Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra Movie Review: A Dazzling Leap into Malayalam Cinema’s Superhero Universe

Plot:

From the very first frame, director Dominic Arun transports us into a world where the extraordinary hides in plain sight. At the centre is Chandra (Kalyani Priyadarshan), a young woman who arrives in Bengaluru under mysterious circumstances. Living across from two carefree youngsters, Sunny (Naslen) and Venu (Chandu Salimkumar), she tries to stay low-profile — but fate and curiosity have other plans.

When Sunny begins following her, suspicious of her strange behaviour, the truth about Chandra slowly unravels. A slick flashback rooted in Kerala’s folklore reframes a familiar tale with a bold, feminist twist, and suddenly Malayalam cinema has its first true female superhero.

Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra Movie Review: 

The film shines most in its storytelling, particularly in the way it unveils Chandra’s identity. Arun uses suspense and precision to draw viewers deeper, culminating in a flashback sequence that not only delivers goosebumps but also redefines how myth can be retold on screen. By placing Chandra in the centre of a narrative that traditionally belonged to men, the film breaks stereotypes and creates Malayalam cinema’s first true female superhero.

Kalyani Priyadarshan shoulders this responsibility with remarkable poise. Her screen presence, agility, and emotional restraint give Chandra both strength and vulnerability, making her an instantly memorable character. Opposite her, Naslen brings his effortless charm and comic timing, ensuring the story retains warmth and relatability. Chandu Salimkumar supports him well, while Tamil actor Sandy adds menace as Nachiyappan, a misogynistic police officer whose clashes with Chandra raise the stakes.

Technically, Lokah is a treat. Nimish Ravi’s cinematography captures both the glossy action and the grounded cityscapes with equal flair, while Chaman Chakko’s editing ensures the film never drags across its 151-minute runtime. The production design and VFX create a world that is rich but never overwhelming, while Jakes Bejoy’s background score elevates every scene, from the quieter moments to the rousing action sequences. Action choreographer Yannick Ben deserves credit for some breathtaking set pieces, particularly in the flashback sequence that defines Chandra’s origin.

What makes Lokah stand out is its balance of ambition and restraint. Even as it lays the foundation for a larger cinematic universe, complete with post-credit teases, it never loses sight of its emotional core. At its heart, this is not just a story about powers, but about identity, legacy, and the courage to redefine tradition.

Despite minor flaws, this is a theatrical experience to celebrate. Malayalam cinema has already been setting new benchmarks in recent years, and with Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra, it has taken yet another bold step forward.