Lokah Chapter 1 Chandra - Review

Lokah – Chapter 1: Chandra, a Malayalam superhero film starring Kalyani Priyadarshan, merges Kerala’s rich folklore with modern superhero flair. Released in multiple languages, including Tamil, this ambitious tale introduces a fresh cinematic universe. Here’s our take on its highs and lows.

Chandra, aka Neeli (Kalyani Priyadarshan), is an immortal with extraordinary powers and hidden vulnerabilities. After a close escape from pursuers, she’s guided by the enigmatic Moothon to lie low. Relocating to Bengaluru, she forms a bond with her curious neighbor, Sunny (Naslen). But when Sunny uncovers her true identity, fear and fascination collide. Meanwhile, Inspector Nachiyappan (Sandy Master) grows wary of Chandra’s secretive nature. Who is Chandra? What haunts her past? And why is Sunny so shaken? The answers unravel on the big screen, setting the stage for a larger saga.

Malayalam cinema rarely ventures into the superhero genre, let alone with a female lead, making Lokah a trailblazer. Kalyani Priyadarshan shines as Chandra, her expressive eyes and physicality anchoring both emotional and action-packed moments. The film sidesteps the typical hero-versus-villain formula, focusing instead on immersive world-building that lays a strong foundation for future installments.  

Director Dominic Arun’s bold vision reimagines Kerala folklore for a modern audience, weaving myth into a gripping superhero narrative. The pre-interval sequence is a highlight—tightly scripted, visually dynamic, and amplified by Jakes Bejoy’s electrifying score. The action scenes, blending Kalyani’s convincing stunts with seamless CGI, deliver thrilling spectacle. Cameos, particularly Tovino Thomas’s, ignite excitement and tease what’s to come.  

Technically, Lokah impresses. Nimish Ravi’s cinematography captures both the mystic and urban with flair, while strong production design and polished DI elevate the experience. The dubbing is effective, and Jakes Bejoy’s soundtrack is a pulse-pounding triumph.

The emotional thread between Chandra and Sunny starts promisingly but loses steam in the second half, diluting its impact. A superhero story thrives on a compelling antagonist, but Nachiyappan feels underwhelming, lacking the menace needed to heighten tension.  

Pacing stumbles post-interval as the focus on universe-building overshadows narrative momentum, leading to a slightly sluggish second half. The ensemble of supporting characters, while intriguing, often lacks depth, resulting in a scattered storyline that can feel disjointed. Tighter editing could have streamlined the experience.

Kalyani Priyadarshan carries the film with poise, balancing vulnerability and strength effortlessly. Naslen fits well as the relatable Sunny, though his role fades later. Sandy’s Inspector character is functional but misses the gravitas to be a true threat. 

Lokah – Chapter 1: Chandra is a daring and largely successful entry into Indian superhero cinema. Anchored by Kalyani Priyadarshan’s stellar performance and elevated by top-notch visuals and music, it carves a unique space by blending folklore with modern heroism. While pacing issues, a weak antagonist, and an underdeveloped emotional core hold it back from greatness, Dominic Arun’s vision, backed by Dulquer Salmaan’s production, marks an exciting start to a new universe. It’s a must-watch on the big screen for its ambition and spectacle, promising a bright future for this franchise.