Lokah Chapter 1 : Chandra takes you to a different world from the word go, one where a superhuman lives among the mortals. This time, we have a woman, Chandra.
The movie, bankrolled by Dulquer Salmaan’s Wayfarer Films, is a cinematic treat and could even be a lesson for many on how to master the superhero genre. Lokah is another feather in the cap for the film’s director and writer, Dominic Arun, who regaled audiences with the black comedy drama Tharangam in 2017.
Kalyani Priyadarshan is Chandra, who arrives in Bengaluru, a city unlike what we have seen in many movies. Her support system advises her to stay out of trouble. Chandra’s apartment is right opposite the one occupied by two jobless youngsters, Sunny (Naslen) and Venu (Chandu Salimkumar).
Chandra is reclusive and mysterious. The viewers get a glimpse of who she is in a slickly shot scene where she takes on a character (Sarat Sabha) when he misbehaves with a girl. Even though Sunny is captivated by her, he grows suspicious and decides to follow her. That is when we discover who Chandra is.
It is here that Dominic scores with his writing. He unfolds the mystery about her with such finesse and precision that the viewer enjoys the reveal. A brilliantly narrated and well-structured flashback gives goosebumps.
Lokah: Chapter 1 : Chandra (Malayalam)
Director: Dominic Arun
Cast: Kalyani Priyadarshan, Naslen, Chandu Salimkumar, Arun Kurian, Sandy
Runtime: 151 minutes
Storyline: Chandra, a young woman, arrives in Bengaluru with a mission. Her neighbour, Sunny, sets out to unravel the mystery about her, only to be shocked by the revelations.
The masterstroke is how he has placed Chandra against one of the popular stories from Kerala folklore. He re-imagines the character with conviction, thus breaking stereotypes about her.
Arun Kurian, Chandu Salimkumar and Naslen in ‘Lokah: Chapter 1 : Chandra’.
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SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
The idea of supernatural beings living amongst us has already been explored in world cinema. Even then, it is exciting to see how the director has handled the idea in a Malayalam movie. The world that he builds around this concept is too exciting to ignore.
There is richness on the screen in terms of production design, visual effects, and frames, but it is all done without compromising the script. There appears to be ample contribution from one of the proficient actors in Malayalam cinema, Santhy Balachandran, who has been credited with additional screenplay and dramaturgy.
Coming to Kalyani, who plays the first female superhero of Malayalam cinema. Dominic knows her strengths and weaknesses. He has tapped into her swag, onscreen charm, and agility (remember her MMA-trained character in Joshiy’s Antony?) to make her Chandra, without pushing her too much and sticking to what the character demands. She stands tall with composure and confidence, carrying herself with poise in costume and looks.
Naslen is tailor-made for the role with his inherent charm and comic timing. Chandu plays his perfect ally and even sometimes reminds you of his father, ace actor Salimkumar. Arun Kurian adds to the fun as their friend Naijil. Tamil actor Sandy relishes his role as Nachiyappan, a misogynistic police officer, who ends up locking horns with Chandra.
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It is evident that the director was on the same page with his technicians, cinematographer (Nimish Ravi), editor (Chaman Chakko), composer (Jakes Bejoy), sound designer (Dawn Vincent), and sound mixer (MR Rajakrishnan). The catchy colour palette, slick cuts, rousing background score and music pieces, exuberant soundscape… the film has it all. Add to it the production design by Banglan. Action choreographer Yannick Ben stuns yet again, especially in Chandra’s flashback scene.
Now, for the barrage of cameos that were being talked about much before the film’s release, the suspense is over! Their glimpses are enough for whistle-worthy moments in the theatre. Especially the one that brings together a favourite onscreen pair!
The film is not without flaws, but they are minor ones that can be ignored. A theatrical experience to be celebrated, Lokah has several stories waiting to be told, as shown in two post-credits scenes. It has definitely laid a solid foundation for a bigger cinematic universe, pushing the envelope for Malayalam cinema, which has already set the bar high for movie buffs in the last few years.
Published – August 29, 2025 06:52 pm IST
