Dada 2023

Kavin Raj and Aparna Das, final-year college students, are in a relationship that feels hopeful at first but soon faces a serious test. When Sindhu becomes pregnant, their plans shift dramatically, and they confront a future neither of them anticipated. Mani asks Sindhu to consider an abortion, but she refuses, and the two decide to rent a modest house to navigate the uncertain road ahead.

The strain in their relationship grows as Mani battles his own issues with alcohol. His inattention and emotional distance leave Sindhu feeling unvalued and alone, even as she carries the child. After Sindhu gives birth, Mani rushes to the hospital only to discover that Sindhu has disappeared and the baby has been left behind. Faced with responsibility he never asked for, Mani steps up. He names the child Aditya and raises him with the intention of instilling gentleness, discipline, and respect, hoping to give him a chance at a dignified life.

Years pass, and Mani searches for a new job. He eventually lands employment and crosses paths with Sindhu again, who is now a manager at the same company. The workplace reunion is awkward at first for Mani, who feels nerves about returning to a professional setting, but he gradually grows more comfortable in the office environment. One day, Mani brings Aditya to his workplace, and a pivotal moment unfolds. When Aditya speaks his own name and reveals that his father is Mani, Sindhu realizes that Aditya is her son—the child she believed had died, now found in her arms through a sequence of difficult but hopeful events.

The revelation prompts a candid conversation between Sindhu and Mani. She explains that her parents had lied to her, telling her the baby had died, and she had believed Mani’s alleged irresponsibility during the pregnancy caused the loss. This painful misunderstanding begins to unravel as they address the past with honesty. With truth acknowledged, the trio—Aditya, Sindhu, and Mani—find a path to healing and the possibility of rebuilding their family.

Throughout the story, the film explores themes of responsibility, forgiveness, and the resilience of family ties. It questions how love endures amidst mistakes and how communication can bridge years of pain. The journey moves from separation and hurt to a cautious, hopeful reunification, offering a nuanced portrayal of parenthood, accountability, and the surprising ways life can steer people back toward one another.