Dominic Arun’s latest directorial venture, Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra, stars Kalyani Priyadarshan and Naslen in leading roles. The Malayalam film, which made its theatrical debut during the Onam season, has been receiving warm responses from audiences. While its ensemble cast and engaging moments are being appreciated, some viewers feel the core idea feels somewhat familiar. Let’s dive into it to discover.
Story
The story follows Chandra (played by Kalyani Priyadarshan), a mysterious woman with supernatural powers who arrives in Bengaluru on a secret mission tied to a character named Moothon. At the same time, the city is shaken by a series of disappearances connected to an organ-trafficking network. While disguising herself as a bakery worker, Chandra’s unusual mannerisms catch the attention of three inquisitive young men living across from her home.
Among them is Sunny (Naslen), joined by his friends Chandu Salimkumar (Venu) and Naijil (Arun Kurian), who spend most of their time drinking. Their lives intersect with Chandra’s, leading them into a far bigger conflict. Adding to the chaos is Inspector Nachiyappa Gowda (Sandy), a corrupt cop with deep ties to the criminal syndicate. Over its two-and-a-half-hour duration, the film attempts to build an expansive new cinematic universe.
The narrative opens with Chandra receiving her mission, which smoothly transitions into a creative comic-inspired title sequence, setting the tone for the film. When Chandra reaches Bengaluru, Sunny and his friends propel the story forward. Sunny’s fascination with her, in particular, drives him closer to uncovering truths far beyond what he expected. Though Chandra’s larger motive isn’t fully revealed in this installment, the director succeeds in laying down the foundation of a distinctive world. Sunny’s humorous dialogues also keep the atmosphere light.
However, the film intentionally leaves viewers with unanswered questions: What exactly drives Chandra? What does her cult seek? And who is the real enemy? These mysteries are reserved for the sequel.
Performances
Kalyani Priyadarshan undergoes a striking transformation in this performance. Moving beyond her familiar “girl-next-door” image, she embraces the mantle of a full-fledged action protagonist with remarkable ease. As Chandra, she balances emotional depth with power, making her evolution from an everyday individual to a larger-than-life hero both convincing and compelling.
Naslen, building on the momentum he gained with Premalu, once again proves his versatility. With his effortless charm and infectious energy, he seamlessly shifts between humor and intensity. His role is central to the story, and his dynamic partnership with Kalyani adds a warmth that enriches even the most high-octane moments.
The ensemble cast—featuring Arun Kurian, Chandu Salimkumar, and seasoned performers like Vijayaraghavan—rounds out the film with committed performances. Together, they contribute to laying the foundation of an ambitious new cinematic world.
Behind the scenes
The film’s technical team features Nimish Ravi handling cinematography, editing duties managed by Chaman Chakko, and music composed by Jakes Bejoy. The visuals are crafted with striking finesse, enhancing the fantasy aspects while still keeping the emotional core of the narrative intact.
The action set pieces stand out as dynamic and innovative, steering clear of the predictable tropes often seen in superhero films. Fantasy and reality are interwoven so naturally that the world feels simultaneously enchanting and authentic.
Final Verdict
Once Chandra’s identity is unraveled, the storyline treads on predictable ground. For seasoned fans of the superhero genre, its twists may feel derivative, but for those less familiar, Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra offers a fresh and engaging experience. Despite having a slightly undercooked narrative, the film shines through its cameos and character moments, which land effectively.
Ultimately, Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra emerges as an ambitious attempt at crafting an Indianized superhero saga. While not flawless, it blends moments of brilliance with certain shortcomings. Still, it establishes a promising universe that balances spectacle and humor, leaving the audience eager for the next chapter.
