Immortal is a bold and ambitious genre experiment that blends fantasy, horror, romance and survival thriller elements into a unique cinematic experience rarely attempted in Tamil cinema. Directed by debutant Mariyappan Chinna, the film opens thousands of years in the past with a tribal couple anxiously awaiting the birth of their child, only for joy to turn into horror when the mother insists the newborn must be killed, establishing an ominous mythology that connects to the present. The narrative then shifts to modern-day Chennai, where Mahi, played by GV Prakash Kumar, is a young man working at his uncle’s printing press and desperately searching for affordable accommodation within his modest budget. His fortunes appear to change when he receives a call from Sindhu, portrayed by Kayadu Lohar, a charming young woman who claims to have a room available in her surprisingly luxurious apartment with the only condition being that he has to share the space with her.
GV Prakash Kumar delivers a sincere and engaging performance as Mahi, bringing both vulnerability and determination to a character who starts as an ordinary young man and gradually finds himself trapped in an extraordinary nightmare. His transformation from a hopeful romantic to a desperate survivor feels authentic, and he handles both the emotional and action sequences with equal conviction. Kayadu Lohar shines as Sindhu, a mysterious woman hiding a deadly secret that spans thousands of years. Her performance is layered and captivating, making the character’s duality feel believable while maintaining an air of intrigue throughout. The chemistry between the two leads is compelling, making their journey from reluctant roommates to something far more complex deeply engaging.
Director Mariyappan Chinna deserves appreciation for attempting something genuinely different in Tamil cinema, venturing into the territory of monsters, supernatural creatures and survival thrillers with confidence and visual flair. The film’s opening sequence sets an ominous tone, immediately raising questions about the mysterious creature and its connection to the present-day events. The screenplay takes its time establishing the characters and their relationship before gradually revealing the darkness lurking beneath the surface. The interval twist changes the direction of the story completely, shifting from romantic cohabitation to supernatural survival as Mahi desperately tries to understand what he has become trapped with and how he can escape alive.
Sam CS’s music and background score are among the film’s biggest strengths, elevating the horror sequences and adding emotional depth to the romantic portions. The songs are well-integrated into the narrative, complementing the story’s tone without feeling forced. Arun Radhakrishnan’s cinematography captures both the warmth of the early romantic portions and the cold, claustrophobic atmosphere of the second half, creating a visual contrast that enhances the storytelling. The VFX work, handled by TOW VFX, is impressive for a Tamil film of this scale, bringing the mysterious creature to life with convincing detail and making the supernatural elements feel tangible rather than cartoonish.
The film’s greatest strength lies in its unusual premise and willingness to explore uncharted territory in Tamil cinema. The mystery surrounding Sindhu’s character and the ancient curse keeps viewers engaged, with each revelation adding layers to the mythology. The survival thriller portions in the second half are tense and gripping, making the audience wonder whether Mahi will make it out alive. The supporting cast, including TM Karthik, Kumar Natarajan and Lollu Sabha Maaran, contribute effectively to the narrative without overshadowing the central story.
While the film has its share of shortcomings, including a screenplay that occasionally feels stretched and a mythology that could have been richer, the strong performances and technical excellence carry the narrative through. Some portions in the second half could have been tighter, and certain character motivations could have been clearer. However, the film’s bold attempt at genre-blending, combined with GV Prakash’s commitment to the role and Kayadu Lohar’s career-best performance, makes it a worthwhile theatrical experience for audiences looking for something different.
Immortal is a promising mystery-survival thriller that stands out for its unique premise, strong performances and impressive technical work. With its blend of romance, horror and supernatural elements, the film offers a fresh cinematic experience that proves Tamil cinema is ready to explore new genres. For audiences willing to embrace a bold genre experiment with dependable performances and strong visual treatment, Immortal delivers a neat, slick and engaging theatrical watch that deserves appreciation for its ambition and execution.
