Review: Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra

Basic Credits

Director & Writer: Dominic Arun

Producer: Dulquer Salmaan

Studio / Banner: Wayfarer Films

Cast: Kalyani Priyadarshan, Naslen K. Gafoor (credited as Naslen), Arun Kurian, Chandu Salim Kumar, Nishanth Sagar, Vijayaraghavan, and others

Cinematography: Nimish Ravi

Editing: Chaman Chakko

Music: Jakes Bejoy

Story & World-Building

Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra positions itself as the launchpad of an ambitious Malayalam cinematic universe. The narrative follows Chandra—a mysterious young woman who arrives in Karnataka (via Sweden in the story) and becomes entangled in an underworld of organ-trafficking, political corruption, supernatural forces, and ancient folklore.

The film attempts a daring fusion of mythic fantasy, modern superhero tropes, and regional cultural iconography. Its world-building is expansive: neon-lit night cafés, cult-like crime syndicates, mystical abilities, and a mythos that hints at deeper chapters to come. Several critics praised this scale, noting:

> “What makes the Kalyani Priyadarshan and Naslen-starrer far better than other massive-budget fantasy spectacles is that its magnificence extends beyond visual brilliance to include impeccable writing.”

Visually, the film reaches high—spectacle-driven set pieces, grand frames, and an evocative score. However, the screenplay occasionally struggles under its own weight. The first half in particular feels slow, with lengthy character introductions and several narrative strands competing for attention. The ambition is unquestionable, but the sheer number of plot elements—urban misfit friends, a supernatural heroine, a political crime nexus, and mythic origins—sometimes dilutes emotional resonance.

Performances

Kalyani Priyadarshan leads the film with commanding physicality and screen presence. Heralded in media reports as “Malayalam cinema’s first female superhero,” she brings conviction to the action and embodies the film’s mythic aura. Some critics, however, felt that while her physical performance is excellent, her emotional beats could have been more layered.

Naslen and Arun Kurian provide grounded counterpoints to Chandra’s supernatural trajectory. Their performances add a relatable human dimension to the narrative. The supporting cast—including seasoned performers and cameo appearances—adds flavour and texture to the film’s sprawling world.

The technical departments shine consistently. Nimish Ravi’s cinematography delivers mood, scale, and polish, while Jakes Bejoy’s score enhances the film’s mythic undertones and sense of grandeur.

Highlights & Weaknesses

Highlights

A major leap forward for Malayalam cinema in scale, VFX, and world-building

A rare and refreshing female-led superhero narrative rooted in regional culture

Strong technical finesse—cinematography, sound design, and score are standouts

High entertainment value: even with flaws, the film maintains momentum and excitement

Weaknesses

Uneven pacing; the first half drags and certain characters remain underwritten

Some jokes, cameos, and diversions feel unnecessary and disrupt narrative focus

Occasional tonal mismatch between its grounded regional setting and global superhero aspirations

Box Office & OTT

The film emerged as a major commercial success.

Worldwide Gross: Approx. ₹300–303 crore

India Net: Around ₹156.8 crore

Entered the ₹100 crore club within its opening week

OTT Release

Streaming from 31 October 2025 on Disney+ Hotstar (JioHotstar) in Malayalam and dubbed versions across Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, Bengali, and Marathi.

Rating

️ 7.5 / 10

Conclusion

Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra is a bold, ambitious milestone—regional Indian cinema confidently stepping into the realm of mythic-superhero storytelling. Despite its pacing issues and occasional narrative excesses, the film delivers spectacle, vision, and a memorable female lead performance. It succeeds in building a world with genuine franchise potential.

For fans of fantasy and superhero genres—and for Malayalam audiences eager to see the industry stretch its boundaries—Chandra is an essential watch in theatres and a solid pick on OTT.