DNA Movie 2025 Review: A Gripping Tamil Thriller That Delves Deep

Have you ever watched a film that grabs you from its premise and refuses to let go, even long after the credits roll? That’s precisely how I felt after experiencing DNA, Nelson Venkatesan’s latest Tamil offering, which hit screens on June 20, 2025.

In an era where thrillers often rely on cheap jump scares or predictable twists, DNA dared to explore something far more unsettling: the primal fear of losing what’s most precious, wrapped in a tightly woven narrative. It promised a crime drama with a difference, and let me tell you, it delivered!

Nelson Venkatesan, known for his unique storytelling in films like Monster and Farhana, steps into the thriller genre with DNA, bringing his signature human touch. The title itself is a clever play, not just on the biological blueprint of life, but also on the initials of its protagonists, Divya and Anand. This isn’t just a film about a missing baby; it’s a profound exploration of parenthood, trust, and the lengths one goes to protect their own. Let’s unravel the intricate layers of DNA.

1. The Premise That Hooks You: What is DNA About?

The core premise of DNA is chillingly simple yet deeply unsettling: a newborn baby swap. But trust Nelson Venkatesan to take such a concept and infuse it with profound emotional depth. The story centers on Divya (Nimisha Sajayan), a young woman grappling with borderline personality disorder, and Anand (Atharvaa), her husband, a former drug addict. They are, as The Times of India review aptly puts it, “flawed individuals who even their own families see as a burden.” Their marriage is an unlikely bond that paradoxically helps them find solace and purpose.

The real heart-stopper comes minutes after Divya gives birth. She insists their newborn has been swapped, a claim dismissed by many due to her mental health condition. This immediately throws Anand into a desperate, solitary search for the truth. What follows is a relentless, nail-biting journey into the dark underbelly of child abduction, forcing Anand to confront not just external threats but also his own past demons and the fragility of their newfound family.

It’s a story that explores the desperate plea of a mother, the unwavering resolve of a father, and the horrifying reality that what should be the safest place—a hospital—can become the site of a family’s worst nightmare. My heart was in my throat for most of the runtime, particularly during Anand’s harrowing investigation!

2. Meet the Characters: Atharvaa and Nimisha Sajayan’s Stellar Performances

The success of DNA hinges entirely on the raw and vulnerable performances of its lead actors, Atharvaa Murali and Nimisha Sajayan. And boy, do they deliver!

Atharvaa as Anand: This might just be one of Atharvaa’s most impactful roles to date. He embodies Anand’s journey from a broken, aimless individual to a fiercely determined father with remarkable conviction. Initially, we see him as a troubled soul, but as the plot unfolds, his transformation into a desperate, action-oriented hero is incredibly convincing.

Moviecrow’s review highlighted his “sharp and focused” portrayal, especially in the action sequences, which felt grounded and real. His performance truly makes you root for him, empathizing with every punch and every desperate breath. It’s the kind of role that showcases an actor’s true range, and Atharvaa seizes the opportunity.

Nimisha Sajayan as Divya: Nimisha Sajayan, a powerhouse performer known for her roles in films like Chiththa, once again proves her mettle. Playing a character with borderline personality disorder is a tightrope walk, requiring immense sensitivity and nuance. Nimisha avoids making Divya a caricatured “loosu ponnu” (crazy girl), as often seen in Tamil cinema.

Instead, she portrays Divya’s anguish and conviction with startling authenticity. Her scenes convey the profound distress of a mother whose reality is doubted, making her character deeply sympathetic and central to the emotional core of the film.

Their chemistry, while not a conventional romance, is built on a foundation of mutual vulnerability and trust, which becomes their greatest strength in the face of adversity. This is what truly drives the DNA movie forward.

3. Nelson Venkatesan’s Vision: Directorial Brilliance in DNA

Nelson Venkatesan, fresh off the critical success of Farhana and Monster, takes a bold leap into the crime thriller genre with DNA. His direction is perhaps the film’s strongest pillar. He doesn’t just tell a story; he meticulously crafts an experience, weaving together emotional drama with edge-of-the-seat suspense.

What struck me most was his ability to keep the narrative tightly knit, focusing on the human element amidst the thrilling chase. The reviews from sources like The Times of India praise his direction for delivering a “tightly knit suspense thriller.” He explores the “dark underbelly of the child abduction scene in the city” without resorting to gratuitous violence, instead focusing on the emotional toll and the intricate network involved.

While Moviecrow did note some initial pacing issues and deviations, suggesting the first hour felt “rushed” or contained “irrelevant” portions, they also highlighted that the film significantly picks up pace after the core conflict is established, becoming consistently engaging.

Nelson’s strength lies in extracting powerful performances and building genuine tension, especially leading up to the “solid” pre-climax temple sequence and the emotional climax, which reportedly leaves a strong impact. This human-centric approach to a thriller is what sets DNA apart from many others.

4. Beyond the Leads: The Supporting Cast That Elevated the Film

While Atharvaa and Nimisha are the beating heart of DNA, the film is bolstered by a strong supporting cast who add depth and credibility to the narrative. One standout, as per Moviecrow, is Balaji Sakthivel as the police constable. His role provides full-fledged support, helping Anand navigate the complex investigation and often moving the story forward. His portrayal adds a touch of realism to the police procedural aspect, making the stakes feel higher.

Other supporting actors, including Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Ramesh Thilak, Viji Chandrasekhar, and Chetan, contribute significantly, fleshing out the world around Divya and Anand. Viji Chandrasekhar, as Divya’s frustrated mother, adds an important dimension to Divya’s initial struggle for credibility.

Chetan, as Anand’s educated father, embodies the family’s initial embarrassment, making Anand’s journey even more poignant. While not every character gets extensive screen time, each contributes to the authenticity of the narrative, painting a vivid picture of a world where hope and desperation intertwine.

5. The Technical Backbone: Music, Cinematography, and Editing

A thriller’s effectiveness often hinges on its technical brilliance, and DNA largely excels in this department.

Music by Ghibran and others: The music, with background scores by Ghibran and songs by multiple composers (Sathyaprakash, Sreekanth Hariharan, Pravin Saivi, Sahi Siva, and Anal Akash), plays a crucial role in setting the mood. Ghibran’s background score, in particular, is lauded for significantly enhancing the “mood of the situations,” according to Moviecrow.

While some introductory or item numbers might be deemed “useless for the flow,” the thematic and montage songs undoubtedly contribute to the narrative’s emotional resonance. A good background score in a thriller isn’t just about loudness; it’s about subtlety and tension-building, and Ghibran seems to have mastered this.

Cinematography by Parthiban D.F.T.: Parthiban’s cinematography is crucial in grounding the gritty reality of the film. His camera work captures the desperation and intensity, particularly during the investigative sequences. While some reviews mentioned “colour jumps and saturation issues,” overall, the visual quality and camera angles seem to serve the narrative effectively, drawing the audience deeper into Anand’s frantic search.

Editing by VJ Sabu Joseph: Editing in a thriller can make or break the pacing. While Moviecrow suggested the film could have been “crisp” and was “dragged almost 30 minutes extra” due to random scenes, they also acknowledged that “after the film gets into the core theme, there is no stopping and constantly something or the other keeps happening to hold the audience.” This indicates that once the plot picks up, the editing ensures a relentless, engaging pace that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

6. Critical and Audience Reception: What’s the Verdict on DNA?

As of mid-June 2025, DNA has garnered a largely positive reception from critics and audiences alike. Wikipedia’s summary notes that the film “received positive reviews from critics.”

Critical Acclaim: Reviewers from prominent outlets like The Times of India have given it a solid 3.5/5 stars, praising Nelson Venkatesan for delivering a “tightly knit suspense thriller” with “solid performances.” They particularly highlighted how the film effectively delves into the emotional journeys of its “flawed individuals” and the suspense maintained “right till the climax.” Moviecrow, while noting minor flaws, still rated it 2.75/5, calling it a “fairly engaging crime thriller,” especially commending the gripping last act and the transformation of the lead actors.

Audience Response: Initial buzz on platforms like BookMyShow reflects a favorable audience reception, with a rating of around 9/10 based on thousands of votes, and many users praising it with tags like #SuperDirection, #GreatActing, and #AwesomeStory. Trending reports on BookMyShow also showed significant ticket bookings, indicating strong public interest.

It seems the film’s emotional core and thrilling narrative have resonated well with moviegoers. The subject matter, a postpartum crisis and child abduction, is sensitive and likely struck a chord with many.

7. Why DNA Resonates in 2025: A Social Commentary

Beyond being a thrilling entertainer, DNA carries a subtle yet powerful social commentary, which is a hallmark of Nelson Venkatesan’s filmmaking. The film touches upon themes that are incredibly relevant in 2025, particularly regarding medical ethics, the vulnerability of new parents, and the often-overlooked struggles of individuals with mental health conditions.

The initial disbelief faced by Divya due to her borderline personality disorder highlights societal biases and the challenges faced by those whose reality is questioned because of their mental state.

This aspect adds a layer of depth, forcing viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about judgment and empathy. The film also sheds light on the frightening reality of illegal networks involved in child abduction, making it more than just a fictional crime but a reflection of potential societal dangers.

In an era where discussions around mental health awareness and safeguarding vulnerable populations are more prevalent, DNA contributes to this dialogue, making it a timely and thought-provoking watch. It’s rare for a commercial thriller to spark such introspection, making DNA a significant film of the year.

8. Conclusion: A Thriller with a Heart

DNA is more than just a crime thriller; it’s a compelling emotional journey that keeps you on the edge of your seat while tugging at your heartstrings. Nelson Venkatesan, Atharvaa, and Nimisha Sajayan have delivered a film that is both thrilling and profoundly human. It’s a testament to powerful storytelling and stellar performances that can elevate a genre film into something truly memorable.

If you’re looking for a film that combines suspense with a strong emotional core, DNA is undoubtedly one to add to your must-watch list. It’s a stark reminder of the fragile bonds of family and the extraordinary lengths one would go to protect them. Have you seen DNA yet? What were your thoughts? Share them in the comments below! And if you found this review insightful, don’t hesitate to share it with your friends.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: When was the DNA movie released? A1: The DNA movie was officially released in theaters on June 20, 2025, after a premiere on June 18, 2025, in India.

Q2: Who are the lead actors in DNA (2025)? A2: The lead actors in DNA are Atharvaa Murali and Nimisha Sajayan.

Q3: What is the main plot of the DNA movie? A3: The DNA movie revolves around a couple whose newborn baby is allegedly swapped at the hospital, leading the father, a former drug addict, on a desperate search for their child. The mother has borderline personality disorder, causing initial disbelief from others.

Q4: Is DNA (2025) based on a true story? A4: While the film deals with a sensitive and realistic social issue (child abduction), DNA is a fictional crime drama and not explicitly stated to be based on a true story.

Q5: How has DNA (2025) been received by critics? A5: DNA has received largely positive reviews from critics, praised for its tight suspense, strong performances by the lead actors, and Nelson Venkatesan’s direction. While some noted minor pacing issues, the overall consensus is favorable.