Dada review: Kavin, Aparna Das stand out in this rollicking emotional drama filled with heartfelt moments

3.5/5

Story: A young couple, who is in a live-in relationship, part ways unexpectedly after they became parents. One of them brings up the child without knowing where his partner is and moves on with a heavy heart. They meet after four years in an unanticipated circumstance. Quite unaware of each other's marital status, they spend some time with each other along with mutual friends, though the two aren't ready to mingle freely with one another. What has fate in store for them? 

Review: Debutant Ganesh K Babu's Dada wastes no time in setting the plot of Dada and establishing its characters. It begins as the story of a young couple, Manigandan (Kavin) and Sindhu (Aparna Das), who are in a live-in relationship. They are still college students and are yet to figure out how they want to lead their lives in future.

What keeps them going is the unconditional love they have for each other. But all hell breaks loose when Sindhu becomes pregnant. Mani asks her to abort, but the former insists on bringing up the child. As if this isn't enough, the financial crisis further worsens the relationship between the two. 

After a few unexpected situations, they part ways post the pregnancy owing to pressure from parents. Years later, they meet each other during an unforeseen scenario, but the two of them realize that they have moved on despite one of them donning a parent's hat responsibly. 

The strength of Dada lies in relatable emotions and neatly etched character designs. The sequences and conflicts in the film aren't completely new, but the manner in which they are entertainingly presented with the right mix of emotions deserves praise. The way in which relationships between a few characters are depicted is full of life and leaves you teary-eyed and happy. Some of the sequences in a huge office and the bonding between employees are realistic and amusing.

The performance of Kavin is the icing on the cake while Aparna essays her character quite convincingly. Their flawless chemistry is one of the highlights of the movie. Pradeep Antony and VTV Ganesh stand out in the movie with their timely expressions and funny one-liners. Harish Kumar impresses yet again with his earnest presence. Bhagyaraj, Elan, Fouziee and Aishwarya make their presence felt in crucial scenes. 

Jen Martin's music elevates some of the heartwarming episodes, but could have been better in a few sequences. Ezhil Arasu's efficient cinematography lends the required mood to the core emotions and helps the audience travel along with the lead characters' woes. Kathiresh Alagesan's crisp editing is to the point and is devoid of unnecessary scenes and shots.

On the downside, the strained relationship between the lead characters and their respective parents required more emphasis. A huge revelation in the latter half at a crucial point needed more impact in terms of emotional display and presentation. 

However, these minor flaws do not deter the film's overall storytelling pattern and offer a neat package to viewers as a wholesome entertainer.     

Verdict: Dada's target seems to be young audience, but the right packaging of emotions and instantly likeable characters are adequate enough to attract all sections of audience.