Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra – An impactful cinematic experience

Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra is not just another superhero film—it’s a bold reimagination rooted in Kerala folklore, weaving together visual splendor, nuanced storytelling, and technical mastery for a truly impactful cinematic experience. This review explores its deeper layers, from making and casting to music, cinematography, and overall impact.

The Genesis and Making

Directed by Dominic Arun and produced by Dulquer Salmaan under Wayfarer Films, Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra is the ambitious inaugural piece in what’s envisioned as a Malayalam superhero cinematic universe. Pre-production began in September 2024, with shooting completed over 94 days, making it the seventh production for the studio. Arun sought to create an indigenous superhero, embedding the fantasy in rich local mythos rather than drawing blindly from pan-Indian mythological stereotypes.

The narrative draws on Kerala’s folklore, especially the legend of Kalliyankattu Neeli, a yakshi brought to life not as a malevolent spirit but as a savior of outcasts. This subverts familiar tropes and infuses the screenplay with a feminist perspective and social commentary, rooted in the socio-political histories of the region. Importantly, the writing doesn’t get overshadowed by the visual grandeur—the screenplay, co-written with Santhy Balachandran, maintains emotional depth while exploring themes of marginalization and resistance.

Casting Choices and Performances

Lokah’s cast stands out for its diversity and nuanced performances. Kalyani Priyadarshan leads as Chandra/Kalliyankattu Neeli, a powerful protagonist whose journey from Sweden to Bengaluru anchors the film’s narrative. Kalyani’s presence is both commanding and physically agile, with action sequences displaying her martial arts training.

Naslen Gafoor excels as Sunny, the aimless bachelor whose chemistry with Kalyani propels both comedic and romantic arcs. Supporting members like Arun Kurian (Naijil) and Chandu Salimkumar (Venu) enrich the film with humor and relatability. Sandy Master as Inspector Nachiyappa Gowda delivers a chilling antagonist, rooted in real-world misogyny—his transformation into a supervillain is disturbingly believable and powerfully acted.

Cameos from Mollywood heavyweights—Tovino Thomas, Sunny Wayne, Dulquer Salmaan, and even Mammootty (voice)—hint at a much larger cinematic universe, tantalizing fans and delivering moments of surprise. Each actor is given moments of subtlety and charm, especially in scenes where humor and emotional heft intertwine seamlessly.

Music: Creating Mood and Momentum

Jakes Bejoy’s score is one of Lokah’s most evocative assets. Rather than relying solely on bombast, the soundtrack ably matches the rhythm and tone of each scene, swelling into grandeur during mythic reveals but maintaining subtlety elsewhere. The party scene, set to the Malayalam classic “Kiliye Kiliye,” showcases both nostalgia and innovation—a blend of tradition and modern sound.

Lyricists Sasikumar, MuRi, and Zeba Tommy add poetic depth, creating a musical landscape that complements the visual atmosphere and narrative tension. The score is not just background, but a narrative device that underscores Chandra’s journey, her isolation, and her transformation.

Visual Brilliance and Cinematography

Nimish Ravi’s cinematography is central to Lokah’s identity. The film masterfully utilizes Bengaluru’s hustle as a canvas for the protagonist’s nocturnal existence, maintaining a visually cohesive yet understated palette throughout. Carefully considered lighting patterns and art direction create an atmosphere of both realism and fantasy, especially during Chandra’s origin reveal—a sequence staged as a dark fairytale, accentuated by immersive sound and visuals.

The collective work of Ravi, editor Chaman Chakko, and art director Jithu Sebastian ensures that every frame feels purposeful and artistic, borrowing from both Indian and global superhero traditions while maintaining originality. The action sequences, choreographed by international stunt expert Yannick Ben, are dynamic without relying on gratuitous slow-motion, showing Chandra’s powers naturally and credibly.

Visual effects are another triumph. Fans and critics have lauded their world-class execution, noting how the film integrates VFX seamlessly into the narrative without detracting from emotional storytelling. The understated but rich production design roots fantastical elements in grounded realism, unlike many recent Indian blockbusters that have relied solely on spectacle.

Screenplay, Editing, and Humor

Dominic Arun and co-writer Santhy Balachandran adeptly balance fantasy with humor, making Lokah relatable even in its most magical moments. Conversations between the trio of Sunny, Venu, and Naijil are sources of comic relief, offering levity as darker narrative threads unfold. Editing by Chaman Chakko maintains pace without losing emotional resonance—though the film’s second half introduces more arcs, sometimes at the expense of earlier narrative seeds, the overall cohesion persists.

Humor and emotion are drawn from true-to-life exchanges, reinforcing Lokah’s commitment to storytelling that resonates with everyday audiences, rather than merely dazzling them.

The Flaws and Legacy

Not every aspect is perfect. Budget constraints occasionally show, and the narrative’s second half, which introduces romance and additional characters, sacrifices some of the tightly woven suspense built earlier. Certain storylines remain underdeveloped, and the consolidation of so many elements sometimes dilutes their impact.

Despite these hiccups, Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra’s achievements far outweigh its limitations. It refuses to oversell its mythological connections, rooting them in social realities and challenging familiar tropes with feminist and marginalized perspectives.

Overall Verdict

Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra is a triumph—an imaginative, locally rooted superhero saga that sets new benchmarks for Indian cinema. Its blend of casting, music, cinematography, and writing creates a universe alive with character and heart. By focusing as much on storytelling and emotional resonance as on visual effects and spectacle, Lokah signals a refreshing new chapter for the genre—not just in Malayalam, but across India.

For viewers hungry for superhero films with brains, heart, wit, and deep local roots, Lokah is essential viewing. It is less an imitation of Hollywood and more a daring, thoughtful reinvention—one that will inspire and challenge filmmakers for years to come.