The wait is over for fans of Tamil cinema—the trailer for DNA, starring Atharvaa Murali and Nimisha Sajayan, dropped on January 10, 2025, and it’s got everyone buzzing! Directed by Nelson Venkatesan, known for hits like Monster and Farhana, this crime drama is set to hit theaters on June 20, 2025, and the trailer gives us a taste of the intense, rebellious energy we can expect. With just over a week to go until its release, DNA is shaping up to be a gripping addition to the Tamil film lineup this month.
The almost two-minute trailer kicks off with a heavy quote: “In the heart of the wicked, the voice of evil, echoes aloud.” It sets the tone right away, diving into the lives of Anand (Atharvaa) and Divya (Nimisha Sajayan), two fiery characters who aren’t afraid to challenge the system. We see Atharvaa as an alcoholic with a rebellious streak, while Nimisha’s Divya is shown getting ready to meet a potential groom, her mom advising her to behave—though you can tell she’s not the type to play by the rules. The trailer hints at a story where these two have to trust each other to navigate a serious crisis, blending intense drama with a crime-driven plot.
Nelson Venkatesan, who also wrote the script alongside co-writer Athisha Vino, seems to be bringing his knack for unique storytelling to DNA. The film boasts a solid supporting cast, including Ramesh Thilak, Balaji Sakthivel, Viji Chandrasekar, Chetan, Riythvika KP, Subramanian Siva, Karunakaran, and Pasanga Sivakumar. Produced by Jayanthi Ambedkar under Olympia Movies, DNA wrapped filming back in July 2024 after going on floors in October 2023. The technical crew is impressive too, with Parthiban on cinematography, VJ Sabu Joseph handling editing, and Don Ashok choreographing the stunts.
What’s got me really intrigued is how Nelson chose his leads. He’s been a fan of Atharvaa since his Bana Kaathadi days, praising his “powerful eyes,” and he calls Nimisha one of the country’s finest performers. That’s high praise, and it sounds like both actors are bringing their A-game to roles that push their limits. Nelson himself said Nimisha tackled a challenging character with “remarkable talent,” and he’s been singing Atharvaa’s praises for his support throughout the project.
The buildup to the release has been steady. Dhanush unveiled the teaser back in January, giving the team a big shoutout, and since then, we’ve gotten two singles—Kanne Kanave, a soothing melody by Sreekanth Hariharan and Sireesha Bhagavatula, and Feelingu Paatu, a peppy track by Sahi Siva about relationships and heartbreak. Red Giant Movies bagged the Tamil Nadu theatrical rights, which shows the kind of confidence the industry has in this film.
For Atharvaa, DNA comes after a quiet spell—his last release was Nirangal Moondru, and he’s got other projects like Idhayam Murali and Parasakthi in the works. Nimisha, meanwhile, has been on a roll with hits like Chithha and Jigarthanda Double X, and she’s got more Tamil films lined up, including Enna Vilai. Their pairing feels fresh, and the trailer suggests they’ve got some serious chemistry, even if their characters are at odds with the world around them.
I’m curious to see if DNA can live up to the hype. Nelson’s past films have been a mixed bag—Monster was a quirky hit, but Farhana had its share of critics. The trailer looks promising with its intense vibe and rebellious leads, but crime dramas can sometimes lean too hard into clichés or lose steam if the pacing’s off. With a release date so close, though, we won’t have to wait long to find out. If DNA delivers on its trailer’s promise, it could be a solid win for Atharvaa, Nimisha, and Nelson. Mark your calendars for June 20—this one looks like it’s worth the watch!