Last updated: 5 May 2026


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
Ratings
Our Rating
2.5
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.
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.
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
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.
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Our Rating
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| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 40% |
| Neutral | 35% |
| Negative | 25% |
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
David released on 1 February 2013 (2013).
David is declared a BELOW AVERAGE at the box office.
David is available on Netflix, Netflix. OTT date will be updated soon.
David directed by Bejoy Nambiar. Produced by Bejoy Nambiar, Sharada Trilok.
David stars Neil Nitin Mukesh, Vikram, Vinay Virmani, Jiiva, Tabu.
Tollybo rates David 2.5/5. Verdict: BELOW AVERAGE.
Music for David composed by Prashant Pillai, Mikey McCleary.
David — Genre: Action, Crime, Drama, Runtime: 155 minutes, Language: Tamil.