Lokah Chapter 1 Chandra Review: Kalyani Priyadarshan’s Superhero Debut Will Blow Your Mind

Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra Review: A Bold New Chapter in Malayalam Cinema

Malayalam cinema rarely explores the superhero genre, with few exceptions like Minnal Murali. Director Dominic Arun brings a daring entry with Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra, a visually immersive and folklore-driven superhero film. Starring Kalyani Priyadarshan alongside Naslen and Sandy Master, the film is both an entertainment spectacle and the foundation for a larger cinematic universe.

Story & Screenplay

The narrative follows Chandra, a mysterious woman moving into Bengaluru with a hidden mission. Her seemingly ordinary life quickly intersects with a dangerous organ trafficking network. The film blends Kerala folklore — kings, yakshis, chaathans, and goddesses — with a contemporary city setting, elevating it beyond typical genre fare. The first half is tightly written, balancing mystery, action, and humour. The second half slows slightly midway but recovers towards a thrilling climax, maintaining audience engagement.

Characters & Performances

Kalyani Priyadarshan anchors the film as Chandra, delivering a performance that combines mystery, intensity, and action prowess. While her emotional range is occasionally restrained, she remains a commanding presence. Naslen brings comic relief as Sunny, balancing humour with the film’s serious tones. Sandy Master plays Nachiyappa Gowda, the antagonist, with physical menace and layered tension. Supporting characters, including Chandu Salimkumar, add levity, while even Chandra’s cat, Jango, provides memorable moments.

World-Building & Visual Design

The film excels in world-building. Bengaluru isn’t just a backdrop; it reflects the isolation of migrants and the cultural collision central to the plot. The recurring motif of the colour red — in Chandra’s hair streak, jacket, and action sequences — visually ties the narrative to her character. Folklore elements are seamlessly integrated, giving the film a unique identity in the Malayalam superhero space.

Technical Excellence

• Cinematography: Nimish Ravi uses vibrant palettes and dynamic framing, making both action and quiet moments visually compelling.
• Editing: Chaman Chakko ensures the first half is brisk, while the second half balances slower exposition with climactic sequences.
• Music: Jakes Bejoy’s background score drives tension, emotion, and action, compensating for the absence of traditional songs.
• Action & Stunts: Yannick Ben choreographs fight sequences that blend realism with stylized flair, preserving Chandra’s mystique.
• VFX & Production Design: High-quality visual effects and production design create a believable, immersive superhero world.

Strengths

• First major Malayalam female superhero with strong central performance
• Rich world-building combining folklore with contemporary urban life
• Outstanding cinematography, VFX, and background score
• Engaging comic relief and well-choreographed action sequences
• Cameos that tease future chapters of the cinematic universe

Weaknesses

• Second-half pacing dips slightly
• Emotional depth of Chandra could have been explored further
• Some plot points feel inspired by Hollywood superhero tropes

Final Verdict

Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra is a visually striking, boldly imagined Malayalam superhero film that successfully blends folklore, cityscape, and contemporary storytelling. Despite minor pacing issues, it delivers a thrilling cinematic experience and lays the groundwork for an ambitious franchise. Highly recommended for fans of action, fantasy, and innovative regional cinema.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)