Tamil cinema has delivered some hard-hitting thrillers in recent years, and Nelson Venkatesan’s DNA is a fine new addition to that list. After a successful theatrical run in June 2025, the film is now set for its digital debut. Starring Atharvaa and Nimisha Sajayan in lead roles, DNA is an emotionally intense thriller that explores the dark underbelly of child trafficking — all while remaining deeply personal and grounded in human drama.
About the Film
At the heart of DNA is the story of Anand (Atharvaa), a recovering drug addict, and Divya (Nimisha Sajayan), a woman with borderline personality disorder. Despite their troubled pasts, they fall in love and start a family. But their life is turned upside down moments after Divya gives birth — she insists the baby handed to her is not her own. Most people dismiss her claim as a result of her mental condition. However, Anand believes her, and what follows is a relentless investigation into a baby-swapping racket, spanning hospitals, middlemen, and corrupt networks.
The film carefully unfolds in two timelines — one in 2014 involving a hospital accident cover-up, and the other in 2023 tracing Anand's emotional journey to find his child. As Anand digs deeper with the help of a soon-to-retire sub-inspector Chinnasamy (Balaji Sakthivel), secrets unravel, leading to a powerful confrontation with those behind a chilling baby trafficking operation. Director Nelson Venkatesan balances intense emotional stakes with a tightly wound thriller structure, supported by Ghibran Vaibodha’s haunting background score and Parthiban’s atmospheric cinematography.
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Reviews & Response
DNA has received largely positive feedback for its realistic storytelling and strong performances. Critics have praised Nelson for blending relationship drama with a gritty investigative plot without turning melodramatic. The film’s emotional moments — especially between Anand and Divya — hit hard, thanks to the sensitive portrayal of mental health and family bonds. Atharvaa delivers a convincing performance as a flawed man trying to do right, while Nimisha brings depth to a complex role.
The investigation is cleverly crafted and keeps viewers hooked till the final reveal. The film isn't perfect — some pacing dips and unnecessary songs could have been trimmed — but the climax more than makes up for it. The way DNA ends, with poetic justice and an emotional punch, leaves a lasting impact.
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OTT Release Details
- Platform: JioHotstar
- Streaming Date: July 19, 2025
- Languages: Tamil (original), with dubs in Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada & Hindi
- Genre: Action Thriller / Crime Drama
- Director: Nelson Venkatesan
Final Word
If you’re a fan of grounded thrillers with emotional depth and strong performances, DNA is a must-watch.
- OTT Weekly Releases: July 14-20 | July 7-13 | Other dates
