Tamil cinema has been producing some pretty solid thrillers lately, and DNA — starring Atharvaa Murali and Nimisha Sajayan — is the latest one to jump from theaters to our screens at home. After a month-long theatrical run, the film finally made its OTT debut on JioHotstar on July 19, and as expected, Twitter’s already buzzing.
So, what’s the verdict? Is DNA worth streaming? Or should you give it a skip? Let’s break it down.
A Quick Recap: What’s DNA All About?
At its core, DNA is a race-against-time emotional thriller. The plot kicks off with a disturbing incident — a newborn swapped at birth, and a desperate father (played by Atharvaa) trying to uncover the truth and get his child back. Sounds intense, right? That’s because it is.
Directed by Nelson Venkatesan and backed by Red Giant Movies, the film dives deep into the emotional trauma of parental loss and the ethical questions around medical malpractice. It’s gritty, layered, and attempts to stay grounded without dipping too much into commercial overkill.
Twitter Weighs In: What Are People Saying?
As soon as DNA hit streaming platforms, the reviews started rolling in. And honestly, it’s a bit of a mixed bag — but not in a bad way.
What worked:
- Engaging storyline: Most viewers agree that the premise itself is strong. The concept of baby swapping is not new, but DNA’s execution feels fresh.
- Performances: Twitter is all praise for the cast, especially Atharvaa Murali and Nimisha Sajayan. Their performances carry the film, lending both weight and realism to the drama.
- Emotional depth: Despite being a thriller, the movie packs in emotional intensity. The father’s helplessness and desperation are palpable, which struck a chord with many.
Where it stumbled:
- Second half pacing: This was a common complaint — while the first half keeps you hooked, the second half tends to drag. Some users even called it “lethargic.”
- Climax feels late: For a thriller, timing is everything. Unfortunately, DNA falters a bit here with a climax that arrives much later than it should.
- Screenplay: A few viewers felt the screenplay lacked punch towards the end, making the final act feel stretched.
OTT vs Box Office: How’s It Doing?
During its theatrical release in June 2025, DNA had a decent run at the box office. It wasn’t a blockbuster by any means, but it did manage to draw in the crowd thanks to its intriguing plot and positive word of mouth.
Now that it’s on OTT, DNA is finding a second wave of popularity. Viewers who missed it in theaters are giving it a shot, and while not everyone is blown away, the film seems to be gaining appreciation for taking on a bold theme without going the massy route.
The Creative Side: Who Made This Happen?
If you’re wondering why DNA has such a mature tone, credit goes to Nelson Venkatesan, who also wrote the script. The film is produced by Jayanthi Ambethkumar and S Ambethkumar, under the Red Giant Movies banner.
