Set during the COVID-19 lockdown, Lockdown follows Anitha, the eldest daughter in a conservative household, whose life is shaken by a traumatic incident. As movement becomes restricted and isolation sets in, her emotional burden grows heavier. The film chooses not to reveal its central conflict early, allowing the narrative to unfold gradually. This decision works in the film’s favor, as the eventual reveal lands with impact and reinforces the psychological tension at its core.
The narration adopts a restrained, slow-burn approach that mirrors the stillness and emotional fatigue of lockdown life. Director AR Jeeva focuses on internal conflict rather than external drama. While this lends realism, the screenplay does not always maintain the same level of depth across characters. Certain subplots, particularly involving Anitha’s family and supporting arcs, feel underdeveloped. As a result, the emotional weight rests almost entirely on the protagonist, limiting the film’s broader narrative potential.
Anupama Parameswaran delivers a sincere and committed performance as Anitha. She embraces vulnerability and portrays anxiety, fear and emotional exhaustion with controlled intensity. This role marks a notable shift in her career choices. Priya Venkat, as Anitha’s friend Soumya, adds warmth and emotional grounding. However, several supporting characters lack dimension, despite competent performances, due to limited writing focus.
The film’s strongest asset lies in its technical execution. Cinematography by Sakthivel effectively conveys confinement through tight framing and muted color palettes. Silence and ambient sound are used well, creating unease without relying heavily on background music by Raghunanthan. While the songs leave little lasting impression, the visual language consistently elevates the material and enhances the psychological atmosphere.
Lockdown is an earnest and socially relevant film that addresses mental health, isolation and emotional trauma with sensitivity. Though the film falters in character development and narrative balance, its intentions remain sincere. Anchored by Anupama Parameswaran’s performance and strong technical craft, Lockdown works best as an intimate character study rather than a fully rounded ensemble drama. It may not satisfy all viewers, but it deserves appreciation for its restraint and empathy.