Lokah Chapter One: Chandra

Lokah was hyped like a cinematic revolution, but all that over-the-top promotion set it up for failure. It promised the moon and delivered a pebble-a well-decorated letdown.

Watched it. Felt nothing. Moved on.

Kalyani reigned as the emotionless queen-her presence poised, but curiously hollow. Chandu Salimkumar, with his trademark deadpan delivery, mined more laughs from stillness than the script did from wit. And Naslen? Predictably consistent in his minimal-expression strategy-a familiar face doing familiar things, neither offending nor elevating. It's a cast that moves, but rarely stirs.

Lokah - Chapter 1: Chandra Film Review

Chandra is a sci-fi action drama and stands as India's second major female-led action film, with subtle elements of fantasy woven into its narrative. The film opens on a noticeably slow note, and the first half lacks the desired pace and grip. However, the second half significantly elevates the experience, as the story gradually finds its rhythm and gains strong momentum.

Although the screenplay feels uneven at times, the film successfully maintains curiosity, compelling viewers to stay invested in what unfolds next. By the end of the first half, it almost feels as if the film is only just taking off. Once it picks up speed, the narrative accelerates rapidly. The action sequences are largely well-executed, though occasional artificiality in the choreography is evident.

The storyline is engaging and effectively sets the stage for an exciting second installment. The direction is sharp and confident, while the cinematography does complete justice to the film's ambitious genre and thematic tone. The background score is impactful and, in several moments, genuinely goosebump-inducing.

In terms of performances, the entire cast delivers commendably. However, the typical background dialogues assigned to side characters continue to feel formulaic. Kalyani Priyadarshan portrays her character with remarkable restraint and conviction. Her fewer dialogues align well with a role shaped by emotional trauma, justifying her subdued presence.

Overall, the leads, antagonists, and supporting actors all do justice to their roles. Dulquer Salmaan's cameo is a standout highlight-his brief appearance brings an immediate surge of energy and excitement to the screen. Editing is crisp, and the film wisely avoids unnecessary item numbers. Malayalam cinema continues to push the boundaries of female-centric storytelling with confidence.

From my perspective, Chandra earns a solid 7 out of 10 stars.

Lokah Chapter One: Chandra feels like a strong step towards showing how the Malayalam film industry can make its mark in the PAN-Indian space-without losing its own unique style of storytelling. While Mollywood has given us gems before, this film feels different. It isn't just another good movie; it's the foundation of a cinematic universe.

The film stands out as a brilliant fusion of Indian rural folklore with international myths, giving us a refreshing take on the superhero genre. The characters are written with depth, each having their own arc and purpose, setting a solid template for how superhero films can truly work for the Indian audience.

One of the highlights is the way it handles star cameos. They aren't throwaway appearances but meaningful roles that add to the narrative. The movie also avoids the common trap of dragging its ending or forcing cliffhangers. Instead, it delivers a satisfying conclusion while teasing its future through cleverly placed post-credit scenes.

Overall, Lokah Chapter One: Chandra is an engaging, entertaining superhero film packed with surprises, heart, and vision. A must-watch for anyone who loves well-crafted cinema.

Rating - 3.75/5

A fantasy action adventure thriller showing the battle within the darker sides of the world and their thirst for power.

The story takes us through the lives of 3 urban junkies stalking a mysterious girl who moved nextdoor and the strange events that unfolds in their life when they closely follow her forms the base of the story.

Dominic Arun & Santhy Balachandran has created a new adventurous doorway to Malayalam Cinema through this movie. Hats off to Dominic Arun who showed the patience and grit to wait so long for bringing a phenomenal cinema to Malayalam. Good screenplay laying backdrop for the story to settle in the first half but slips midway and gains momentum towards the latter half with insane action sequences. Some cameo appearances passed through the screen showing no clue of their presence which might hopefully fill the dots in the upcoming sagas.

Mind-blowing performance by Kalyani Priyadarshan,the way she has carried Chandra is dashing, the way she holds her eyes, the attitude, absolutely brilliant performance. Kudos to the Costumers Melwy, Archana and the Makeup team for bringing the ferocious Chandra onto the Big screen. Impressive performances from Naslen, Arun Kurian & special shoutout to Chandu Salim kumar who just lived the character brilliantly with the timely dialogues and facial gestures reminding of his father's epic performances. Startling performance by Sandy with his impressive dialogue delivery modulation & attitude. Good performance from Vijayaraghavan, Sarath Sabha, Sam Mohan & Nishant Sagar.

Outstanding frames by Nimish Ravi creating a visual fantasy world by using the precise lens and lighting effortlessly finetuned by the young editor Chaman Chakko. Incredible background scores by Jakes that stands throughout the movie supported with good sound design by Dawn Vincent/Rajakrishnan. Good settings by Vinesh Banglan & Jithu Sebastian that sustained the mood of the urbanscape and the dark world. Hats off to Yannick Ben & team for the exceptional action sequences. Big hugs to DQ & Wayfarer Films for backing this vision and pulling it off in a technically superior quality.

A must watch experience in cinema hall to witness a new world just reminding us that it's just a peak above the ocean.

The film stakes a bold claim as a female led superhero spectacle in Malayalam cinema, with Kalyani Priyadarshan at the centre. Many critics hail it as one of Indian cinema's finer efforts in this genre. It draws deeply from regional folklore (particularly Kerala myth), giving more texture than many generic superhero films that simply graft visual spectacle onto thin mythic bones.

The production values visual effects, cinematography, design are consistently praised. For example, the film's world building and visuals are described as "opulent", "immersive" and "a visual treat".

The supporting cast and character work also receive positive mentions: Naslen K. Gafoor as the side kick/ordinary guy works well, and the antagonistic threads (organ trafficking, corruption) give the film some socio political grit.

While the visuals and ambition are strong, you feel the script and pacing let it down. The first half is frequently described as sluggish, the film takes the scenic route instead of diving straight into the action or conflict. Some of the humour and comic relief don't always land, and the background score/music, although competent, is felt to not reach the level of iconic that such a large scale film aims for.

As a foundation for a planned cinematic universe, it makes many of the right moves like post credit teases, cameos, setting up bigger things to come. It isn't just another good movie; it's the foundation of a cinematic universe.

If you're looking for a superhero film from Malayalam cinema that raises the bar in terms of scale, ambition and local cultural flavour, Lokah Chapter 1 Chandra delivers. The film may not be flawless, but its strengths outweigh the weaknesses.