The Tamil movie DNA, starring Atharvaa Murali and directed by Nelson Venkatesan, has not been released today. The official release date is still awaited.
Since it's unreleased, a traditional review isn't possible. But because the film has generated significant buzz, I can provide a detailed pre-release analysis based on the first look, the director's track record, and the cast involved. This will give you a comprehensive idea of what to expect from the film.
1. The Core Premise: A Realistic Police Procedural
The title itself, DNA, is a dead giveaway. It strongly suggests the film will be an investigative thriller where forensic evidence is at the heart of the plot. The first-look poster reinforces this:
It features Atharvaa in a police uniform, looking intense and thoughtful.
He is surrounded by elements of a crime investigation: case files, evidence markers, and a general sense of a complex case unfolding.
The tagline on some posters, "டிஎன்ஏ-வின் தேடல் தொடரும்" (The search of the DNA will continue), implies a relentless, perhaps long-drawn, investigation.
Unlike typical larger-than-life "mass" cop films, DNA is expected to be a grounded, gritty, and intelligent police procedural. The focus will likely be on the meticulous process of solving a crime through logic, deduction, and forensic science rather than just action sequences.
2. The Director: The Biggest Reason for Excitement
The man helming the project, Nelson Venkatesan, is the primary reason for the high anticipation. He is known for making films that are anything but generic. His filmography includes:
Oru Naal Koothu (2016): A sensitive and realistic take on the societal pressures surrounding marriage in Tamil Nadu. It was praised for its nuanced characters and relatable storytelling.
Monster (2019): A brilliantly unique and hilarious film about a man's war against a mouse that has invaded his home. It was a critical and commercial success, celebrated for its creativity and clean humor.
Why is his involvement a game-changer?
Nelson is a director who brings realism, emotional depth, and a quirky sensibility to his stories. The prospect of him directing a police thriller is fascinating. We can expect:
A non-clichéd cop protagonist.
A well-researched, intelligent plot.
Strong, well-written supporting characters.
A focus on the human side of the investigation, not just the crime.
This is a significant genre shift for him, and audiences are eager to see how his unique directorial voice translates to a thriller.
3. The Cast: A Blend of Commercial and Critical Acclaim
A. Atharvaa Murali (The Lead):
Atharvaa is a versatile actor who has proven his mettle in both commercial action films (Imaikkaa Nodigal) and more subtle dramas. He has the physique and intensity for a cop role, but under Nelson's direction, this is expected to be one of his most realistic and performance-driven roles. This film could be a defining moment in his career, showcasing him as a mature actor in a content-driven script.
B. Nimisha Sajayan (The Powerhouse Performer):
The casting of Malayalam actress Nimisha Sajayan is a massive statement of intent. She is a powerhouse performer, known for her incredibly natural and impactful roles in films like The Great Indian Kitchen, Malik, and the recent Tamil hit Chithha. Her presence guarantees that DNA will be a film with strong acting at its core. Her character is expected to be substantial and pivotal to the story, not just a token female lead.
4. What to Expect from DNA?
An Intelligent Thriller: Forget mindless action. Expect a slow-burn investigation that respects the audience's intelligence. The plot will likely revolve around a single, complex case where a piece of DNA evidence is the key.
A Grounded Portrayal of the Police: Atharvaa's character will likely be a regular, hardworking police officer dealing with the frustrations and challenges of the system, rather than a super-cop who single-handedly beats up 50 goons.
Strong Emotional Core: True to Nelson Venkatesan's style, the film will probably explore the emotional toll the case takes on the investigators and the victims' families.
Top-Notch Performances: The combination of Atharvaa's earnestness and Nimisha Sajayan's raw talent is something to look forward to. Their on-screen chemistry, likely professional rather than romantic, will be a key highlight.
5. Pre-Release Verdict
DNA is not shaping up to be your average Kollywood entertainer. It is positioned as a sophisticated, character-driven investigative thriller that aims to be both engaging and realistic. It has the potential to be in the same league as other acclaimed Tamil thrillers like Ratsasan or Thegidi, but with Nelson Venkatesan's unique humanistic touch.
If you are a fan of intelligent crime stories, strong performances, and directors who dare to be different, DNA should be at the very top of your watchlist when it finally releases. It promises to be a refreshing and memorable addition to the genre.