Dada (2023): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot
Dada is a 2023 romantic drama directed by Ganesh K. Babu, starring Kavin Raj as Manikandan, Aparna Das and K. Bhagyaraj. It runs 2 hours 15 minutes and earned $22,125 worldwide on a $30 million budget. Its Echo Score is 75/100.
- Released
- Runtime
- 2h 15m (135 min)
- Director
- Ganesh K. Babu
- Original language
-
Tamil
- Studio
- Olympia Movies
- Budget
- $30M
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Dada About?
The premise of Dada without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
Appa Manikandan and Sindhu, college students, unexpectedly become parents. Circumstances pull them apart, leaving Manikandan to raise their son, Adhithya, on his own. The film follows their heartwarming and challenging journey as a father and son, navigating life's obstacles and forging a unique bond through adversity.
Dada Themes & Keywords
· 2 tags- father
- couple
Dada Cast & Characters
Kavin Raj leads the cast as Manikandan, with Aparna Das as Sindhu and K. Bhagyaraj as Manikandan's father. Directed by Ganesh K. Babu; 11 actors are credited in all.
- Director Ganesh K. Babu
- Kavin Raj as Manikandan
- Aparna Das as Sindhu
- K. Bhagyaraj as Manikandan's father
- Aishwarya Bhaskar as Manikandan's mother
Also Starring in Dada
· 7 more- Vtv Ganesh
- MV. Tamil Selvi Sindhu's Mother
- Harish Kumar
- Monica Chinnakotla
- Fouzee Shadana
- Pradeep Anthony Saravanan
- Arvind Ezhilarasan Manikandan's brother
Dada Reviews & Ratings
Our Echo Score gives it 75/100, strongest in sensory experience (80) and weakest in story & flow (68).
Dada Echo Score Breakdown
Dada presents a heartfelt, feel‑good drama centered on single‑fatherhood that resonated with many viewers while drawing criticism for pacing in the latter half. The film’s direction, performances, and soundtrack were repeatedly highlighted as strengths, whereas the stretched second half and occasional clichés were noted as drawbacks. This blend of praise and reservation yields a solid, though not outstanding, overall reception.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 78
In terms of art and craft, Dada benefits from competent direction and technically clean execution. Reviewers praised the camera work, editing rhythm, and a soundtrack that integrates smoothly with visual storytelling, while noting a brief lag at the film’s opening. Some criticism pointed to a less focused second half, yet the overall craftsmanship remains solid.
- Character & Emotion 75
When it comes to character and emotion, the lead performances received strong approval. Kavin and Aparna’s nuanced portrayals and on‑screen chemistry were highlighted as the film’s primary strength, with supporting actors also noted for subtlety. A minority of comments mentioned shallow character development and occasional stereotypical dialogue, but the overall emotional resonance remains effective.
- Story & Flow 68
In terms of story and flow, Dada offers a simple, emotionally driven narrative that many found relatable. The premise of an unexpected pregnancy and single‑father responsibility was praised for its sincerity, while the first half’s measured pacing was appreciated. Conversely, several viewers cited a stretched second half, clichéd moments, and uneven pacing that weakened overall momentum.
- Sensory Experience 80
The sensory experience is anchored by a notably effective soundtrack that many reviewers described as magical and soulful. Composer Jen Martin’s compositions, especially the track “Pogathey,” were cited as enhancing emotional beats, while sound design complemented the intimate scenes without overwhelming them. Visual style received modest commendation, leading to an overall positive sensory impression.
- Rewatch Factor 72
The rewatch factor is bolstered by the film’s emotional core and memorable moments. Several viewers reported watching the movie multiple times, noting that the heartfelt scenes and music retain their impact on subsequent viewings. Nonetheless, criticisms of pacing and predictable plot points suggest the film may not sustain repeated enthusiasm for all audiences.
Dada Plot Summary
What happens in Dada from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
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.
Full summary
The whole story of Dada, scene by scene
Dada Box Office & Budget
Dada grossed $22,125 worldwide on a $30 million budget.
Worldwide gross
$22.1K
- International
- $22.1K
- Budget
- $30M
How Well Do You Know Dada?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What is the name Mani gives to the baby after raising him as a single parent?
Dada Also Known As
6 alternative titles, including “Da Da” and “Daadaa”.
- Also known as
-
- Da Da
- Daadaa
- Daa Daa
- Papa
- Pa...Pa...
- Pa Pa
Seen Dada?
Movies Like Dada
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Dada Thakur, Dad and Kadhanayakan.
Dada FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, post-credit scenes and language of Dada, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Dada?
Dada runs 2 hours 15 minutes (135 minutes).
When was Dada released?
Dada was released on February 10, 2023.
Who directed Dada?
Dada was directed by Ganesh K. Babu.
Who is in the cast of Dada?
Dada stars Kavin Raj as Manikandan, Aparna Das as Sindhu and K. Bhagyaraj as Manikandan's father, among 11 credited actors.
How much did Dada make at the box office?
Dada grossed $22,125 worldwide on a budget of $30 million.
Does Dada have a post-credit scene?
No. Dada has no extra scene during or after the credits.
What language is Dada in?
The original language of Dada is Tamil.
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