⭐ Rating: 3/5
Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra Review: Malayalam cinema takes another shot at the superhero genre after Minnal Murali. Directed by Dominic Arun, this film combines Malayalam folklore with Western superhero tropes. Featuring Kalyani Priyadarshan in the lead, the film builds an intriguing world but falters with predictable storytelling.
Plot Overview
Chandra (Kalyani Priyadarshan), a mysterious woman with superpowers, arrives in Bengaluru to complete a mission connected to Moothon. At the same time, the city is plagued by organ trafficking and missing person cases.
She hides in plain sight with a bakery job, catching the attention of three young men living nearby — Sunny (Naslen), Chandu Salimkumar (Venu), and Naijil (Arun Kurian). Their curiosity about Chandra slowly pulls them into a larger conflict involving corrupt cop Inspector Nachiyappa Gowda (Sandy) and an organ-trafficking racket.
Strengths of Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra
- World-Building: The comic-strip style opening and stylized transitions instantly immerse viewers into the superhero universe.
- Performances: Kalyani Priyadarshan carries the film with poise, while Naslen and his friends add humor and charm. Sandy shines as the menacing antagonist.
- Technical Brilliance: Nimish Ravi’s cinematography delivers breathtaking frames. Chaman Chakko’s editing and Jakes Bejoy’s music elevate the film’s mood.
- Entertainment Factor: The boys’ interactions provide much-needed comic relief, making the film engaging despite its flaws.
Weaknesses and Missed Opportunities
While the world-building is ambitious, the story slips into predictable superhero clichés once Chandra’s identity is revealed. For seasoned superhero fans, the twists lack punch. The narrative also leaves too many unanswered questions — Chandra’s true motive, her cult’s larger purpose, and the real enemy remain unclear.
The pacing also wavers, with stretches that feel more like a setup for the sequel rather than a self-contained story.
Verdict: A Promising Yet Flawed Beginning
Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra is a visually impressive attempt to Indianise the superhero genre, enriched with folklore and local flavor. Despite clichés and narrative gaps, it offers an engaging watch largely due to its performances and technical finesse.
Fans of superhero films — especially those craving fresh Malayalam storytelling after Minnal Murali — will find this a promising start, though the real payoff may come in Chapter 2.
