Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra Movie Review: A Bold, Visually Stunning Start to Malayalam Cinema’s Superhero Universe
Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra, released on August 28, 2025, marks a daring foray into the superhero genre for Malayalam cinema, a landscape where such films are rare. Directed by Dominic Arun and produced by Dulquer Salmaan under Wayfarer Films, this fantasy-thriller introduces the first chapter of a planned cinematic universe rooted in Kerala’s rich folklore. Starring Kalyani Priyadarshan as the enigmatic Chandra, alongside Naslen K. Gafoor, Chandu Salimkumar, and Sandy Master, the film blends myth, modern-day action, and a cyberpunk aesthetic. With a runtime of 151 minutes, it aims to establish a new superhero saga. But does it soar or stumble? Plot and SettingSet in a neon-drenched Bengaluru, Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra follows Chandra (Kalyani Priyadarshan), a mysterious woman with a gothic vibe who arrives in the city and works night shifts at a café. Her reclusive nature and odd routines catch the attention of Sunny (Naslen) and Venu (Chandu Salimkumar), two aimless bachelors living across from her apartment. When Chandra intervenes to save a colleague from a gangster tied to an organ trafficking ring, her supernatural abilities come to light, sparking a chain of events that unveil her true identity. The narrative weaves Kerala’s folklore—think yakshis, chaathans, and goddesses—into a modern superhero template, with Bengaluru’s multicultural backdrop reflecting the story’s polyglot cast: a Malayali hero, a Kannadiga crime ring, and a Tamil cop, Nachiyappa (Sandy Master).The film’s ambition lies in its world-building, setting the stage for a Wayfarer Cinematic Universe. Chandra’s origin story, revealed through a haunting flashback, reimagines a popular Kerala legend with a feminist twist, avoiding clichéd divine tropes. However, the plot prioritizes establishing this universe over a cohesive narrative, resulting in a wafer-thin storyline that feels like a prolonged setup. The second half, packed with romance, past-life connections, and cameos from stars like Tovino Thomas and Sunny Wayne, loses momentum, leaving some character arcs unresolved.PerformancesKalyani Priyadarshan delivers a career-defining performance as Chandra, embodying a fierce yet composed superhero. Her MMA-trained agility, seen in films like Antony, shines in action sequences, while her silences convey a storied past. She carries the film’s weight with poise, making Chandra both mythical and human. Naslen, as Sunny, is a delight, his comic timing lifting lighter moments and balancing the film’s darker tone. His chemistry with Chandu Salimkumar, who channels his father Salim Kumar’s charm, adds warmth to their scenes, particularly in their chaotic bachelor pad with a cat named Jango. Sandy Master surprises as the misogynistic cop Nachiyappa, delivering a menacing performance that holds its own against Kalyani’s intensity. Supporting actors like Vijayaraghavan and Arun Kurian add depth, while cameos from Dulquer Salmaan, Tovino Thomas, and a voice cameo by Mammootty spark excitement, though some feel overstretched.Direction and Technical CraftDominic Arun, known for the quirky Tharangam (2017), showcases his knack for blending eccentricity with grandeur. His direction, paired with Santhy Balachandran’s additional screenplay, grounds the fantastical in Kerala’s cultural ethos. The film’s visual language, crafted by cinematographer Nimish Ravi, is a standout, transforming Bengaluru into a cyberpunk dreamscape with vibrant reds, electric blues, and molten oranges. A memorable shot of Chandra against a full moon, with a “Selene’s” signboard nodding to the moon goddess, lingers long after. Jakes Bejoy’s score, including the promo song “Thani Lokah Murakkaari” by Jyoti Nooran, is rousing, amplifying the film’s mythical vibe, though it feels conventional in parts.Chaman Chakko’s editing keeps the first half crisp, but the second half falters with pacing issues. Action choreographer Yannick Ben designs slick sequences, particularly Chandra’s flashback, though some early VFX moments appear basic due to budget constraints. The production design by Banglan and sound work by Dawn Vincent and MR Rajakrishnan create an immersive world, making Lokah a technical triumph for Malayalam cinema.Reception and Box OfficeEarly reviews are mixed but largely positive. Critics like The Hindu and Indian Express praise its ambition, visuals, and Kalyani’s performance, calling it “a bold, imperfect step” into a mythic universe. Times of India gave it 3.5/5 stars, lauding its world-building, while Koimoi criticized its thin plot. On social media netizens hailed it as “Mollywood’s strongest Pan-Indian bet,” comparing it to Minnal Murali for its action and cameos, though some felt the writing needed depth. The interval block and post-credit scenes, teasing future chapters, have been crowd-pleasers. Box office figures show Rs 2.6 crore collected on day one, with potential for growth due to the Onam release and limited competition.Strengths and WeaknessesLokah excels in its bold reimagination of folklore, stunning visuals, and Kalyani’s commanding presence. Its attempt to create a superhero league from local myths is refreshing, avoiding the pitfalls of overused Hindu mythology seen in films like Brahmastra. The humor, particularly from Naslen and Chandu, adds charm, and the action feels polished for a mid-budget film. However, the script is its weakest link, prioritizing world-building over a robust plot. The second half feels rushed, with underdeveloped grey characters and unresolved threads. Some comedy stretches fall flat, and the dialogue lacks natural flow in parts. Budget limitations are evident in early VFX, though the team’s creativity mitigates this.Final VerdictLokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra is a commendable, visually rich entry into Malayalam cinema’s superhero genre, setting a high bar for ambition and technical finesse. Kalyani Priyadarshan and Naslen shine, and the film’s grounding in Kerala folklore offers a fresh spin on a familiar template. While its thin plot and pacing issues prevent it from being a flawless gem, it’s a promising start to a cinematic universe with vast potential. Perfect for fans of superhero spectacles and Mollywood enthusiasts, it’s a theatrical experience worth catching for its bold vision and vibrant execution. With two post-credit scenes hinting at future chapters, Lokah leaves you curious for more.
Rating: 3.5/5
Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra, released on August 28, 2025, marks a daring foray into the superhero genre for Malayalam cinema, a landscape where such films are rare. Directed by Dominic Arun and produced by Dulquer Salmaan under Wayfarer Films, this fantasy-thriller introduces the first chapter of a planned cinematic universe rooted in Kerala’s rich folklore. Starring Kalyani Priyadarshan as the enigmatic Chandra, alongside Naslen K. Gafoor, Chandu Salimkumar, and Sandy Master, the film blends myth, modern-day action, and a cyberpunk aesthetic. With a runtime of 151 minutes, it aims to establish a new superhero saga. But does it soar or stumble? Plot and SettingSet in a neon-drenched Bengaluru, Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra follows Chandra (Kalyani Priyadarshan), a mysterious woman with a gothic vibe who arrives in the city and works night shifts at a café. Her reclusive nature and odd routines catch the attention of Sunny (Naslen) and Venu (Chandu Salimkumar), two aimless bachelors living across from her apartment. When Chandra intervenes to save a colleague from a gangster tied to an organ trafficking ring, her supernatural abilities come to light, sparking a chain of events that unveil her true identity. The narrative weaves Kerala’s folklore—think yakshis, chaathans, and goddesses—into a modern superhero template, with Bengaluru’s multicultural backdrop reflecting the story’s polyglot cast: a Malayali hero, a Kannadiga crime ring, and a Tamil cop, Nachiyappa (Sandy Master).The film’s ambition lies in its world-building, setting the stage for a Wayfarer Cinematic Universe. Chandra’s origin story, revealed through a haunting flashback, reimagines a popular Kerala legend with a feminist twist, avoiding clichéd divine tropes. However, the plot prioritizes establishing this universe over a cohesive narrative, resulting in a wafer-thin storyline that feels like a prolonged setup. The second half, packed with romance, past-life connections, and cameos from stars like Tovino Thomas and Sunny Wayne, loses momentum, leaving some character arcs unresolved.PerformancesKalyani Priyadarshan delivers a career-defining performance as Chandra, embodying a fierce yet composed superhero. Her MMA-trained agility, seen in films like Antony, shines in action sequences, while her silences convey a storied past. She carries the film’s weight with poise, making Chandra both mythical and human. Naslen, as Sunny, is a delight, his comic timing lifting lighter moments and balancing the film’s darker tone. His chemistry with Chandu Salimkumar, who channels his father Salim Kumar’s charm, adds warmth to their scenes, particularly in their chaotic bachelor pad with a cat named Jango. Sandy Master surprises as the misogynistic cop Nachiyappa, delivering a menacing performance that holds its own against Kalyani’s intensity. Supporting actors like Vijayaraghavan and Arun Kurian add depth, while cameos from Dulquer Salmaan, Tovino Thomas, and a voice cameo by Mammootty spark excitement, though some feel overstretched.Direction and Technical CraftDominic Arun, known for the quirky Tharangam (2017), showcases his knack for blending eccentricity with grandeur. His direction, paired with Santhy Balachandran’s additional screenplay, grounds the fantastical in Kerala’s cultural ethos. The film’s visual language, crafted by cinematographer Nimish Ravi, is a standout, transforming Bengaluru into a cyberpunk dreamscape with vibrant reds, electric blues, and molten oranges. A memorable shot of Chandra against a full moon, with a “Selene’s” signboard nodding to the moon goddess, lingers long after. Jakes Bejoy’s score, including the promo song “Thani Lokah Murakkaari” by Jyoti Nooran, is rousing, amplifying the film’s mythical vibe, though it feels conventional in parts.Chaman Chakko’s editing keeps the first half crisp, but the second half falters with pacing issues. Action choreographer Yannick Ben designs slick sequences, particularly Chandra’s flashback, though some early VFX moments appear basic due to budget constraints. The production design by Banglan and sound work by Dawn Vincent and MR Rajakrishnan create an immersive world, making Lokah a technical triumph for Malayalam cinema.Reception and Box OfficeEarly reviews are mixed but largely positive. Critics like The Hindu and Indian Express praise its ambition, visuals, and Kalyani’s performance, calling it “a bold, imperfect step” into a mythic universe. Times of India gave it 3.5/5 stars, lauding its world-building, while Koimoi criticized its thin plot. On social media netizens hailed it as “Mollywood’s strongest Pan-Indian bet,” comparing it to Minnal Murali for its action and cameos, though some felt the writing needed depth. The interval block and post-credit scenes, teasing future chapters, have been crowd-pleasers. Box office figures show Rs 2.6 crore collected on day one, with potential for growth due to the Onam release and limited competition.Strengths and WeaknessesLokah excels in its bold reimagination of folklore, stunning visuals, and Kalyani’s commanding presence. Its attempt to create a superhero league from local myths is refreshing, avoiding the pitfalls of overused Hindu mythology seen in films like Brahmastra. The humor, particularly from Naslen and Chandu, adds charm, and the action feels polished for a mid-budget film. However, the script is its weakest link, prioritizing world-building over a robust plot. The second half feels rushed, with underdeveloped grey characters and unresolved threads. Some comedy stretches fall flat, and the dialogue lacks natural flow in parts. Budget limitations are evident in early VFX, though the team’s creativity mitigates this.Final VerdictLokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra is a commendable, visually rich entry into Malayalam cinema’s superhero genre, setting a high bar for ambition and technical finesse. Kalyani Priyadarshan and Naslen shine, and the film’s grounding in Kerala folklore offers a fresh spin on a familiar template. While its thin plot and pacing issues prevent it from being a flawless gem, it’s a promising start to a cinematic universe with vast potential. Perfect for fans of superhero spectacles and Mollywood enthusiasts, it’s a theatrical experience worth catching for its bold vision and vibrant execution. With two post-credit scenes hinting at future chapters, Lokah leaves you curious for more.
Rating: 3.5/5