| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Lôkah Chapter 1 – Chàndra |
| Type | Manga / Graphic Novel |
| Chapter | Chapter 1 |
| Main Character | Chàndra |
| Genre | Action, Fantasy, Supernatural |
| Setting | Mythical/Urban Fantasy World |
| Plot Summary | Chàndra discovers hidden powers and faces supernatural threats in her world. |
| Key Themes | Heroism, Mythology, Good vs Evil, Self-discovery |
| Art Style | Detailed, dynamic panels with fantasy-inspired visuals |
| Release Date | 2025 |
| Author / Illustrator | [Name of creator if known] |
With the release of Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra on August 28, 2025, Malayalam cinema has entered an entirely new era one where folklore, fantasy, and high‑octane superhero drama converge under the silver screen’s glow. Directed by Dominic Arun and produced by Dulquer Salmaan’s banner Wayfarer Films, the film introduces the first female‑led superhero saga in Malayalam.
A Superhero Rooted in Folklore
At the heart of the film is Kalyani Priyadarshan’s Chandra a mysterious young woman summoned from Sweden to Bengaluru (fictionalized for the narrative) by a shadowy figure known only as “Moothon.” Chandra carries within her ancient powers that are deeply intertwined with Indian folklore: myths of vampires, exorcists, and supernatural beings that have lived in whispered stories.
Rather than leaning on the typical tropes of Western superhero films, Lokah embraces local mythic traditions transforming them into a modern cinematic structure. According to film analysts, this seamless fusion of folklore and contemporary cinema gives the film a distinct emotional and cultural rootedness.
Storyline That Hooks
Chandra’s journey begins quietly. She takes up a night-shift job at a café in Bengaluru, living under the radar. But soon, strange and dangerous events draw her into a dark underworld an organ‑trafficking gang, backed by a corrupt police inspector and criminal network. As she witnesses the suffering of innocents, Chandra’s hidden powers awaken turning her into the city’s only hope.
Supporting characters including Naslen, Sandy, Arun Kurian, and Chandu Salimkumar add youthful energy, conflict, and emotional complexity to the story. These relationships ground the fantasy in human dilemmas, making the horror and heroism more impactful.
Visual Splendor and Cinematic Craft
One of the film’s biggest strengths is its visual palette. Cinematographer Nimish Ravi transforms urban Bengaluru into a luminous hybrid a vibrant, almost cyber‑punk backdrop drenched in reds, blues, and molten oranges that evoke both danger and mysticism. Scenes like Chandra suspended in front of a luminous full moon with the sprawling city beneath linger as cinematic poetry.
Complementing the visuals is a meticulous technical effort: editing by Chaman Chakko, music by Jakes Bejoy, and action choreography by Yannick Ben. The combined effect turns Lokah into one of the most polished and ambitious productions of recent Malayalam cinema.
Cultural Impact and Record‑Breaking Success
Critics and audiences alike have hailed Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra as a landmark film. Not only did it introduce a female superhero a seldom‑seen archetype in regional Indian cinema but it also earned massive commercial success. Within days of release, the film crossed the ₹100 crore mark worldwide, eventually becoming the highest‑grossing Malayalam film of all time.
The success is widely regarded as a turning point: it shows that Indian cinema even regional can successfully reinvent genre conventions and offer fresh narratives that resonate across generations.
Why Lokah Works: Strengths & Occasional Flaws
What sets Lokah apart is its brave double play it honours tradition while embracing modern cinematic language. The emotionally grounded plot, a complex heroine, folk mythos, and top‑tier technical craftsmanship give it both soul and spectacle. Critics note that while the film isn’t flawless some pacing dips and genre‑mash transitions are noticeable the overall vision, execution, and ambition make it a landmark effort.
For viewers craving more than routine thrillers or standard superhero fare, Lokah delivers a deeply atmospheric, culturally rooted, visually striking experience something rare and refreshing in Indian films today.
Final Verdict
Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra is more than a film: it’s a statement. It proves that Indian regional cinema can birth its own home‑grown superhero universe one that draws from myth and folklore, rooted in local culture but built with world‑class cinematic ambition. Whether you’re a fan of folklore, fantasy, or just good storytelling, Lokah offers something special. With a powerful female lead, intense visuals, and a story that resonates it’s no surprise this movie has become an unforgettable milestone.
