DNA Review

 

Some films do not need a wide canvas to make an impact. DNA, directed by Nelson Venkatesan is one such film. Set mostly in and around hospital, it still manages to build a tense atmosphere. Starring Atharvaa, Nimisha Sajayan, Ramesh Thilak and others, the film takes a bold step into a genre that is not often explored with such seriousness in Tamil cinema. With music by Ghibran and a runtime of just over two hours, DNA is a thriller that makes its presence felt despite a few missteps.

One of the film’s biggest strengths lies in its performances. Nimisha Sajayan delivers a remarkable performance as Dhivya. She becomes the emotional anchor. Atharvaa does well too, balancing action with emotional restraint. Ramesh Thilak and the rest of the cast contribute meaningfully. This is a film where performances are not just good but deeply rooted in the story and that is what makes the characters feel real.

The plot stands out for the way it handles a sensitive subject. While child theft has been addressed before in cinema, here it comes with multiple layers. There is external turmoil, but also a conflict within the characters. The story keeps the audience engaged. It is not just about what happens but how it affects those involved. The writing brings in enough tension and intrigue to keep the film moving without relying too much on shock or drama.

Music by Ghibran plays a crucial part in carrying the emotional and suspenseful moments. The film begins slowly but soon demands a strong background score to hold the tension. The chilling score for the antagonists elevates the scenes. At the same time, the lighter moments are supported by songs that feel well placed. Though this is not a song driven film, music becomes an important part of the storytelling.

Cinematography has limited space to shine, as most of the film takes place in and around hospital. There are not many location changes, but the visuals are clean and consistent. What really works here is the screenplay. For a story like this, the writing needs to stay focused and it does. The film does not drag or lose control of its pace. The two hours and twenty minutes feel just right. The screenplay knows what it wants to say and sticks to the point without losing grip.

But despite all this a few things pull the film back. The opening song introducing the hero feels unnecessary. It follows a very old format that does not suit a thriller of this nature. There is another song placed midway which, while made well, does not add anything to the story. These moments break the otherwise serious tone of the film. It is clear that this is not a commercial mass film and such scenes feel out of place.

The action sequences also do not sit comfortably within the emotional narrative. The film could have been even more powerful if it had simply followed the journey of a father who lost his child. But instead it turns him into a fighter, someone who can take down enemies with ease. This makes the story feel a bit forced. If these moments had been trimmed and the focus had stayed sharp, the film could have been an excellent thriller with a strong emotional core.

Still DNA is a decent film and definitely worth watching. It comes close to being a near perfect thriller but slips slightly in trying to balance two different tones. The performances and the core story are strong enough to carry it through.

Rating: 7/10⭐️