DaDa - A Tamil Movie Review

"Dada" is the debut film of director Ganesh K Babu and it revolves around an unexpected pregnancy. The film is enjoyable thanks to its heartfelt storytelling and clever writing. For example, in a typical confrontation scene between the lead characters, Ganesh brings a touch of reality to the sequence by showing the heroine's voice shake with exhaustion after hours of crying, while the hero is too angry to pay attention. One line, "Nee solradhu enakku puriyala; niruthi ozhunga sollu!" adds a relatable and grounded aspect to the conversation, which is present throughout the film.

The film stars Kavin, Aparna Das, Pradeep Antony, and Harish Kumar and is a blend of a Radha Mohan film and a Selvaraghavan film. There are charming conversations between a father and his four-year-old child about education and also passionate scenes between the lead characters. However, unlike other films where the characters are simply portrayed as either a brute or a sacrificing angel, Ganesh portrays the characters as flawed and human, who confess their mistakes and wish for things to be different.

Unlike other recent Tamil cinema heroes who appear to be invincible, the hero in Dada experiences setbacks and it takes him a while to rise above his situation. Despite the film's emotional tone, it is also filled with humor and the writing is handled expertly by the cast. Kavin and Aparna bring life to their characters, and the supporting cast members, like Harish Kumar, also shine in their roles.

The film can be viewed as a man's journey towards peace and becoming a complete person, who isn't afraid to show his vulnerability. The film opens and closes with a shot of the hero sleeping peacefully and throughout the film, we see him strive to achieve this peace. He proudly claims to have never shed a tear in his life, but breaks down at two crucial points, showing the film's ability to touch and affect the audience.

In Dada, Director Ganesh K Babu presents a relatable story about an unplanned pregnancy that is elevated by its soulful treatment and witty writing. The film boasts a talented cast, including Kavin, Aparna Das, Pradeep Antony, and Harish Kumar, who bring life to their characters.

One of the strengths of the film is its attention to detail. For instance, in the traditional confrontation scene between the lead characters, the heroine's voice shakes in fatigue, adding a pinch of realism to the sequence. On the other hand, the hero is too angry to pay attention, making the conversation relatable and grounded.

The film seamlessly blends elements of a Radha Mohan film and a Selavaraghavan film, offering both emotional and fun moments. The writing is top-notch, with tasteful humor serving as a strong undercurrent throughout the film. For example, a scene that starts with overwhelming pathos quickly transforms into quality dark humor when a guy playing PUBG interrupts Mani and Sindhu's conversation.

Dada can be viewed as the story of a man's pursuit of peace, as evidenced by the opening and closing shots of Manikandan sleeping peacefully. It can also be interpreted as his quest to become a complete man, one who isn't above crying. Though Manikandan initially claims he has never shed a tear, he breaks down at two critical points, showcasing the film's power to affect its audience.

In conclusion, Dada is a refreshingly relatable film that is elevated by its thoughtful writing, talented cast, and attention to detail. The film offers a powerful message about a man's quest for peace and the journey to becoming a complete man, making it a must-watch for audiences seeking a meaningful and entertaining film experience.