Top Cast
The story follows Chandra, a mysterious, goth-influenced woman who has just moved to Bangalore and begins working night shifts at a café. Across the road from her apartment live Sunny and Venu, two aimless bachelors. Sunny becomes infatuated with Chandra, observing her odd routines, strange visitors, and reclusive nature. Their dynamic changes when Sunny gets a glimpse of Chandra in her act.
Critic Consensus
Critical reception for Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra is broadly positive, with most reviewers recognizing it as a significant step forward for Malayalam cinema in the superhero genre. Critics widely praised its world-building ambitions and its grounding in Indian and Kerala folklore, with several calling it among the finest superhero films produced in India. Lead actress Kalyani's performance also drew specific appreciation. The most consistent criticism concerns the screenplay, with at least one reviewer noting the film prioritizes universe setup over a compelling standalone plot, resulting in a weak narrative throughline.
4 rated reviews · 4 positive
AI-generated summary of 5 critic reviews · may contain errors
Report inaccuracyCritic Reviews (5)
Updated“From folklore to superpowers, Lokah Chapter 1 - Chandra represents Malayalam cinema's boldest leap yet, blending Indian folklore with Hollywood swagger. Converse-clad and channeling her inner Kristen Stewart with panache, Kalyani shines bright in this superhero saga done right.”Read full review ↗
“I believe Lokah is one of the finest superhero films India has ever produced. What makes it far better than other massive-budget fantasy spectacles is that its magnificence extends beyond visual brilliance to include impeccable writing, offering an experience like never before.”Read full review ↗
“Lokah is more about gradual but consistent world-building rather than instant payoffs. It lays the groundwork for a superhero cinematic universe in Malayalam cinema, and it does that with sincerity.”Read full review ↗
“The weakest aspect of Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra is its script. Character establishment and world-building seem to be the film's primary purpose, but the issue is that it lacks a solid plot and fails to convey its ideas effectively. It is a commendable attempt at starting a franchise based on indigenous mythological stories of Kerala, however, it could have been executed much better.”Read full review ↗
“Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra is a cinematic treat and could even be a lesson for many on how to master the superhero genre. A theatrical experience to be celebrated, Lokah has several stories waiting to be told, as shown in two post-credits scenes. It has definitely laid a solid foundation for a bigger cinematic universe, pushing the envelope for Malayalam cinema.”Read full review ↗
Cast & Crew
Cast
- Kalyani Priyadarshan · Chandra Ananya / Kalliyankattu Neeli
- Naslen K. Gafoor · Sunny Kurian
- Sandy · Inspector Nachiyappa Gowda
- Chandu Salimkumar · Venu
- Arun Kurian · Naijil
- Vijayaraghavan · Dr. Kurian Varghese
- Sarath Sabha · Sundar
- Bibin Perumbily · Jagadish Rao CPO
- Mammootty · Moothon (voice)
- Nithya Shri · Kunjipennu
- Tovino Thomas · Michael / Chathan
- Dulquer Salmaan · Charlie / Odiyan
- Nishanth Sagar · Prakash
- Raghunath Paleri · Tom Issac / The Forger
- Sunny Wayne · Kadamattathu Kathanar
- Sam Mohan · Johny
- Shivajith Padmanabhan · King
- Balu Varghese · Workshop mechanic
- Soubin Shahir · Workshop mechanic
- Santhy Balachandran · Woman watching the news on TV
Director
Screenplay
Story
Cinematography
Editing
Art Director
Costume Design
Sound
Producer
Executive Producer
Details
- Release Date
- 28 August 2025
- Runtime
- 2h 31m
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