‘Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra’ review

Malayalam cinema has long been celebrated for its grounded, character-driven narratives, but with ‘Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra,’ it takes a bold and exhilarating leap into uncharted territory. Director Dominic Arun’s vision is a genre-blending spectacle that marries local folklore with a futuristic, dystopian aesthetic, creating a cinematic experience that feels both homegrown and world-class. At the heart of this ambitious project is Kalyani Priyadarshan, whose performance as the titular hero, Chandra, is nothing short of a revelation.

The film wastes no time in establishing its high-stakes world. We are introduced to Chandra as a mysterious, powerful figure, a warrior with a haunting past who has taken refuge in the urban sprawl of Bengaluru. Her life, shrouded in night and secrecy, is observed by a trio of bachelors from across the street. This initial setup, laced with organic humour and a sense of mounting intrigue, serves as a compelling entry point into a narrative that steadily builds its world and stakes. The screenplay, co-written by Dominic Arun and Santhy Balachandran, excels in weaving together these seemingly disparate threads—a fantastical hero’s journey, a slice-of-life comedy, and a menacing underworld of organ trafficking.

Kalyani Priyadarshan delivers a career-defining performance, embodying Chandra with a measured intensity and a quiet strength that belies her character’s ancient origins. She is not a caricature of a superhero but a deeply layered individual grappling with centuries of baggage. Kalyani’s action sequences are executed with fierce precision, and she sells the character’s unique blend of vulnerability and lethal power. It’s a nuanced portrayal that grounds the high-octane fantasy, making her a truly believable and memorable cinematic hero.

Beyond its compelling lead, ‘Lokah’ is a triumph of technical execution. The cinematography by Nimish Ravi is breathtaking, crafting a neon-soaked, moody Bengaluru that becomes a character in itself. Jakes Bejoy’s background score is a standout, elevating every action sequence and emotional beat with a grand, mythical quality. The visual effects and production design are remarkably polished, proving that a film with a modest budget can rival much larger productions in scope and visual ambition. The action choreography by Yannick Ben is fluid and visually striking, a testament to the film’s commitment to delivering a truly immersive action-fantasy experience.

While the film’s first half is a near-perfect masterclass in world-building and suspense, the second half, while still engaging, faces some narrative hurdles. The plot becomes slightly overpacked with a mix of romance, past-life connections, and the unfolding main mission, causing a minor dip in pace. However, these are minor flaws in a film that takes such a massive, unprecedented step for Malayalam cinema. The inclusion of impactful cameos also adds to the excitement, hinting at a much larger cinematic universe that audiences will eagerly anticipate.

‘Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra’ is a landmark film that proves that bold concepts, when executed with vision and conviction, can captivate and entertain on a grand scale. It’s a film that leaves you with goosebumps at its audacious reveals and a sense of exhilaration at the dawn of a new era in Malayalam storytelling. Kalyani Priyadarshan’s stellar performance is the fire at its core, ensuring that this cinematic saga gets off to a blazing start.