]]<br />
[[Category:2026 Indian films]]<br />
[[Category:2026 Kannada-language films]]<br />
[[Category:Films directed by Prem]]<br />
[[Category:Obscenity controversies in film]]</div>SnehAnchliya