Lokah chapter 1 movie review, the first installment of the Wayfarer Cinematic Universe, hit theaters on August 28, 2025, introducing Malayalam cinema’s first female superhero. Directed by Dominic Arun and produced by Dulquer Salmaan, the film stars Kalyani Priyadarshan as Chandra, a mysterious woman with supernatural powers, alongside Naslen K. Gafoor, Sandy Master, Arun Kurian, and Chandu Salimkumar. With a runtime of 151 minutes, this action-fantasy-thriller has sparked widespread buzz for its ambitious world-building and cultural roots in Kerala folklore. Here’s a concise review based on audience reactions and critical insights.
Plot and Setting
Set in modern-day Bengaluru, Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra follows Chandra (Kalyani Priyadarshan), a blood-drinking yakshi (female nature spirit) who moves from Sweden to work night shifts at a café. Her reclusive nature and strange habits catch the attention of her neighbors, Sunny (Naslen) and Venu (Chandu Salimkumar), two aimless bachelors. As Chandra confronts injustice, including an organ trafficking subplot, her supernatural abilities and haunting past unfold, setting the stage for a larger cinematic universe. The story blends Kerala’s mythological legends with a cyberpunk aesthetic, creating a fresh yet familiar superhero narrative.
What Works
- Visual Brilliance: The film’s cinematography by Nimish Ravi is a standout, transforming Bengaluru into a neon-lit, cyberpunk-inspired city with vibrant reds, blues, and oranges. Scenes like Chandra suspended against a full moon are visually arresting.
- Kalyani Priyadarshan’s Performance: Kalyani delivers a commanding portrayal of Chandra, balancing intensity, agility, and emotional depth. Her action sequences, choreographed by Yannick Ben, are polished and convincing.
- Cultural Grounding: The film’s reimagination of Kerala folklore, including yakshis and chaathans, feels authentic and innovative, avoiding overused Hollywood tropes.
- Organic Humor: Naslen’s comedic timing and chemistry with Chandu Salimkumar provide genuine laughs, keeping the narrative light without derailing its intensity.
- Cameos and Post-Credit Scenes: Star-studded cameos, including Tovino Thomas, and two post-credit scenes generate excitement for future installments.
- Jakes Bejoy’s Score: The energetic background music and the promo song “Thani Lokah Murakkaari” elevate the film’s thrilling atmosphere.
What Falls Short
- Weak Script: The plot prioritizes world-building over a cohesive story, leaving some narrative threads, like the organ trafficking subplot, underdeveloped.
- Pacing Issues: The first half feels slow, with some comedy stretches falling flat and dialogues lacking natural flow.
- Budget Constraints: While the second half’s VFX impresses, early action sequences suffer from basic effects, betraying the film’s modest Rs 30 crore budget.
- Underdeveloped Characters: Supporting characters, especially the villains, lack depth, and the emotional connection to Chandra’s mission feels incomplete.
Audience Reception
Social media, particularly X, has been abuzz with praise for the film’s technical finesse, action sequences, and Kalyani’s kickass performance. Fans have called it a “big-screen spectacle” rivaling Minnal Murali, with the interval block and post-credit scenes sparking goosebumps. However, some netizens expressed disappointment with the simplistic plot and uneven writing, feeling it focused too much on setting up sequels. The film earned Rs 2.6 crore on its opening day, signaling strong box-office potential.
Verdict
Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra is a commendable, visually striking entry into Malayalam cinema’s superhero genre, earning praise for its bold ambition and cultural resonance. While Kalyani Priyadarshan and Naslen shine, and the film sets a promising foundation for a mythic universe, its thin plot and pacing issues prevent it from being a flawless triumph. With ratings ranging from 3.5/5 to 4/5 across reviews, it’s a must-watch for superhero fans craving a fresh, homegrown take. Catch it in theaters for the full experience, especially in Dolby Atmos.
Rating: 3.75/5 – A bold, imperfect, but unforgettable cinematic spectacle.
