Malayalam cinema gets its first female superhero with Lokah Chapter One Chandra, hitting screens on 28 August 2025. Producer Dulquer Salmaan backs this ambitious project through his Wayfarer Films banner.
Director Dominic Arun brings together Kalyani Priyadarshan and Naslen for this superhero origin tale. The film sets up what could become Malayalam cinema’s own superhero universe.
Story That Blends Old and New
Chandra’s journey begins when she relocates to Bangalore, only to discover hidden supernatural powers. Dark forces threaten the world, pushing her to embrace abilities she never knew existed.
Dominic Arun weaves traditional folklore into contemporary storytelling. The script establishes character backgrounds without feeling rushed, giving viewers time to connect with Chandra’s transformation.
Kalyani Leads with Conviction
Kalyani Priyadarshan owns every frame she appears in. Her portrayal moves seamlessly between vulnerable moments and powerful action sequences. The months of martial arts training clearly paid off.
Naslen matches her energy perfectly, creating believable chemistry. Supporting actors like Arun Kurian bring depth without overshadowing the leads. Each character serves the story while maintaining their unique identity.
Technical Marvel Meets Cultural Roots
The visual effects reach impressive standards, rivaling international productions. Cinematographer’s work captures both quiet emotional beats and spectacular action moments with equal skill.
Sound design and music enhance storytelling without overwhelming dialogue. The stunt choreography feels realistic despite supernatural elements. I was particularly impressed by how grounded the fight sequences felt.
Mixed but Mostly Positive Reception
IMDB users gave it 8.6 stars, showing strong viewer appreciation. Critics praised technical achievements while noting some pacing concerns in the middle act.
Regional media highlighted the film’s successful world-building approach. Most reviews acknowledge this as a promising start to something bigger, even if not perfect.
The film succeeds where many superhero origins fail – it takes time building its world. I appreciated how cultural elements never felt forced or token. Kalyani’s character development forms the emotional core that keeps you invested.
Action scenes work because they serve character growth, not just spectacle. The supernatural elements integrate naturally with realistic settings. This feels like a superhero story that could only come from Malayalam cinema.
Rating: 4.2/5
