Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra Review and Rating – Kalyani Priyadarshan Shines in Malayalam’s First Female Superhero Film
Cast – Kalyani Priyadarshan, Naslen, Sandy, Arun Kurian, Chandu Salimkumar, Nishanth Sagar, Raghunath Paleri, Vijayaraghavan, Shivajith Padmanabhan, Nithya Shri, Sarath Sabha, Tovino Thomas, Sunny Wayne, Dulquer Salman, Mammootty, Soubin Shahir, Balu Varghese and others
Director – Dominic Arun
Producer – Dulquer Salman
Banner – Wayfarer Films
Music – Jakes Bejoy
Star Cast: Kalyani Priyadarshan, Naslen, Chandu Salimkumar, Vijayaraghavan, Sandy Master, Santhy Balachandran, Aadam, Nishanth Sagar, Tovino Thomas, and Sarath Sabha.
Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra is one of the boldest Onam releases in Malayalam cinema. Directed by Dominic Arun, the film blends Kerala folklore with superhero storytelling, creating a unique mix of myth and spectacle. From its fiery opening to its neon-soaked visuals, it lays the foundation for a superhero cinematic universe unlike anything the industry has seen before.
the center is Kalyani Priyadarshan as Chandra, delivering a career-best performance. She brings both strength and humanity to her role, making Malayalam cinema’s first female superhero memorable and relatable. Alongside her, Naslen’s humor keeps the film light, while Sandy’s ruthless cop act adds menace. Even veterans like Vijayaraghavan enhance the narrative, particularly during Chandra’s haunting origin story.
Technically, the film is a visual treat. Nimish Ravi’s cinematography paints Bengaluru and Kerala in stunning cyberpunk colors, while Jakes Bejoy’s score lifts the action with energy and emotion. The cameos, often distracting in other films, are cleverly woven here, teasing future chapters without overshadowing Chandra’s journey.
Yes, the film has flaws—some early comedy falls flat, a few dialogues lack flow, and certain subplots feel underwritten. But its sincerity and ambition outweigh these issues. More than instant thrills, Lokah Chapter 1 focuses on gradual world-building, giving audiences a fresh cinematic experience.
In the end, this film is more than just a superhero origin story—it’s a bold step forward for Malayalam cinema. With its mix of folklore, spectacle, and heart, Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra proves that our stories can shine on the big screen with the same grandeur as any global superhero film.
