Lokah: Chandra (2025) Movie Review: A New Malayalam Superhero Universe Begins
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Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra
Malayalam Cinema's Bold New Superhero Universe
English
हिंदी
3.5
★
★
★
★
★
Out of 5 Stars
Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra is a visually ambitious, technically polished Malayalam superhero film that impresses with its rich folklore roots and Kalyani Priyadarshan's dynamic lead performance. The film stands out in the Indian superhero genre for blending sharp writing, strong production values, and a unique feminist angle, launching an exciting cinematic universe with bold vision.
🎬 Story and Execution
Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra centers on Chandra, a young woman who discovers supernatural abilities while navigating personal turmoil and social injustices. Rooted deeply in Kerala folklore, the film forgoes typical divine cliches, infusing its narrative with socio-political themes and a fresh feminist perspective. The screenplay lays a strong foundation in the first half, but loses momentum as universe-building and secondary characters dilute the protagonist's emotional journey.
🎭 Performances
Kalyani Priyadarshan delivers a standout performance as Chandra, carrying the film with grit and conviction, and is ably supported by Naslen and an impressive cast of supporting actors. Cameos from familiar names like Tovino Thomas and Dulquer Salmaan are well-executed, with Chandu Salimkumar particularly shining in a memorable supporting role.
What Works
- 🎥 Stunning cinematography by Nimish Ravi
- 🎵 Exceptional score by Jakes Bejoy
- 💪 Top-tier action choreography
- 🌟 Strong feminist perspective
- 📚 Rich Kerala folklore integration
Areas for Improvement
- 💔 Underdeveloped emotional core
- 👥 Weak character relationships
- 🐌 Uneven pacing in second half
- 😈 Underwhelming main antagonist
- 💰 Occasional budget constraints visible
🎨 Technical Excellence
The technical prowess of Lokah is among its greatest strengths, showcasing stunning cinematography and robust special effects that make it a must-watch in cinemas for fans of immersive fantasy worlds. The film's visual spectacle and production values set a new benchmark for Malayalam superhero cinema.
