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David (2013) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo

Last updated: 5 May 2026

David (2013) Review

David (2013) — a Tamil action, crime, drama film directed by Bejoy Nambiar. Starring Neil Nitin Mukesh, Vikram, Vinay Virmani. The story is about two Davids living in different parts of India whose lives eventually come together in a twist of events., who are about to take a step which is going to change their lives forever. Our Rating: 2.5/5. Verdict: BELOW AVERAGE. Released: 1 Feb 2013. Runtime: 2h 35m.

David
BELOW AVERAGE

David(2013)

Three lives, three destinies, one name

Tamil · Action, Crime, Drama

2h 35m · 1 Feb 2013

Music: Prashant Pillai, Mikey McCleary | DOP: R. Ratnavelu, P. S. Vinod | Writer: Abhijeet Shirish Deshpande, Bejoy Nambiar, Natasha Sahgal

ActionCrimeDramaRomanceComedy

Ratings

IMDbIMDb6.2
LetterboxdLetterboxd3.1
Metacritic UserMetacritic User0
TMDBTMDB58
Rotten TomatoesRotten Tomatoes57

Our Rating

2.5

📖 Story

David weaves together three distinct narratives set in different time periods and locations, all connected by the titular character's name and fate. The first story follows a young man in 1975 London, struggling with his identity and societal expectations. The second narrative is set in contemporary Mumbai, focusing on a gangster's violent life and his quest for redemption. The third thread explores a young boy in 1999 Mumbai, caught in the crossfire of crime and innocence. These stories converge thematically, exploring themes of destiny, violence, and the search for meaning.

🔍 Analysis

David is an ambitious film that attempts to interlace three separate stories across different timelines and geographies, showcasing Bejoy Nambiar's penchant for stylized storytelling. The screenplay is intricate, demanding attention as it shifts between narratives, but at times the transitions feel abrupt, affecting the overall pacing. The first half sets up the characters and their conflicts effectively, though the complexity may overwhelm some viewers. The second half brings the threads together with a more focused intensity, delivering emotional payoffs.

The film’s music, composed by Prashant Pillai and Mikey McCleary, complements the mood well, blending atmospheric tracks with energetic songs that suit the varied settings. The background score enhances the tension and emotional beats, particularly in the Mumbai gangster sequences. Cinematography by R. Ratnavelu and P. S. Vinod is visually striking, capturing the contrasting worlds with a distinct palette and framing.

While the narrative ambition is commendable, the film occasionally struggles with coherence and emotional depth, which may distance some viewers. However, the performances and technical finesse provide a compelling experience for those who appreciate layered, non-linear storytelling. The songs are situational and do not detract from the narrative flow, maintaining the film’s tone throughout.

🎭 Performances

Neil Nitin Mukesh: Delivers a restrained and intense portrayal of the London-based David, capturing the character’s internal conflict effectively.

Vikram: Stands out with a gritty and powerful performance as the Mumbai gangster, bringing depth to a morally complex character.

Vinay Virmani: Portrays the young David with innocence and vulnerability, anchoring the emotional core of the film.

Jiiva: Provides solid support with a nuanced performance in the Mumbai sequences.

Tabu: Offers a subtle yet impactful presence, adding gravitas to her role.

Monica Dogra: Contributes energy and charm, complementing the film’s musical and narrative elements.

💪 Strengths & Weaknesses

✅

Strengths

  • ✓Ambitious multi-narrative screenplay
  • ✓Strong performances, especially by Vikram and Neil Nitin Mukesh
  • ✓Stylish cinematography capturing diverse settings
  • ✓Effective background score and music
  • ✓Unique storytelling approach
❌

Weaknesses

  • ✕Pacing issues due to frequent timeline shifts
  • ✕Occasional lack of emotional depth
  • ✕Complex narrative may confuse some viewers
  • ✕Abrupt transitions between stories

🎬 Direction & Writing

Bejoy Nambiar’s direction is bold and stylistically confident, embracing a complex narrative structure that demands viewer engagement. His writing attempts to interweave themes of fate and identity across disparate stories, though the execution sometimes sacrifices clarity for style. Overall, his vision is clear and distinctive, marking David as a unique entry in contemporary Indian cinema.

📰 Critic Reviews

No critic reviews found yet.

📰 Ratings Sources

SourceRating
IMDbIMDb
6.2
LetterboxdLetterboxd
3.1
Metacritic UserMetacritic User
0
TMDBTMDB
58
Rotten TomatoesRotten Tomatoes
57

Our Rating

2.5/5
★★★★★★★★

💰 Box Office Collection

No collection data available yet.

🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards

No centers data available.

No awards data available.

😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics

TypeValue
Positive40%
Neutral35%
Negative25%

Critics

Critics praised the film’s ambition, performances, and technical aspects but noted the uneven pacing and narrative complexity as drawbacks. Vikram’s portrayal was widely appreciated, and the music and cinematography received positive mentions. Some reviews highlighted the film’s appeal to niche audiences who favor experimental storytelling.

Final Box-Office Result

BELOW AVERAGE

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When did David release in theatres?▾

David released on 1 February 2013 (2013).

Is David a hit or flop?▾

David is declared a BELOW AVERAGE at the box office.

Where to watch David online? OTT release date?▾

David is available on Netflix, Netflix. OTT date will be updated soon.

Who directed David?▾

David directed by Bejoy Nambiar. Produced by Bejoy Nambiar, Sharada Trilok.

Who are the main cast members of David?▾

David stars Neil Nitin Mukesh, Vikram, Vinay Virmani, Jiiva, Tabu.

What is the Tollybo rating for David?▾

Tollybo rates David 2.5/5. Verdict: BELOW AVERAGE.

Who composed the music for David?▾

Music for David composed by Prashant Pillai, Mikey McCleary.

What is the genre and runtime of David?▾

David — Genre: Action, Crime, Drama, Runtime: 155 minutes, Language: Tamil.

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