Dada () is a 2023 Indian Tamil-language coming-of-age romantic comedy drama film written and directed by Ganesh K. Babu in his directorial debut. It stars Kavin and Aparna Das, while K. Bhagyaraj, Aishwariyaa Bhaskaran, and VTV Ganesh play supporting roles. The music was composed by Jen Martin. The film released theatrically on 10 February 2023, where it received positive reviews from critics and became a commercial success at the box office.
Plot
Manikandan and Sindhu are final-year college students and are in a relationship. However, Sindhu becomes pregnant, and their lives change. Mani asks Sindhu for an abortion, but she refuses and they both rent a house. Due to Mani's drinking problem, he mistreats Sindhu by not paying attention to her and not caring about her. After Sindhu gives birth, Mani reaches the hospital to see Sindhu missing and leaving the baby behind. It came to his attention that she had run away somewhere far. Thus, caring for the baby, Mani names his child Aditya and raises him to be a gentleman.
After a few years, Mani searches for a new job, where he finally lands a job and meets Sindhu in the same company. Knowing that she is the manager of the company, he was very scared to work at the office at first but later starts to feel good about going to the office. One day, Mani brings Aditya to his office. When Sindhu meets Aditya, he tells her that Mani is his father, which meant that Aditya was her son. After realizing this, Sindhu converses with Mani. When Mani asks Sindhu about leaving the baby despite his insistences for an abortion, Sindhu reveals that her parents had lied that the baby had died and she thought it was due to Mani's irresponsible behavior and left him. After clearing the misunderstanding, Aditya, Sindhu, and Mani reunite as a family.
Cast
Production
The project was announced by debutant filmmaker Ganesh K. Babu, and also marked Aparna Das's debut as the lead actress in Tamil after previously making her debut in a small role in Nelson's directorial venture Beast (2022).
The principal photography of the film began in March 2022 and the film was predominantly shot and set in Chennai. The shooting of the film was wrapped up in September 2022.
Themes
Dada focuses on the life of a young man, who later adores the role of fatherhood and as a single parent. It sends out a stronger message indicating that parenthood is gender neutral. It is also loosely based on true events of director Ganesh K. Babu's friend's life.
Release
Theatrical
The film was released in over 400 theatres across Tamil Nadu. The Tamil theatrical release for the film was acquired by Red Giant Movies and overseas rights bagged by Ayngaran International.
Home media
The digital streaming rights of the film has been bagged by Amazon Prime Video while the satellite rights has sold to Kalaignar TV. The film was made available on the streaming platform from 10 March 2023.
Reception
Critical response
Logesh Balachandran of The Times of India gave 3.5 stars out of 5 stars and wrote "Director Ganesh K. Babu's writing is effective enough to pull the audience into the world of Manikandan, a single parent, who gets into that redemption phase."
Navein Darshan of Cinema Express gave 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "The film is emotional but is equally fun with a strong undercurrent of tasteful humour."
Janani K from India Today gave 3 out of 5 stars and wrote "DaDa is a heartwarming film that talks about parenting and relationship woes."
Haricharan Pudipeddi of Hindustan Times wrote "The most refreshing aspect of DaDa is that it sends out a very important message loud and clear – parenthood is gender neutral"
Bhuvanesh Chandar of The Hindu wrote "The writing, on the other hand, only solidifies. There are some really enjoyable, heart-melting touches in the second act"