Indian cinema has seen its fair share of superhero attempts, but Lokah – Chapter One: Chandra arrives as something refreshing, rooted in folklore yet cinematic in scale. Directed by Dominic Arun and produced by Dulquer Salmaan under Wayfarer Films, this Malayalam big-screen spectacle is already making waves across theatres. What sets this film apart is not just its technical finesse but the fact that it places Kalyani Priyadarshan at the center as a mythic female superhero — a bold move in an industry where male heroes often dominate the genre.
This Lokah – Chapter One: Chandra movie review dives deep into its strengths, weaknesses, and why this film might just be a game-changer for Malayalam cinema and possibly for Indian superhero storytelling at large.
Table of Contents
The Birth of a Superhero Universe
Unlike one-off superhero flicks that end up as standalone spectacles, Lokah clearly positions itself as the foundation of a much larger cinematic universe. The film blends the charm of Kerala’s native folklore with a polished, modern visual language. This storytelling ambition makes the movie more than just a superhero origin — it’s a promise of what is to come.
The Lokah – Chapter One: Chandra movie review cannot ignore the world-building that Dominic Arun and his team attempt here. The narrative is set against the backdrop of myths like Kalliyankattu Neeli, giving it a culturally rooted edge that sets it apart from Hollywood-style superhero imports. At its heart, this is a story about legacy, power, and the burdens that come with extraordinary gifts.
Kalyani Priyadarshan: The Soul of Lokah
The single biggest takeaway from this film is Kalyani Priyadarshan’s performance. She plays Chandra, a young woman tied to ancient powers, bringing both vulnerability and commanding presence to the role. For years, Kalyani has been searching for that one defining performance that pushes her beyond the “promising star” tag — and this film delivers it.
Audiences and critics alike are already hailing her performance as “on fire” and possibly the best of her career so far. In a male-dominated industry, it is heartening to see a female superhero take the center stage in such a grand, pan-Indian project.
Her ability to switch between emotional depth and action-heavy sequences gives Lokah – Chapter One: Chandra movie review its strongest positive highlight. Whether she’s emoting through moments of pain or embodying power during action blocks, Kalyani proves she is more than capable of carrying an entire franchise on her shoulders.
Supporting Cast and Star Cameos
While Kalyani commands the screen, she isn’t alone in making the film engaging. Naslen, Sandy, Arun Kurian, and Chandu Salimkumar provide strong support, grounding the narrative in everyday interactions while the mythic story unfolds.
What truly excites fans, however, are the cameos sprinkled throughout the film. With appearances from Tovino Thomas, Dulquer Salmaan, and even Mammootty, Lokah instantly establishes its “shared universe” identity. These cameos are not forced; they tease a broader narrative yet to unfold, giving fans plenty to speculate about future chapters.
This aspect of the film makes Lokah – Chapter One: Chandra movie review especially thrilling for superhero enthusiasts who love spotting Easter eggs and imagining crossover events.
The Interval Block: Goosebumps Guaranteed
No Malayalam movie review would be complete without talking about the interval sequence, and in Lokah, it’s nothing short of spectacular. Fans on social media are calling it “goosebump-inducing,” “extraordinary,” and a moment that seals the film as a true theatrical experience.
The Lokah – Chapter One: Chandra movie review must underline how Jakes Bejoy’s pulsating background score and Nimish Ravi’s immersive cinematography come together during this interval moment. It’s designed to shake audiences in their seats, and it succeeds brilliantly.
This single sequence alone justifies a trip to the theatre, making the film more than just another visual spectacle — it’s an event.
Music and Technical Mastery
Jakes Bejoy’s music deserves a spotlight in this Lokah – Chapter One: Chandra movie review. While the songs themselves may not become instant chartbusters, the background score is a masterclass in atmosphere. The film thrives on mood, tension, and grandeur — and Bejoy’s score elevates all three.
On the visual side, Nimish Ravi crafts breathtaking imagery. Kerala’s landscapes, mythical undertones, and modern urbanity all collide in a rich visual palette. The VFX, often a weak point in Indian superhero films, is polished and convincing. For once, the spectacle feels global in ambition but rooted in regional identity.
Dominic Arun’s Direction: Visionary but Uneven
Director Dominic Arun deserves credit for his courage. With Lokah, he is not just making a movie; he’s setting up an entire superhero universe in Malayalam cinema. His eye for visual storytelling is evident, and his ability to mix folklore with contemporary drama is commendable.
However, the writing falters in parts. The second half, compared to the explosive first half and interval block, slows down. Some critics argue that the film becomes more of a character/world-building exercise than a complete standalone story.
In this Lokah – Chapter One: Chandra movie review, it’s fair to say that while the ambition is sky-high, the execution sometimes lags. The film feels like a setup for bigger, bolder sequels rather than a wholly satisfying single chapter. Still, given the magnitude of its vision, these are forgivable flaws.
Audience Reactions: A Social Media Frenzy
Social media platforms are buzzing with excitement. Fans on X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit have already labeled the film a blockbuster theatrical experience. Some are even calling it the best Malayalam superhero film ever made.
Popular reactions include:
- “One of the best theatrical experiences in recent times!”
- “Mollywood’s strongest pan-Indian bet yet — rooted in folklore, powered by stunning visuals.”
- “Kalyani Priyadarshan is the true superhero Malayalam cinema needed.”
The sheer excitement around this release makes it clear that the Lokah – Chapter One: Chandra movie review cannot be detached from the cultural moment it has created. This is more than a film; it’s a milestone for Malayalam cinema.
Strengths of Lokah – Chapter One: Chandra
- Kalyani Priyadarshan’s stellar performance – the anchor of the film.
- Visual spectacle – stunning cinematography and convincing VFX.
- Goosebump-worthy interval block – a masterstroke in storytelling.
- Cultural roots – unique positioning through Kerala folklore.
- Cameos and shared universe – adds excitement for future installments.
Weaknesses That Hold It Back
- Thin plot structure – too much focus on world-building.
- Pacing issues in the second half – momentum dips after a spectacular first half.
- Unanswered questions – as a standalone film, it feels incomplete.
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Lokah and the Future of Indian Superhero Films
This Lokah – Chapter One: Chandra movie review wouldn’t be complete without considering its place in the larger landscape of Indian cinema. Bollywood has attempted superhero films (Ra.One, Krrish, Brahmāstra), but most failed due to weak writing or overreliance on VFX.
Lokah, on the other hand, is rooted in folklore and cultural storytelling. This gives it authenticity that sets it apart. It doesn’t feel like a copy of Western superhero cinema; instead, it feels like something uniquely Indian, uniquely Malayalam.
If the upcoming sequels can tighten the writing while maintaining visual ambition, the Lokah franchise could become India’s answer to the Marvel Cinematic Universe — but with a regional soul.
Final Verdict
Lokah – Chapter One: Chandra is a bold, ambitious, and visually stunning entry into superhero cinema. It may not be flawless, but its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. Kalyani Priyadarshan cements her place as a superstar capable of carrying massive projects, while Dominic Arun proves he is a director with vision.
As the first chapter of a planned cinematic universe, this film succeeds in making audiences eager for what comes next.
If you’re looking for an epic theatrical experience, rich with mythology, action, and emotional depth, this film is worth every minute of your time.
Conclusion: Why Lokah – Chapter One: Chandra Matters
This isn’t just another superhero film; it’s a cultural milestone. The movie places a woman at the center of a genre that rarely allows them such power. It fuses regional folklore with blockbuster filmmaking. And most importantly, it dares to dream big for Malayalam cinema on a pan-Indian scale.
The Lokah – Chapter One: Chandra movie review ultimately highlights a film that is imperfect yet groundbreaking. It proves that Indian superhero cinema can be both entertaining and rooted in cultural identity. For Kalyani Priyadarshan, this is a career-defining role. For audiences, it’s the start of a journey that promises to be bigger, bolder, and more thrilling in the chapters to come.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – A bold start to a cinematic universe, powered by Kalyani’s unforgettable performance.