One of the most challenging tasks can be made more difficult by improperly balancing intense emotions with comedy. But, when a director is successful in doing so, there is no better weapon to maintain spectator interest throughout. One such movie with the proper emotional undertones is Kavin's Dada. It portrays, with a few lighter moments, the struggles that Manikandan (Kavin) confronts while attempting to create a good life for himself and his child.One of the most challenging tasks can be made more difficult by improperly balancing intense emotions with comedy. But, when a director is successful in doing so, there is no better weapon to maintain spectator interest throughout. One such movie with the proper emotional undertones is Kavin's Dada. It portrays, with a few lighter moments, the struggles that Manikandan (Kavin) confronts while attempting to create a good life for himself and his child.
While the two decide to live together at their friend's place, Mani's irresponsible behaviour and lethargic attitude during Sindhu's pregnancy period create differences between them. Now, Manikandan is left with no other option but to raise his newborn child all alone, despite his economic conditions.
What follows is a beautiful tale of a father and son and their journey against all odds.
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.
The protagonist here is flawed to an extent, and that's one of the biggest strengths of the film. He resurrects himself every single time when reality hits him hard, making us root for him. They say comedy can help soften the seriousness of a drama' and that's what Ganesh K Babu has implemented in Dada.
The sequences between father and son are well-written, and there's a lot that the audience could relate to. Kavin's screen-presence and the way he carries the role throughout add a lot of value to the narrative. For instance, we are introduced to his character as someone who doesn't get affected by or cry at any situation in his life. But at one point, when we find tears in his eyes, it's quite believable and doesn't look fake.
Aparna Das, though she sheds tears for most parts, has done a great job as well. Their chemistry works in many instances, and that's one of the reasons why we fell in love with this film. The technical aspect of the film—both the cinematography and the music - is brilliant. Jen Martin's background score elevates emotions then and there.
Dada could have easily been a Tamil version of Pursuit of Happiness if it had only focused on the career and the battles of Manikandan, who is struggling to raise his child, Adhithya. But it does showcase his love life again post-interval, giving us another dimension.
Overall, Dada is a well-written drama with the right mix of comedy, emotion, and love. It's something to watch out for this weekend.
