Lollu Sabha Shaped My Approach To Filmmaking

Prem Anand, director of Santhanam's upcoming film, DD Next Level, shares the evolution of comedy in Tamil cinema, his desire to break horror staples, and more

- AKSHAY KUMAR

During the 2000s, when TV serials were the order of the day, a team of performers came up with the wacky idea of making a parody of popular films. Lollu Sabha was a game-changer and is one of the most iconic shows in Tamil television history. Fast forward to 2025, members of Lollu Sabha, who are now actors and directors, are still dedicated to doing something to change the game, especially in the horror genre.

The Lollu Sabha duo of Prem Anand and Santhanam have worked together in Inimey Ippadithaan, DD Returns, and are now joining hands in DD Next Level, which is set for a May 16 release.

For over a decade, the horror-comedy franchise seems like a sure-shot template for success through films like Aranmanai, Dhilluku Dhuddu, and Kanchana, which hit the screens at regular intervals to keep the genre alive. Talking about keeping this genre alive, Prem Anand says, "There is no need to make an effort to make a trend stay. When audiences are given a lot of family comedies, dramas, and actioners, it is but natural that they develop an affinity for a horror comedy that comes their way. I feel Sundar sir and Santhanam sir cater to the audiences at the right moments with the right kind of films."