Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra is more than just another attempt at spectacle—it’s a fresh reimagination of Kerala’s cultural myths told through the lens of a modern superhero narrative. With Dominic Arun at the helm, the film blends myth, fantasy, and social commentary into an ambitious theatrical experience that signals the beginning of a new cinematic universe.
A New Kind of Superhero Story
Unlike many generic superhero tales, Lokah Chapter 1 draws its strength from Kerala’s rich folk traditions. The film introduces us to Chandra (Kalyani Priyadarshan), a mysterious woman living in Bengaluru after years abroad. Her strange condition—unable to step into daylight—sets the stage for a layered character who carries centuries of hidden history. Her life intersects with Sunny (Naslen) and his roommate Venu (Chandu Salimkumar), two young men who stumble upon her secret.
As the narrative unfolds, Chandra is revealed to be Kalliyankattu Neeli, a legendary yakshi from folklore, reimagined here not as a predator but as a protector of the oppressed. This reinterpretation gives the film both cultural depth and emotional resonance.
Performances That Carry the Film
- Kalyani Priyadarshan brings measured intensity to Chandra. Her calm presence and physical agility make her a convincing figure of power and mystery.
- Naslen once again proves his natural ability for both comedy and heartfelt moments, creating a believable connection with Kalyani.
- Chandu Salimkumar adds humor and charm, ensuring the lighter moments land effectively.
- Sandy, as Inspector Nachiyappa, emerges as a chilling antagonist—his menace grows with every scene, culminating in a showdown that raises the stakes.
Cameo appearances, particularly in the second half, spark curiosity about the expanding universe while adding playful surprises for the audience.
Visual Style and Music
The film’s cinematography by Nimish Ravi transforms Bengaluru into a neon-lit urban canvas, with striking contrasts of shadow, fire, and moonlight. The production design amplifies the scale, making the world feel immersive and expansive.
Jakes Bejoy’s music heightens the mythic quality of Chandra’s journey. While some stretches lean into familiar superhero tones, the score soars during key moments, especially in the folklore reveal sequence.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- A fresh and culturally rooted origin story
- Strong performances, especially from Kalyani and Naslen
- Striking visual world-building with inventive cinematography
- A villain that feels real and threatening
- Humor that blends naturally into the narrative
Weaknesses
- The first half feels like a slow set-up, with occasional uneven VFX
- The second half tries to juggle too many threads, leaving some plotlines underdeveloped
- At times, the story prioritizes franchise-building over a fully self-contained narrative
Despite these, the high points—particularly Chandra’s folklore reveal and the action-packed pre-interval block—keep the film engaging and memorable.
Final Verdict
Lokah Chapter 1 is a daring first step in building a home-grown superhero universe. It may not be flawless, but its vision, rootedness in folklore, and bold execution make it a milestone for Malayalam cinema.
Bullseye Rating:★★★★(4/5 stars)
Lokah Chapter 1 delivers a refreshing superhero story rooted in Kerala folklore. Strong performances, stunning visuals, and bold world-building make it a must-watch despite minor flaws.
Lokah Chapter 1 is currently running in theatres.
