Dada (2023) is a Tamil-language coming-of-age drama that stands out in recent Indian cinema for its grounded depiction of accidental parenthood from a young man’s perspective. Directed by Ganesh K. Babu and starring Kavin and Aparna Das, the film addresses youthful love, unplanned consequences, single parenthood, personal redemption, and the subtle power of second chances. Here is an in-depth look at its plot, characters, themes, box office journey, similar films, why it should be watched, a succinct conclusion, and answers to common questions.

Detailed Plot Summary

Manikandan (Kavin), an aimless final-year college student, is in a relationship with Sindhu (Aparna Das), his exact opposite in terms of responsibility and outlook. Their passionate campus romance quickly turns to crisis when Sindhu discovers she is pregnant. Though Mani is taken aback and initially urges Sindhu to consider abortion, Sindhu is determined to have the child. Their families, disapproving and unforgiving, abandon them both, pushing the young couple to rely solely on themselves.

Mani and Sindhu move in together at a friend’s apartment. The mounting pressures of impending parenthood, lack of stability, and Mani’s own immaturity soon lead to incessant arguments. Things escalate when Mani, feeling cornered and desperate, blames Sindhu for her decision to keep the baby. Cracks grow into chasms, and Sindhu, after delivering their child, makes the heart-wrenching choice to leave Mani and the newborn behind at the hospital.

Left alone, Mani’s journey as a single father begins. Initially overwhelmed and unprepared, Mani slowly adapts, raising his son Adithya against financial and social odds. The narrative follows Mani’s growth from a self-centered youth to a caring, devoted father, marked by poignant struggles and transformative life lessons. Along the way, the film introduces a variety of colorful supporting characters – some comic, some endearing – who help Mani navigate his new life.

The story’s turning point occurs when Mani crosses paths with Sindhu years later. Their reunion forces both to confront old wounds, reevaluate their choices, and grapple with guilt, forgiveness, and the possibility of reconciliation. The climax brings an emotional resolution, with Mani’s character arc emphasized by a pivotal, tearful scene, balanced with just enough levity to avoid melodrama.

Character Exploration

Manikandan (Kavin):

The heart of the film, Mani is flawed, impulsive, and at first, terrified of responsibility. His transformation into a sensitive, attentive father is both realistic and deeply affecting. Kavin excels in showcasing Mani’s transition, particularly his vulnerabilities and the determination that shapes him through adversity.

Sindhu (Aparna Das):

Sindhu’s strength lies in her resolve and emotional honesty. Her decision to leave is not painted in a negative light but shown as the result of overwhelming circumstances. Aparna Das’s performance imbues Sindhu with a quiet resilience that makes her sympathetic even as she makes difficult choices.

Adithya (Child Actor):

Mani’s young son is a silent witness to his father’s growth, providing moments of joy and innocence. The father-son bond is carefully constructed, lending the film much of its emotional heft.

Supporting Cast – Pradeep Antony, VTV Ganesh, Bhagyaraj:

Each supporting character brings both comic relief and emotional grounding. They keep the narrative brisk and relatable, offering warmth and wisdom, and pushing the protagonist on his journey.

Themes

1. Modern Parenthood and Gender Roles:

Dada is a rarity: a mainstream film focused on the male experience of single parenthood, subverting norms where such stories center around mothers. The film thoughtfully explores what it means to be a father under less-than-ideal circumstances, giving voice to emotions rarely shown in Tamil cinema.

2. Redemption and Responsibility:

Mani’s character arc is built upon the pain of failure and the urge for redemption. His repeated attempts to better himself, as each reality check hits harder, make his journey genuinely engaging.

3. Forgiveness and Reconciliation:

Instead of resorting to black-and-white morality, the film allows both Mani and Sindhu to be flawed yet redeemable. Their final reckoning is less about right or wrong and more about growth, forgiveness, and shared responsibility.

4. Humour in Adversity:

The use of wit and light-hearted dialogue after intense sequences helps prevent the film from becoming too overbearing while still delivering emotional punches. Comedy is not just a distraction, but a coping mechanism.

5. Realism and Relatability:

By avoiding melodrama and unnecessary villainy, Dada remains grounded, making its characters’ struggles deeply familiar to anyone who has faced real-world consequences for youthful mistakes.

Box Office Collection

Dada was made on an estimated moderate budget of around ₹3 crores. Despite being a non-formulaic drama, it opened to positive buzz and sustained it through word-of-mouth, eventually attaining blockbuster status.

• Tamil Nadu Gross: ₹18.16 crore

• Karnataka Gross: ₹10 lakh

• Rest of India Gross: ₹10 lakh

• India Total Gross: ₹18.36 crore

• Overseas Gross: Approximately ₹1 crore

• Total Worldwide Gross: ₹19.36 crore

• Total Worldwide Share: ₹9 crore

Dada became a runaway hit, generating exceptional return on investment for a mid-budget film, and cemented its place as one of the most profitable Tamil releases of 2023.

Similar Movies

Fans of Dada may appreciate these films and series exploring unconventional relationships, accidental parenthood, and personal transformation:

Why You Should Watch Dada

• Fresh Perspective on fatherhood, rarely shown in mainstream Indian cinema.

• Nuanced Characters: No villains—just ordinary people making tough choices.

• Strong Lead Performances: Both Kavin and Aparna Das deliver compelling, believable roles.

• Blends Emotion and Comedy: Maintains balance without falling into melodrama or slapstick.

• Relatable Storytelling: Tackles real-life issues—accidental pregnancies, estrangement, and forgiveness—with maturity.

Conclusion

Dada is a heartwarming and well-crafted film about mistakes, responsibility, and reconciliation. It invites empathy for all its main characters and refuses easy judgments, suggesting that personal transformation is possible, even in tough circumstances. Superb performances, sensitive writing, deft direction, and an inspiring father-son relationship make this film a gem. Rather than glorifying pain or sentimentality, it finds humanity in struggle and love in adversity—a rare feat in Tamil mainstream cinema.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dada based on a true story?

No, it is a fictional narrative, but echoes real situations faced by many young couples today.

Who are the lead actors?

Kavin plays Manikandan, and Aparna Das plays Sindhu.

Does the film have songs or is it strictly dramatic?

Dada features a vibrant background score and songs complementing its emotional arcs.

Is this movie family-friendly?

Yes, while handling mature themes, the film is suitable for viewing by adults and mature teens.

What makes Dada different from similar films?

Its male perspective on parenthood, nuanced depiction of flawed characters, and its avoidance of melodramatic clichés.

How was the box office response?

It was a blockbuster hit with high returns compared to its modest budget.

Is a sequel planned?

As of now, there are no official announcements about a sequel.

What is the main message of Dada?

It champions redemption, the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions, and the power of forgiveness.