Language: Tamil
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Age Rating: U/A
In this DNA movie review, we explore Nelson Venkatesan’s compelling psychological thriller that fuses emotional storytelling with social realism. With solid performances from Atharvaa and Nimisha Sajayan, DNA delivers both heart-pounding suspense and a deeply human narrative—one that questions what we define as truth, love, and identity in moments of crisis.
Plot: A Mother’s Instinct, A Father’s Redemption, A Race Against Time
The film follows Divya (Nimisha Sajayan), a woman living with borderline personality disorder, who claims that her newborn baby was switched just moments after birth. With no evidence to support her claim, most—including her own family—believe she is imagining things. But her husband Anand (Atharvaa), a recovering drug addict with his own traumatic past, refuses to dismiss her intuition.
What unfolds is a tense, high-stakes journey through the murky world of child trafficking, buried secrets, and systemic negligence. As Anand investigates against all odds, the film transforms into a gripping exploration of how deeply people can change when they have something—or someone—worth fighting for.
Performances: Raw, Relatable, and Remarkably Real
Atharvaa is outstanding as Anand, balancing the vulnerability of a recovering addict with the strength of a desperate father. His character arc is deeply moving—from a man haunted by personal failures to someone willing to risk everything for a sliver of hope. His emotional outbursts feel authentic, and his transformation into a man of action is both believable and hard-hitting.
Nimisha Sajayan delivers one of her most nuanced performances as Divya. Rather than playing her character for sympathy, she grounds it in emotional realism—portraying mental health struggles with dignity, complexity, and subtlety. She avoids Tamil cinema’s cliché of the “over-the-top” heroine and instead offers a portrayal full of layers and restraint.
The supporting cast also holds their own. Balaji Sakthivel, as the world-weary cop Chinnaswamy, offers a quiet yet powerful presence, while Viji Chandrasekhar as Divya’s mother adds emotional texture. Even the antagonist—an elderly woman involved in the baby trafficking ring—is written with depth, giving her actions a disturbing but logical motive.
Direction and Tone: Bold Storytelling Rooted in Humanity
Nelson Venkatesan once again proves that he is one of Tamil cinema’s most grounded storytellers. Rather than using a sensational subject to create cheap thrills, he constructs an emotionally anchored story about flawed people trying to do what’s right.
The tone is suspenseful without being exploitative, and the director trusts the audience to follow complex emotional and moral arcs without spoon-feeding. The script takes its time to build, but when the tension kicks in, it grabs you and doesn’t let go.
The way the film weaves in a philosophical note toward the end—“Thappu senja yaarume thappikaradhilla… Thandanaikaana kaalam thalli pogudhu”—elevates the emotional resonance of the story to another level.
Technical Craft: Mood-Driven Cinematography and a Stirring Score
Parthiban’s cinematography creates a moody visual palette that reflects the film’s emotional depth and mystery. A standout sequence in an under-construction building is both visually and emotionally intense, amplified by smart lighting and camera movement.
The background score by Ghibran Vaibodha, in sync with Sabu Joseph’s sharp editing, enhances every twist and emotional beat. The climax, especially, is a masterclass in how sound and pace can heighten storytelling.
The only letdown? The songs. The decision to feature five different composers results in musical inconsistency, and a couple of bar songs feel generic and unnecessary. Also, some early characters like Anand’s father and lawyer friend are introduced with promise but fade away without much closure.
Strengths and Shortcomings
What Works:
- Powerful lead performances from Atharvaa and Nimisha
- Emotionally intelligent writing and direction
- Gripping exploration of child trafficking and mental health
- Tense, edge-of-the-seat climax
- Strong cinematography and background score
Where It Stumbles:
- Forgettable and unnecessary songs
- Some supporting characters vanish midway
- A few action sequences feel slightly exaggerated
Cultural Impact: Mental Health and Motherhood on Screen
DNA does more than just entertain—it opens up critical conversations about how society treats individuals with mental health issues, the stigma surrounding borderline disorders, and the systemic failures that can lead to life-altering trauma. Through Divya and Anand, the film shines a light on love, belief, and resilience in the face of overwhelming odds.
Final Verdict: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ (4.5/5 Stars)
DNA is a rare emotional thriller that doesn’t just keep you hooked—it also makes you care. Anchored by stirring performances and sharp direction, it’s a film that blends emotional drama with investigative tension in a way that feels both timely and timeless. A definite must-watch for lovers of smart, sensitive cinema.
Should You Watch It?
Yes. If you appreciate character-driven thrillers with emotional weight, DNA is a gripping cinematic experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
