Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra Movie Review, A Fresh Take on Indian Superheroes

Malayalam cinema takes a bold step into uncharted territory with Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra, a visually rich fantasy thriller directed by Dominic Arun and written by Santhy Balachandran. This film doesn’t just aim to entertain its attempts to redefine how Indian cinema approaches mythology, power, and identity in a modern world.

Let’s talk about the Storyline

The film follows Chandra (played by Kalyani Priyadarshan), a mysterious woman who walks through a city full of secrets and dangers. Beneath her calm exterior lies a truth she is not ordinary. When she intervenes in an organ-trafficking network protected by corrupt police officers, her hidden powers awaken. She discovers she is an immortal being who can be killed only if her heart is pierced directly and that sunlight weakens her strength.

As she crosses paths with three young men, including Sunny (played by Naslen), Chandra becomes entangled in a war between supernatural forces and human greed. The story slowly unfolds into a larger mythos, hinting at an ancient order, hidden powers, and a world that connects folklore with science. By the end, it’s clear that this is only the first chapter in a much larger universe waiting to be explored.

Talking about the Direction-

Director Dominic Arun doesn’t take the easy road of fast-paced action or overused superhero clichés. Instead, he builds a world that feels mysterious, heavy with history, and deeply human. His storytelling trusts the audience’s intelligence, nothing is spoon-fed. The visuals are striking, the tone is meditative, and the pacing gives room for emotions and ideas to breathe.

Unlike most superhero films that rely on brute force and spectacle, Lokah dares to focus on vulnerability. Chandra’s strength is balanced by her emotional fragility and inner conflict. Arun’s direction captures this duality beautifully she’s powerful, but she’s also painfully human.

What makes it different from the other movies

1. A Female Superhero Who Feels Real:
    Kalyani Priyadarshan plays Chandra with rare depth. She’s not the loud, indestructible figure we often see in superhero films. Her performance is nuanced, conflicted, emotional, and grounded.
   
2. World-Building with an Indian Soul:
    The movie’s universe feels mythic yet believable. It mixes folklore, tribal mysticism, and ancient wisdom with modern science and technology, giving it a unique Indian identity.
   
3. Poetic Storytelling Over Loud Action:
    Rather than racing through fight scenes, Lokah builds atmosphere. Every shot, every silence feels intentional. The story invites viewers to listen, not just watch.
   
4. Cultural Authenticity:
    The use of regional dialects, local legends, and Indian philosophical undertones adds authenticity that’s often missing in mainstream superhero films.
   

Talking About The Performances, Visuals & Music

Kalyani Priyadarshan shines as Chandragraceful yet fierce. Her presence dominates the screen without overstatement. Naslen delivers a refreshing performance as Sunny, providing balance and emotional warmth to the darker themes.

Cinematographer Nimish Ravi gives the movie a haunting texture. The play of light and shadow mirrors Chandra’s dual existencehalf-mortal, half-divine. Each frame feels painterly, almost poetic.

Jakes Bejoy’s music binds the story together. His score is immersive, sometimes soft and ethereal, other times pulsating with energy. It complements the emotional and visual rhythm of the film.

Even the language itself is a creative triumph the film introduces a dialect called Mozhika, blending multiple tongues to create a sense of an ancient, otherworldly civilization.

What to take from the movie

• The film’s symbolism, sunlight, mirrors, and reflections carry hidden meanings about identity and truth.
  
• The contrast between Chandra’s quiet humanity and the chaos around her.
  
• The visual storytelling of every color and sound carries narrative intent.

Talking about Minor Flaws

Some sections in the first half feel stretched, especially the slower dialogue-heavy moments. A few supporting characters lack depth, and one controversial dialogue drew criticism before being edited out. But these minor issues hardly overshadow the film’s overall achievement.

Parting Thoughts-

Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra is not just a movie, it’s a statement of intent. It shows that Indian cinema can create fantasy worlds rooted in its own culture rather than borrowing from the West.

This is a story of power, loss, and self-discovery told through the lens of mythology and modern despair. It’s elegant, ambitious, and emotionally intelligent. More than just entertainment, it’s a cinematic experience that lingers in thought long after the credits roll.

Rating: 4/5 A stunning start to what promises to be an extraordinary cinematic universeLokah Chapter 1: Chandra is a triumph of imagination, storytelling, and heart.