Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra

Back in 2017, Dominic Arun exhibited promise as a filmmaker with Tharangam, an unconventional fantasy black comedy that didn't make a lot of money but captured the attention of the ardent filmgoer. Lokah: Chapter One - Chandra is the director's second outing, and this time, he strikes GOLD! The immediate post-watch feeling was a craving to watch the next chapters unfold rather quickly. We're subjected to a universe that's brimming with unimaginable possibilities, fascinating characters, and immersive lore. Chapter One works solidly as both an origin story and an in-between adventure characterized by a neon-filled aesthetic (even if it's set in Bangalore), comprising characters that we can connect to.

Kalyani Priyadarshan is a great choice for the titular character, and while she isn't required to emote a whole lot, her stature and prowess in the action set pieces really help. Naslen, however, with his candid expressions and taking on the audience's perspective, is PERFECT. He embodies the curious guy-next-door to the T, making Sunny's camaraderie with Chandra extremely fun to watch. Chandu Salimkumar and Arun Kurian are good too, especially the former, with some of his dad's signature expressions. Sandy is excellent as the main baddie, with a menacing stare and a stance that makes him easy to despise. There are some really cool cameos in store, in case you haven't exposed yourself to all the names in the cast already. The cameos have their natural space within the universe, possibly taking on full-fledged roles in the upcoming instalments.

Special shoutout to Durga C. Vinod as young Chandra; she was riveting in that pre-interval scene. Now, the finished product wouldn't be as good if not for some of these top-tier names within the crew: DoP Nimish Ravi, who makes this world look so vibrant and engaging; Editor Chaman Chakko with some amazingly cool transitions; Composer Jakes Bejoy who once again delivers a banger of a soundtrack; and Stunt Director Yannick Ben for making Chandra look absolutely badass in the action blocks. Loved the costume designs by Melwy J and Archana Akhil, alongside Banglan's production design.

My only major screenplay gripe concerns a party scene in the first half, where a cop lets a group of youngsters go scot-free after catching them with weed at an apartment. Okay, letting that slide since the same scene also features a dashing Kalyani (in a white dress) walking into the apartment with Ilayaraja's 'Kiliye Kiliye' remix playing in the background. Also, even when we call this Chapter One, there are way too many seeds planted already, making the film a thread-opener without offering any sort of closure. At least now, can people shut up about female actors NOT being able to pull off solid action in Malayalam? That too, in an era where lavish budgets are spent on creating "pan-Indian" action spectacles that often end up as debacles.

Lokah Chapter One: Chandra feels like a strong step towards showing how the Malayalam film industry can make its mark in the PAN-Indian space-without losing its own unique style of storytelling. While Mollywood has given us gems before, this film feels different. It isn't just another good movie; it's the foundation of a cinematic universe.

The film stands out as a brilliant fusion of Indian rural folklore with international myths, giving us a refreshing take on the superhero genre. The characters are written with depth, each having their own arc and purpose, setting a solid template for how superhero films can truly work for the Indian audience.

One of the highlights is the way it handles star cameos. They aren't throwaway appearances but meaningful roles that add to the narrative. The movie also avoids the common trap of dragging its ending or forcing cliffhangers. Instead, it delivers a satisfying conclusion while teasing its future through cleverly placed post-credit scenes.

Overall, Lokah Chapter One: Chandra is an engaging, entertaining superhero film packed with surprises, heart, and vision. A must-watch for anyone who loves well-crafted cinema.

Lokah is a successful confluence of fervent storytelling and brilliant technical filmmaking. The audience along with the characters get thrust into a surreal fray where fact meets fiction and reality converges with myth. The narrative is set around the titular character of Chandra who most certainly isn't what meets the eye and conceals an arcane past. Who or What is she ? Who's she with or against ? How and when does ground reality merge with tales of lore. How do the other characters gel into this cacophony? All these queries and a bit more form the basic crux.

The film presents the world-within to the audience by recounting legends familiar via folk lores and juxtaposing them with characters from the modern time thereby encapsulating both wonder and nostalgia. Filmmaking prowess of the crew is in full display with alluring visuals and enthralling background score, supported by strong writing and entertaining action set pieces. The cast also does commendable jobs with their roles. The film throughout keeps everyone wanting more from this tale and the third act and climax leaves the audience into hoping for further chapters.

The final fight of the penultimate action piece involving the main character should have been done better with more robust editing and better camera angling considering the ones before were better executed. The closure to a sub plot felt rushed. The humour in this film though doesn't feel forced is plenty, considering the serious undertone the story otherwise aims to put forth .

Also the film for some reason is presented in the aspect ratio of 1:90:1 which thereby pillarboxes the film in most screens outside of Flat and Digital IMAX ones. Considering this film doesn't have an IMAX rendering ,and that flat screens are so few in the region, this presentation felt unaccounted for. Albeit; this film definitely warrants a Cinema Theater experience.

Absolute game changer of Mollywood and Indian cinema . The story, character and build up is so interesting and it totally worth watching. Turning of myth which we heard during the childhood turning into reality was not an expecting one, especially the way the plot was created. Loved it and will watch again.

Rating - 3.75/5

A fantasy action adventure thriller showing the battle within the darker sides of the world and their thirst for power.

The story takes us through the lives of 3 urban junkies stalking a mysterious girl who moved nextdoor and the strange events that unfolds in their life when they closely follow her forms the base of the story.

Dominic Arun & Santhy Balachandran has created a new adventurous doorway to Malayalam Cinema through this movie. Hats off to Dominic Arun who showed the patience and grit to wait so long for bringing a phenomenal cinema to Malayalam. Good screenplay laying backdrop for the story to settle in the first half but slips midway and gains momentum towards the latter half with insane action sequences. Some cameo appearances passed through the screen showing no clue of their presence which might hopefully fill the dots in the upcoming sagas.

Mind-blowing performance by Kalyani Priyadarshan,the way she has carried Chandra is dashing, the way she holds her eyes, the attitude, absolutely brilliant performance. Kudos to the Costumers Melwy, Archana and the Makeup team for bringing the ferocious Chandra onto the Big screen. Impressive performances from Naslen, Arun Kurian & special shoutout to Chandu Salim kumar who just lived the character brilliantly with the timely dialogues and facial gestures reminding of his father's epic performances. Startling performance by Sandy with his impressive dialogue delivery modulation & attitude. Good performance from Vijayaraghavan, Sarath Sabha, Sam Mohan & Nishant Sagar.

Outstanding frames by Nimish Ravi creating a visual fantasy world by using the precise lens and lighting effortlessly finetuned by the young editor Chaman Chakko. Incredible background scores by Jakes that stands throughout the movie supported with good sound design by Dawn Vincent/Rajakrishnan. Good settings by Vinesh Banglan & Jithu Sebastian that sustained the mood of the urbanscape and the dark world. Hats off to Yannick Ben & team for the exceptional action sequences. Big hugs to DQ & Wayfarer Films for backing this vision and pulling it off in a technically superior quality.

A must watch experience in cinema hall to witness a new world just reminding us that it's just a peak above the ocean.