Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra – A Superhero Saga Rooted in Kerala Folklore
Release Date: August 28, 2025
Language: Malayalam
Genre: Superhero / Fantasy / Thriller
Director: Dominic Arun
Lead Cast: Kalyani Priyadarshan, Naslen, Chandu Salimkumar
Production: Wayfarer Films (Dulquer Salmaan)
Overview
Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra marks a bold new chapter in Malayalam cinema, introducing a culturally rich superhero universe that blends folklore, fantasy, and modern storytelling. Directed by Dominic Arun and produced by Dulquer Salmaan, the film stars Kalyani Priyadarshan as Chandra—a mysterious woman with supernatural powers who hides her identity in the bustling city of Bengaluru.
Storyline
The plot follows three aimless friends whose lives take a dramatic turn after encountering Chandra, a woman with a shadowy past and mystical abilities. As secrets unravel, the trio is pulled into a hidden world that runs parallel to their own. The film explores themes of identity, mythology, and transformation, with a strong feminist undertone.
Technical Brilliance
- Cinematography: Nimish Ravi delivers visually stunning frames, especially in IMAX format.
- Music: Jakes Bejoy’s background score is widely praised for elevating emotional and action sequences.
- VFX & Production Design: The film’s shadow universe is brought to life with top-tier visual effects and immersive set design.
Twitter Reactions & Audience Buzz
Social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), exploded with praise after the film’s release:
- “Just watched #LOKAH in IMAX 🥵🔥 The best IMAX experience of recent times!” – @Anveer44
- “#Lokah is better than I expected… Campy, delirious and fun. Kalyani’s best performance yet.” – @Kavya1140
- “A new-gen retelling of Kerala legends. Kudos to the director for reimagining folklore instead of copying Hollywood.” – @SarathDQ01
- “Best theatrical experience of the year 🔥🔥🔥” – @iamsaurabh1818
Performances
- Kalyani Priyadarshan shines as Chandra, delivering a nuanced and powerful performance that anchors the film.
- Naslen adds charm and energy, while supporting actors like Chandu Salimkumar and Sandy Master provide depth and comic relief.
Cultural Impact
Unlike typical superhero flicks, Lokah Chapter 1 draws heavily from Kerala’s mythological traditions. Chandra is portrayed as a yakshi—a female nature spirit—adding layers of cultural resonance. This approach has been lauded for its originality and rooted storytelling.
Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra is not just a movie—it’s a cinematic event. With its strong performances, technical finesse, and cultural depth, it sets the stage for a promising Malayalam superhero universe. Early reviews suggest it could be a surprise box office hit.
