DNA Movie Review: A Gripping Emotional Thriller Marred by Commercial Compromises
Nelson Venkatesan’s DNA (2024), a Tamil crime thriller starring Atharvaa and Nimisha Sajayan, is a film that dares to blend emotional drama with a tense investigative narrative. Known for his socially conscious films like Oru Naal Koothu, Monster, and Farhana, Venkatesan crafts a story that explores love, loss, resilience, and the dark underbelly of organized crime, anchored by a couple navigating personal and societal challenges. With a premise centered on a suspected baby swap, DNA promises a compelling mix of human relationships and suspense. While it delivers in pockets—thanks to strong performances and a solid second half—it stumbles with uneven pacing, unnecessary commercial elements, and an underwhelming climax. Masterpiece dives into the film’s strengths, flaws, and overall impact, offering a balanced perspective on its place in contemporary Tamil cinema.
Plot and Themes
DNA introduces Anand (Atharvaa), a brooding alcoholic reeling from a heartbreak, and Divya (Nimisha Sajayan), a woman living with borderline personality disorder (BPD), often dismissed by her family as “unstable.” Their families, initially a marriage of convenience, blossoms into a genuine bond as they find solace in each other. The narrative shifts gears when Divya, after giving birth, claims the baby has been swapped at the hospital—a claim met with skepticism due to her mental health history. Anand, trusting her instincts, dives into an investigation that uncovers a chilling infant trafficking network. The film explores themes of trust, redemption, and societal prejudice, while shedding light on the vulnerabilities of new parents and the stigma surrounding mental health.
Venkatesan’s screenplay tackles heavy topics with sincerity, addressing post-partum psychosis, the emotional toll of parenthood, and the exploitation of the underclass. The title DNA cleverly reflects the couple’s initials and the biological and emotional bonds at stake. However, the film’s ambition to balance a relationship drama with a crime thriller sometimes dilutes its emotional core, with convenient plot devices and commercial tropes undermining its realism.
Performances
Atharvaa delivers a career-defining performance as Anand, portraying a man transitioning from self-destruction to purpose-driven determination. His nuanced portrayal—capturing vulnerability in early scenes and resolve during the investigation—anchors the film. Nimisha Sajayan, as Divya, is equally compelling, especially in emotional scenes post-delivery, where her anguish feels raw and authentic. However, her character is underutilized in the second half, leaving her sidelined during key investigative sequences. Their chemistry, particularly in quieter moments, adds warmth to the intense narrative.
The supporting cast, including Balaji Sakthivel as a weary cop and Viji Chandrasekhar as Divya’s mother, adds depth, though some roles feel stereotypical. A standout is an elderly woman involved in the trafficking ring, whose morally ambiguous backstory adds complexity. Critics and praise Atharvaa and Nimisha’s performances, with posts calling them “impactful” and “heartfelt,” though some note Nimisha’s limited screen time as a drawback.
Direction and Technical Aspects
Nelson Venkatesan’s direction shines in moments of emotional intimacy and suspense, particularly in the second half, where the investigation gains momentum. His ability to weave social commentary into a commercial framework is evident, with scenes like Divya’s confrontation with hospital staff highlighting systemic biases. However, the film falters in its pacing, with a sluggish first 30-40 minutes spent on Anand’s backstory, which feels extraneous. Reviews from The Hindu and Cinema Express note this rushed setup, criticizing the film’s reliance on outdated tropes like bar songs and an item number that disrupt the tone.
Technically, DNA is a mixed bag. Ghibran’s background score is a standout, amplifying the tension and emotional stakes, earning praise across reviews and social media posts. The cinematography by Gokul Benoy captures the gritty urban underbelly effectively, though some scenes feel overly cinematic, detracting from the realism Venkatesan aims for. Editing by VJ Sabu Joseph is competent but struggles to streamline the narrative, with a runtime of 2 hours feeling bloated due to unnecessary songs. Critics suggest trimming 15-20 minutes could have sharpened the impact.
Strengths and Flaws
DNA’s greatest strength lies in its emotional core and investigative thrills. The interval block, described as a “banger” on social media, sets up a gripping second half, with well-crafted twists keeping viewers engaged. The film’s exploration of mental health stigma and parental instincts is poignant, with scenes like Divya’s realization about her baby resonating deeply. Atharvaa and Nimisha’s performances elevate the material, making the couple’s journey relatable despite narrative hiccups.
However, the film’s flaws are hard to ignore. The first half drags with predictable character setups, and the inclusion of two songs—including an out-of-place item number—feels forced, catering to commercial demands at the expense of coherence. The climax, while emotionally charged, leans into melodrama, undermining the gritty realism of earlier sequences. Reviews from India Today and MovieCrow highlight these detours, noting that a tighter script could have made DNA a standout thriller. Additionally, the portrayal of BPD is simplistic, with dialogues suggesting marriage “cures” Divya’s condition, drawing criticism for reinforcing outdated stereotypes.
Audience and Critical Reception
DNA has garnered mixed-to-positive reviews, with critics appreciating its intent but lamenting its execution. Times of India rates it 3.5/5, praising the “tense emotional thriller” and strong performances, while The Hindu calls it a “froth of contrivance” with disjointed ideas. Teflect similar sentiments, with ratings ranging from 3/5 to 4/5, lauding the emotional depth and suspense but criticizing the slow start and predictable climax. The film’s box office prospects are bolstered by positive word-of-mouth, though it faces competition from bigger releases like Kuberaa. Early estimates suggest a modest opening, with family audiences likely to connect with its emotional core.
Final Verdict
DNA is a well-intentioned crime thriller that excels when it focuses on its emotional and investigative strengths but falters under the weight of commercial compromises. Atharvaa and Nimisha Sajayan deliver standout performances, and Nelson Venkatesan’s knack for crafting intense drama shines through, despite pacing issues and cliched detours. For fans of emotionally driven thrillers with social undertones, DNA offers enough thrills and heart to warrant a watch, though it falls short of being a genre-defining classic. A leaner edit and bolder narrative choices could have elevated it further, but as it stands, it’s a decent, engaging ride.
Rating: 3/5
