Lokah – Chapter 1: A Malayalam Superhero Rises

Lokah – Chapter 1: Chandra
Language: Malayalam | Runtime: 149 minutes | Genre: Superhero Drama (cultural & mythological themes)
Director & Writer: Dominic Arun | Producer: Dulquer Salmaan (Wayfarer Films)

Review:

Lokah – Chapter 1: Chandra is not just another superhero movie; it is a richly layered tale that uses the genre to explore universal emotions of loss, identity, and courage. At the heart of the movie lies Chandra’s journey, which finds its spark in the haunting absence of her father—a loss that the film treats not merely as a plot device, but as the very foundation of her transformation. Her every action, whether driven by anger, fear, or resilience, is tethered to her relationship with him. What makes Chandra rise as a hero isn’t a magical object or her powers, but this personal and emotional legacy.

Dominic Arun’s direction ensures that Chandra’s metamorphosis—from a devastated daughter to a reluctant guardian—is intimate, authentic, and deeply felt. Instead of settling for a standard superhero arc, Arun’s script plunges us into an internal conflict: Will Chandra be consumed by her grief, or turn it into her greatest strength? By building the story around this struggle, the spectacle of superpowers gains real depth and meaning.

While the classic superhero beats are all present—discovering supernatural abilities, resisting the call, and ultimately stepping up—the Malayalam setting lends Lokah its uniqueness. The film is suffused with Kerala’s landscapes, language, traditions, and ties of family and community—a grounded context distinct from Western superhero films. Chandra, therefore, doesn’t feel like an imitation of Marvel or DC characters; she emerges as an authentically Malayali heroine whose challenges and growth are rooted in her culture.

Screenplay:
The screenplay by Dominic Arun unfolds with deliberate pacing. The first half lingers on Chandra’s ordinary world, letting us see her as a daughter and a regular person before the superhero mantle appears. This layering infuses the emotional beats with real gravitas. The interval block is expertly crafted—Arun stages the turning point with sensitivity, letting a quiet moment of grief swell into triumphant acceptance, giving audiences goosebumps not through visual effects, but through earned emotion.

That said, a few parts of the script rely heavily on exposition, especially in explaining the “rules” of Chandra’s powers or hinting at the deeper lore of the Lokah universe. These moments can slow the film slightly, but they’re forgivable as they plant seeds for future installments. The screenplay’s real triumph lies in its balance—managing personal drama with epic stakes, closure with the promise of more. By the time the credits roll, viewers feel fulfilled by Chandra’s journey yet eager for the next chapter.

Direction:
Dominic Arun’s direction is where the film truly stands out. In an industry just warming up to homegrown superhero tales, Arun boldly lays the foundation of India’s first female-fronted superhero franchise designed for longevity, not novelty. He masterfully merges the hyper-local world of Kerala with sweeping dystopian vistas, handling both with authenticity and emotional weight.

What’s remarkable is Arun’s refusal to let spectacle eclipse humanity. The camera often lingers on Chandra’s vulnerability, doubts, and silence, ensuring she remains a relatable person beneath the superhero exterior. Arun’s world-building is impressive—he smartly hints at larger antagonists and teases future plot lines, building anticipation for the franchise without overwhelming the present narrative. Even when the budget shows its limits, especially in some of the dystopian sequences, Arun’s vision and emotional anchoring shine through.

Cinematography:
Nimish Ravi’s visuals are a highlight of the film. Warm, earthy tones beautifully paint Chandra’s personal moments, while colder, metallic hues shape the dystopian world. The cinematography captures both the intimacy of life in Kerala and the grandeur of a universe in turmoil, with several scenes—like the glowing wand or devastated landscapes—standing out as truly cinematic.

Performance:

• Kalyani Priyadarshan is the soul of the film. Her portrayal is rich with vulnerability and quiet strength. She brings warmth and relatability, particularly in lighter, more personal scenes, making her character accessible and memorable.
• Naslen K. Gafoor injects humor and freshness, never letting his comic timing undermine the film’s emotional weight. He smoothly shifts between levity and seriousness while maintaining strong chemistry with the ensemble.
• Sandy Master brings unexpected raw physicality to his role. His action scenes feel grounded and organic, lending authenticity and grit to the film’s fights.

Editing:
Chaman Chakko’s editing ensures the film maintains a steady rhythm, especially in the first half, allowing emotional and mysterious beats to breathe. The movie shifts smoothly into intense action in the latter half, with a particularly sharp and well-timed interval break. However, a few scenes could have been trimmed for even better pacing.

Stunts & Action:
The action stands out for its blend of realistic grit and stylized spectacle. Close-combat scenes—especially Chandra’s early fights—are shot with intensity and a tactile feel that grounds the superhero elements. Sandy Master’s agile movements make the choreography pulse with energy, while the standout interval block fuses sharp stunts with emotional catharsis. Practical stunts are augmented with VFX, not dominated by it, keeping fights believable and rooted in Kerala’s martial traditions.

Visual & Special Effects:
For an Indian superhero film, Lokah’s visual effects deliver a polished experience. The mystical wand, sprawling dystopian sets, and representations of dark forces hold up impressively, though some minor flaws peek through on occasion. The CGI meshes well with live action, especially in rendering supernatural energy and destruction scenes, signaling a leap forward for Malayalam cinema in this genre.

Sound Design:
The film boasts a powerful soundscape that bolsters immersion. From the subtle sizzle of Chandra’s wand to the cacophony of epic battles, the sound design builds atmosphere while valuing moments of silence during crucial emotional beats.

Negatives:
While Lokah draws you in, a few speed bumps remain:

• The 149-minute runtime occasionally feels stretched.
• Some characters are underdeveloped, suggesting space left for sequels.
• A few sequences seem shoehorned into the narrative, jarring against the otherwise smooth flow.

Final Word:
Lokah – Chapter 1: Chandra may have flaws, but its ambition, heart, and technical accomplishment make it a milestone for Indian—and especially Malayalam—cinema. Kalyani Priyadarshan anchors the movie with strength and sensitivity, backed by a technically adept team unafraid to aim high. More than just a superhero origin, this film is a heartfelt meditation on loss, hope, and the courage to rise above adversity. As the credits roll, you feel the start of not just a new hero’s journey, but a cinematic universe that is uniquely Malayalam and undeniably human.