Nelson Venkatesan’s DNA (an acronym cleverly drawn from the protagonists’ initials Divya and Anand, while also alluding to the film’s central theme of identity and truth) is a taut emotional thriller that wades through the murky waters of parenthood, mental health, and moral ambiguity. It tells the tale of Anand (Atharvaa), a recovering drug addict, and Divya (Nimisha Sajayan), a woman diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. Their unlikely marriage sets the stage for a heartfelt but harrowing journey that begins in dysfunction and slowly evolves into deep emotional investment.
Their happiness is short-lived. After Divya gives birth, she insists their newborn has been swapped in the hospital — a claim brushed aside due to her mental health history. But Anand, after initial skepticism, starts uncovering disturbing truths in a race against time to retrieve their child.
Atharvaa delivers one of his most mature performances yet. As Anand, he walks a fine line between brokenness and redemption, channeling vulnerability and later, fierce determination. Nimisha Sajayan, no stranger to emotionally demanding roles, brings complexity to Divya. Her portrayal avoids clichés associated with mental illness in Tamil cinema, offering a rare mix of dignity and distress.
Balaji Sakthivel as Chinnaswamy, the near-retirement cop who aids Anand, brings quiet gravitas. His presence anchors the investigation and adds realism to the narrative. Even the film’s antagonist — notably, an elderly woman involved in child trafficking — is humanised through thoughtful writing, proving Nelson’s flair for layered characters.
Parthiban’s cinematography enhances the film’s mood, especially during tension-heavy sequences like the night-time chase in an under-construction site. Ghibran’s evocative score, paired with Sabu Joseph’s sharp editing, heightens suspense without overwhelming the story.
However, the decision to employ five different music composers backfires. The two bar songs feel misplaced and tone-deaf in a story grounded in pathos and suspense. Nelson’s regular collaborator Justin Prabhakaran is sorely missed.
Despite its thematic richness and emotional core, DNA stumbles in its storytelling. The first act — Anand’s downfall and redemption — feels rushed and convenient. The romance between Anand and Divya, while intriguing on paper, is underdeveloped on screen. Their bonding lacks the emotional layering required to make their subsequent trauma more impactful.
Also, the film’s choice to reveal a key plot twist too early diminishes the suspense element. Instead of teasing ambiguity — was Divya delusional or right? — the film spoon-feeds the audience, turning the second half into a procedural rather than a psychological mystery.
What DNA does commendably is confront mental illness without ridicule — a rare achievement in Tamil cinema. It also raises questions about how trauma is perceived, especially when it comes from a woman dismissed as “unstable.” The exploration of post-partum psychosis, emotional isolation, and the failure of institutions is deeply moving, if not consistently explored.
Nelson’s interest in flawed individuals navigating a flawed system shines once again, as seen in his earlier works like Farhana and Oru Naal Koothu. But in DNA, his reach occasionally exceeds his grasp.
DNA is a smart, emotionally rooted thriller that flirts with greatness but settles for competence. Strong performances, especially from Atharvaa and Nimisha, and a thrilling climax redeem its narrative flaws. The film might miss out on perfection, but it delivers enough moments of intensity, empathy, and suspense to merit your attention.
If you can overlook a few cinematic indulgences and moments of inconsistent writing, DNA rewards you with a deeply human story wrapped in the skin of a suspense thriller.
Watch DNA for Atharvaa and Nimisha’s layered performances, a well-mounted suspense narrative infused with emotional depth, and a nuanced take on mental health and social stigma. However, you might want to skip it if you’re expecting a tight, flawless thriller without narrative conveniences or are looking for high-octane action and typical masala entertainment.
CINEMA SPICE RATING: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
