Movie Review: ‘DNA’ a gripping thriller rooted in emotion and redemption

A grieving couple’s search for their missing newborn drives this suspenseful emotional thriller, with strong performances and a powerful message at its heart.

Hyderabad: Nelson Venkatesan’s DNA is a rare blend of suspense, emotional depth, and social relevance, delivering a gripping cinematic experience that holds the viewer’s attention till the very end.

At the heart of this thriller lies a compelling story of two flawed individuals, Anand (Atharvaa Murali) and Divya (Nimisha Sajayan), who find purpose and strength in each other while navigating one of the most traumatic experiences of their lives: the mysterious disappearance of their newborn child.

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The film opens with Anand, a broken man grappling with addiction and rejection, and Divya, a woman living with borderline personality disorder (BPD), both seen as burdens by their families. But a twist of fate brings them together in marriage; a relationship that, instead of dragging them further down, becomes the foundation of their transformation. The arrival of their baby brings hope, but within minutes, Divya realises something is wrong, the baby handed to her isn’t hers. Her desperate cries are dismissed as delusions, and what follows is a tense, layered investigation that pushes Anand to his limits.

Atharvaa delivers one of his finest performances to date. His portrayal of Anand’s inner turmoil; first as a heartbroken lover, then as a reluctant husband, and finally as a determined father, is deeply affecting. He strikes a fine balance between vulnerability and rage, especially in the emotionally charged final act. Nimisha Sajayan delivers a standout performance as Divya, she’s powerful, convincing, and holds the screen with a quiet intensity that makes you feel every emotion her character goes through. Together, their chemistry lends soul to the film’s emotional arc.

Supporting performances, particularly Balaji Sakthivel as the weary yet sincere Sub-Inspector Chinnasamy, add weight to the narrative. The film’s pacing falters slightly in the second half, where it weaves into a more investigative tone, losing some of the emotional connect established early on. However, Nelson skillfully steers the story back on track, culminating in a climax that is both intense and healing.

Technically, DNA impresses. Parthiban’s cinematography adds mood and tension, especially during night sequences. Ghibran’s background score elevates the suspense, while Sabu Joseph’s editing keeps the film tight. From a craft perspective, only notable missteps are in the soundtrack; certain songs feel unnecessary and break the film’s mood.

Although DNA is currently streaming on JioHotstar, the film was also released in Telugu on Friday, July 18, under the title ‘My Baby’. For those looking to catch something intriguing and emotionally stirring on the big screen, this is a solid weekend choice to watch with your family.