Dhruva Sarja's 'KD: The Devil' Gets 'A' Certificate, Set for April 30 Release After Delays

Key facts

• The film received an 'A' certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification a day before its release.
• Directed by Prem, the movie stars Dhruva Sarja as Kali Dasa, a character inspired by real-life Karnataka gangsters of the 1970s–80s.
• The costume department created nearly 500 costume combinations, with 10–25 variations per character.
• Over 40 retro bikes and 35 vintage cars were used, including a custom-built double-decker bus.
• Kichcha Sudeep replaced Shiva Rajkumar for a cameo role after Rajkumar's cancer surgery prevented his participation.
• Shilpa Shetty returns to Kannada cinema after two decades, having previously starred in three Kannada films.
• The film's release was delayed by over two years from its initial announcement.

A Long-Awaited Release Amid Controversy

After more than two years of delays, the Kannada action thriller 'KD: The Devil' is finally set to hit theaters on April 30. The film, directed by Prem and starring Dhruva Sarja, received an 'A' certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification just one day before its release, signaling adult content. The certification comes amid ongoing controversy over the film's violent themes and mixed reactions to its promotional material.

Recreating Bengaluru's Underworld of the 1970s–80s

Director Prem aimed to build a period-accurate world that felt lived-in, not merely designed for the screen. The technical team—including art director Mohan B Kere, music composer Arjun Janya, and cinematographer William David—focused on ground-level detailing of costumes, vehicles, hair and makeup, and street textures. Costume designer Devraj Sulok said the team locked the timeline from the 1970s into the 1980s, drawing references from films across multiple languages. 'Hair, fabric, cuts, everything shifts with the years. That continuity mattered,' Sulok noted.

Meticulous Costume and Set Design

The costume department worked with 10–25 variations per character, creating nearly 500 costume combinations in total. Even 700 junior artistes received individual styling, down to their hair and sidelocks, and everyone had to be ready by 6:30 am for the first shot. For lead actors Sanjay Dutt and Shilpa Shetty, the styling process went through multiple rounds to avoid repetition from their previous period roles. Prem specifically requested a dhoti-based look for Sanjay Dutt, a style he had not attempted before.

Vintage Vehicles and Large-Scale Coordination

Recreating the era's vehicles proved one of the toughest challenges. The team could not source a proper double-decker bus anywhere in India, so they custom-built one from scratch, including period-correct seating. They also used over 40 retro bikes and 35 vintage cars, some of which were modified for Sanjay Dutt's character. A convoy of vintage machines moved through sets packed with over 1,000 junior artistes, requiring careful coordination between traffic, stunts, and camera setups to achieve both risk and realism.

Star Cameo and Veteran Reinvention

Excitement around the film spiked when Kichcha Sudeep stepped in for a cameo role originally meant for Shiva Rajkumar. Rajkumar, known for his role in 'Jailer', was unable to participate due to physical limitations following his cancer surgery. Sudeep's entry brought a fresh wave of interest, especially after his pictures with the team went viral. The film also features veteran actors Ramesh Aravind and V Ravichandran in never-before-seen, bloodied avatars—a stark departure from their earlier romantic roles, which has generated curiosity and nervousness among audiences.

Shilpa Shetty's Return to Kannada Cinema

Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty returns to Kannada cinema after two decades. Hailing from Karnataka, she appeared in three Kannada films previously—two opposite Ravichandran in 'Preethsod Thappa' and 'Ondagona Baa', and one opposite Upendra in 'Auto Shankar'. Her character Chandana in 'Preethsod Thappa' remains a cultural reference, fondly teased as 'Chendu'. In 'KD: The Devil', she appears in a fierce new avatar, adding a layer of nostalgia and anticipation to her comeback.

Real-Life Inspiration and Future Prospects

The film's title, 'KD: The Devil', derives from Kali Dasa, the character played by Dhruva Sarja. The narrative is reportedly inspired by the lives of gangsters who operated in Karnataka during the 1970s. While the promotional material leans heavily into commercial entertainer tropes, the core story draws from real underworld events. With the film finally releasing after multiple delays, its box-office performance will be closely watched, especially given the mixed pre-release buzz and the high-stakes ensemble cast.

The bottom line

• The film's 'A' certificate and controversial content have not dampened anticipation for its April 30 release.
• Director Prem's commitment to period authenticity involved building a custom double-decker bus and sourcing over 75 vintage vehicles.
• Kichcha Sudeep's cameo replaces Shiva Rajkumar, who withdrew due to health reasons after cancer surgery.
• Shilpa Shetty's return to Kannada cinema after 20 years adds nostalgic appeal, especially given her iconic role in 'Preethsod Thappa'.
• The film's narrative is rooted in real-life Karnataka gangsters of the 1970s, blending fact with commercial cinema elements.
• Despite mixed promotional response, the ensemble cast and period setting remain key draws for audiences in Karnataka.