Lokah Chapter One: Chandra

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.

I really have high hopes for this cinematic universe. Chandra did really well as the first film in the Lokah universe. Technical side was top notch. Jakes Bejoy in music, Nimish Ravi in cinematography, Chaman Chakko in editing, Dominic Arun in direction, Santhy Balachandran in writing, all did exceptional works. Kalyani was amazing as Chandra. Naslen, Chandu, Arun Kurian combo was also nice. I am so happy that we could celebrate our stars in multi-starrer movies. Looking forward for more movies from Lokah universe.

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.

Lokah is truly a quality product from Malayalam cinema that boldly steps into the superhero genre-a territory rarely explored in the industry. From the making and cinematography to sound design and production value, every technical department shines with international-level finesse.

What sets Lokah apart is how intelligently it weaves superhero elements with our myths, traditions, and the modern world. The tagline "they live among us" perfectly sets the tone for a franchise that has vast potential to explore mythological legends in future chapters.

Kalyani Priyadarshan deserves special mention for taking on a powerful role and executing it with confidence and finesse. The trio of Neslen, Chandu, and Arun bring in much-needed comic relief to balance the otherwise serious tone of the film. Sandy, in a surprising turn, delivers a strong performance as the antagonist, leaving a lasting impact. The rest of the cast also contributes effectively, and the cameos are well-placed, creating anticipation for what's next.

Director Dominic Arun and his team have taken on a challenging vision and brought it to life with remarkable conviction. Hats off to Nimish Ravi, Jakes Bejoy, Baglan, Chaman Chacko, and the entire technical crew for their exceptional work.

However, the franchise structure and chapter-based storytelling do result in some incomplete character arcs and unresolved motives. Hopefully, these will be addressed in the upcoming installments.

All in all, Lokah is a commendable theatrical experience that sets a solid foundation for a promising superhero franchise.

Lokah is a successful confluence of fervent storytelling and brilliant technical filmmaking. The audience along with the characters get thrust into a surreal fray where fact meets fiction and reality converges with myth. The narrative is set around the titular character of Chandra who most certainly isn't what meets the eye and conceals an arcane past. Who or What is she ? Who's she with or against ? How and when does ground reality merge with tales of lore. How do the other characters gel into this cacophony? All these queries and a bit more form the basic crux.

The film presents the world-within to the audience by recounting legends familiar via folk lores and juxtaposing them with characters from the modern time thereby encapsulating both wonder and nostalgia. Filmmaking prowess of the crew is in full display with alluring visuals and enthralling background score, supported by strong writing and entertaining action set pieces. The cast also does commendable jobs with their roles. The film throughout keeps everyone wanting more from this tale and the third act and climax leaves the audience into hoping for further chapters.

The final fight of the penultimate action piece involving the main character should have been done better with more robust editing and better camera angling considering the ones before were better executed. The closure to a sub plot felt rushed. The humour in this film though doesn't feel forced is plenty, considering the serious undertone the story otherwise aims to put forth .

Also the film for some reason is presented in the aspect ratio of 1:90:1 which thereby pillarboxes the film in most screens outside of Flat and Digital IMAX ones. Considering this film doesn't have an IMAX rendering ,and that flat screens are so few in the region, this presentation felt unaccounted for. Albeit; this film definitely warrants a Cinema Theater experience.