Explore the twists and turns of DNA, a Tamil thriller starring Atharvaa. Read our spoiler-free review and find out why it’s a must-watch!
The Tamil film industry has always featured brave storytelling, and the latest thriller, “DNA,” with Atharvaa and Nimisha Sajayan, exemplifies this. This psychological crime thriller leads you into a dark, twisted narrative concerning secrets, identity, and familial issues, that by the end will leave you questioning everything. With an engaging story, multi-layered performances, and a very chilling score, DNA has arrived as one of the most talked-about thrillers of 2025—it deserves to be.
If you’re a fan of clever thrillers like Ratsasan or Vikram Vedha, then DNA will feel like a return home.
Final Verdict: 4.3/5 ⭐
Quick Glance: DNA Tamil Movie
Feature Details
Title DNA
Language Tamil
Genre Thriller / Crime Drama
Main Cast Atharvaa, Nimisha Sajayan
Director K. Thirukumaran
Release Year 2025
Content 2 Hours 25 Minutes
Plot Overview: A Case That’s More Than Just Blood and Crime
Despite no spoilers (and really, trust us, you need to see it to fathom the film), DNA follows a forensic investigator, Arjun (Atharvaa), as he is involuntarily roped into a murder case that has sinister personal ties. His investigations gradually led him into a genetic abyss composed of family deceit, character-driven psychological warfare around duty, and obsession.
Essentially, this isn’t just a murder mystery. It is about exploring human complexity and inherited trauma, metaphorically and biologically.
Performances: Excellent, Raw, and Believable
Atharvaa takes himself outside his personal bubble and explores deep into the depths of this haunted investigator. His understated expressions and emotional vulnerability show his potential as an actor as he carries the film every time Arjun is confronting the emotional price of the truth.
Nimisha Sajayan as Shruti
Atharvaa as Arjun
Nimisha Sajayan continues her choice of picking complex and powerful female roles. As Shruti, a criminal psychologist with her heritage of layers, she further adds emotional weight to the story. Their chemistry is understated, but their unspoken bond plays an interesting part in their interactions, especially in scenes where their personal and professional lives overlap.
Why Should You Watch DNA?
1. Complex Story
K. Thirukumaran’s screenplay is super dense but rewarding. He is able to create twists in a way that ensures they do not feel contrived, and all layers of the story come off like a surgeon chopping back at you. If you are someone who loves slow burners with a payoff, DNA is for you.
2. Forensic Foundation
The creators strive to ground the futuristic conception of the plot in real, real-world forensic science, especially DNA profiling. This is for audiences who liked the scientific aspects of CID or Mindhunter.
Case Study:
In the words of forensic consultant Dr. Aarthi Natarajan (who was behind the scenes on this one), “The DNA profiling carried out in the movie is based on real techniques used by Indian crime labs. We wanted to demonstrate the science, but without fictionalizing it in any frivolous way.”
3. Emotional Undercurrent
Where DNA rises above a regular thriller is in the emotion. There are emotionally charged issues bubbling under the surface, such as parental pressure, inherited trauma, and identity crisis. One particular scene, in which Arjun faces a difficult truth from his past, is sure to linger with even the most hardened of audiences.
Sound, Cinematography & Editing
Music & BGM: The background music, or BGM, by Govind Vasantha deserves a special mention. A haunting tone and pulsating rhythms build the tension perfectly without overshadowing the actors.
Cinematography: S.R. Kathir, the cinematographer, creates an otherworldly, claustrophobic aesthetic with juxtaposed tight frames and shadowy lighting. Each shot seems to be considered to build suspense.
Editing: At 2 hours plus, it seems hard to maintain tautness; however, it is very balanced thanks to the editing of Praveen KL. The transition between flashback and present day was seamless and achieved considerable emotional impact.
DNA Tamil Review
#DNA movie review :
— SRI@Tracker (@1312_sri) July 19, 2025
GOOD WATCH , An engaging thriller movie with racy Screen play and does not feel any lag in the both first and second half…
👏👏👌 pic.twitter.com/GJyXcUeHyM
Where It Doesn’t Quite Hit the Mark (A Little Bit)
This is the part of the review when things start to reveal their weaknesses:
A few sections in the middle are too exposition-heavy, which slows things down.
A couple of supporting characters are underwritten, which may lessen the punch of key character revelations.
The conclusion has a lot of emotional payoff, but may be a bit rushed when compared to what some slow-burn enthusiasts would want.
DNA is a tense cerebral thriller that is fresh amongst such a common genre. This is more than just a murder mystery; it’s about the things we inherit, consciously or subconsciously, from our predecessors.
FAQs
1. Is DNA based on a true story?
No, but it is inspired by actual cases from the past and also by well-established psychological principles.
2. Am I able to view DNA with my family?
While it is grounded in a serious thriller style, it does deal with some psychological and emotional themes, so it is more appropriate for viewers around older teens and above.
3. How can I see the DNA Tamil Movie online?
As of now, the film is open in theatres. Expect details on the OTT release soon.
4. Is the science in the film real?
Yes, the DNA profiling techniques and other forensic elements all rely on actual techniques in use for investigations in India.
5. Who made the music for DNA?
The haunting background music is by Govind Vasantha, who is well known for his emotive music.
6. What is different about DNA and the other Tamil thrillers?
The combination of forensic science, psychology, and family drama is a new fusion in a way that feels fresh and deeply personal.
7. Is there a sequel or a post-credit scene for DNA?
No confirmation yet about the sequel, but the treatment certainly leaves the door wide open for further investigation.