"DNA," starring Atharvaa and Nimisha Sajayan, directed by Nelson Venkatesan, presents a crime thriller centered around infant trafficking, with the emotional core of the film focusing on a couple's desperate search for their missing child. While the film introduces interesting ideas and benefits from strong performances, particularly from Atharvaa, it is let down by a generic execution and several cliches.
The movie begins by establishing Anand (Atharvaa) as a troubled individual, grappling with loss and addiction. A bar song serves to condense his backstory, revealing him as an infamous figure in a family of academics. The film then introduces Divya (Nimisha Sajayan), a woman with brain conditions, and the two enter into an arranged marriage. It is after their marriage that the film truly finds its footing, delving into themes of post-partum depression and the struggles of new parenthood. However, the initial setup feels rushed and includes unnecessary scenes that detract from the core narrative.
"DNA" gains momentum when Anand and Divya's newborn is suspected to have been exchanged at the hospital, leading them to uncover a dark network involved in baby kidnapping. The investigation, led by Anand and experienced cop Chinnaswamy (Balaji Sakthivel), exposes organized crime with sharp writing and thrilling sequences. The film effectively portrays the desperation of the couple as they navigate a dangerous world to find their child, creating moments of genuine tension and emotional connection with the audience, especially during the pre-climax temple sequence.
Atharvaa delivers a commendable performance, showcasing his ability to portray a man torn between being a helpless father and a desperate husband. Nimisha Sajayan, while delivering a neat act, is somewhat shortchanged by the writing, which doesn't fully utilize her potential and leaves her out of the narrative for extended periods. Balaji Sakthivel, as the police constable, provides a solid supporting performance, contributing to the progression of the story.
Despite its strengths, "DNA" suffers from several drawbacks. The screenplay includes unwanted detours such as breakup scenes, TV serial-style climax, and unnecessary songs, that diminish the overall impact. The film also relies on convenient plot devices, such as the hero effortlessly uncovering the crime network, which undermines the narrative's credibility. Furthermore, the overly cinematic staging in the initial parts of the movie does not help in world-building.
The technical aspects of the film are a mixed bag. Ghibran's background score effectively underscores the urgency of the situations, enhancing the mood and tension. However, the editing could have been tighter, as many random scenes add unnecessary length to the movie. While the fight sequences are sharply choreographed, the sound effects suffer from poor mixing.
In conclusion, "DNA" presents a smart thriller with a relevant plot and commendable performances, particularly from Atharvaa. However, the film's generic execution, reliance on cliches, and uneven writing prevent it from reaching its full potential. While the gripping last act and emotional core provide some redemption, "DNA" ultimately falls short of being a truly remarkable crime thriller.
