Arun Matheswaran’s romantic action drama gives the classic Devdas story a darker gangster backdrop, with Lokesh Kanagaraj making his acting debut.
The DC A certificate is among the key details surrounding Lokesh Kanagaraj’s acting debut. Directed by Arun Matheswaran, the Tamil film reimagines the familiar Devdas story through a darker world involving crime, romance and violence.
DC released in theatres on August 7, 2026, with a reported runtime of 2 hours and 23 minutes. The film has been cleared with an A certificate, which means it is intended for adult audiences.
Lokesh Kanagaraj plays Devadas, while Wamiqa Gabbi portrays Chandra. Their characters form the central relationship in a story that moves away from the conventional treatment of the classic romantic tale.
The film’s adult certification comes in the context of its mature crime setting and violent themes. However, no detailed scene-by-scene explanation of the certification has been provided in the available material. Therefore, specific CBFC cuts or individual scenes should not be attributed to the board without official confirmation.
Why has DC received an A certificate?
The DC A certificate means the film has been classified for adult audiences.
The film is set against a crime-driven backdrop, with Devadas positioned within a world involving criminals and violence. This marks a significant departure from the softer romantic treatment commonly associated with the Devdas story.
The available information describes DC as a darker romantic action drama, with crime and violence forming an important part of its setting. These mature elements provide context for its adult-only classification.
However, it is important to distinguish between the film’s content and the official reason for its certification. Unless the Central Board of Film Certification provides a detailed explanation, it would be inaccurate to claim that particular scenes or cuts directly resulted in the A certificate.
An A certificate does not mean that the film has been banned. It means that admission to its theatrical screenings is restricted to adult viewers.
What is DC about?
DC takes the familiar emotional framework of Devdas and places it within a crime-oriented setting.
Lokesh Kanagaraj plays Devadas, also known as Das, while Wamiqa Gabbi plays Chandra. Their relationship forms an important part of the story.
The film also features Sanjana Krishnamoorthy as Parvathy. While these character names connect the film with the familiar Devdas framework, DC presents the story through its own crime and action setting.
Rather than following the traditional romantic treatment, Arun Matheswaran’s film brings together romance, crime and violence. Devadas is surrounded by dangerous circumstances, while his relationship with Chandra provides the emotional dimension to his journey.
This gives DC the character of a romantic action crime drama, rather than a straightforward adaptation of the original literary story.
Lokesh Kanagaraj plays Devadas
A major talking point around DC is Lokesh Kanagaraj’s move from directing films to taking the lead role.
Kanagaraj is known for directing films including Maanagaram, Kaithi, Master, Vikram and Leo. With DC, he steps in front of the camera as Devadas, placing himself at the centre of the story.
His character is presented within a crime-heavy world rather than as a conventional romantic protagonist. This gives the filmmaker-turned-actor a markedly different role from the ones audiences have associated with his work behind the camera.
The casting has also drawn attention because Kanagaraj is primarily recognised as a filmmaker known for action-oriented Tamil cinema.
Wamiqa Gabbi plays Chandra
Wamiqa Gabbi plays Chandra, the female lead opposite Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Devadas.
Chandra is an important part of the film’s emotional storyline and her relationship with Devadas forms a central element of the narrative.
Her character is placed within the same gritty setting that defines the film’s treatment of the Devdas story. As a result, the familiar romantic framework is presented through a considerably darker backdrop.
Gabbi’s casting also gives the film a prominent female lead alongside Kanagaraj as Devadas.
DC cast and characters
The principal cast and creative team include:
- Lokesh Kanagaraj as Devadas
- Wamiqa Gabbi as Chandra
- Sanjana Krishnamoorthy as Parvathy
- Arun Matheswaran as director
- Anirudh Ravichander as music composer
- Mukesh G as cinematographer
- Prasanna GK as editor
The combination of Arun Matheswaran’s direction, Anirudh Ravichander’s music and Lokesh Kanagaraj’s lead role forms a key part of the film’s identity.
What does the DC trailer show?
The DC trailer presents the film as a darker reworking of the familiar Devdas setup.
It introduces Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Devadas within a crime-oriented environment, while Wamiqa Gabbi’s Chandra is established as an important figure in his story.
The trailer also points towards violence, criminal conflict and police involvement, reinforcing the film’s action-oriented treatment.
At the same time, the relationship between Devadas and Chandra remains an important part of the promotional material. This combination of romance and crime sets DC apart from a conventional retelling of the Devdas story.
Watch the official DC trailer:
DC release date, certificate and runtime
DC released theatrically on August 7, 2026.
The film has received an A certificate and has a reported runtime of 2 hours and 23 minutes.
The adult classification means viewers should be aware that the film is not intended for children. Its crime-focused setting, violence and mature themes distinguish it from a family-oriented romantic drama.
For audiences interested in the film’s take on the Devdas story, the combination of Lokesh Kanagaraj as Devadas and Wamiqa Gabbi as Chandra provides its central attraction.
DC A certificate and what it means for viewers
The DC A certificate establishes the film as an adult-only theatrical release. The classification is consistent with the movie’s darker treatment of crime, violence and romance.
At its centre are Lokesh Kanagaraj as Devadas and Wamiqa Gabbi as Chandra, with their relationship placed against a crime-driven backdrop.
For Kanagaraj, the film also represents a significant career shift, as he takes on a lead acting role after establishing himself as a prominent Tamil filmmaker.
DC A certificate FAQs:
Why has DC received an A certificate?
DC has been classified with an A certificate, restricting theatrical admission to adult audiences. The available information describes the film as a crime-oriented drama featuring violence and mature themes, but does not provide a detailed official CBFC explanation.
Who plays Devadas in DC?
Lokesh Kanagaraj plays Devadas, marking his lead acting debut in the film.
Who plays Chandra in DC?
Wamiqa Gabbi plays Chandra, the female lead opposite Lokesh Kanagaraj.
Is DC a remake of Devdas?
DC reimagines the familiar Devdas framework through a darker crime and action setting rather than simply reproducing the original story.
When was DC released?
DC released in theatres on August 7, 2026.
What is the runtime of DC?
The reported runtime of DC is 2 hours and 23 minutes.
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