LOKAH - CHAPTER 1 - CHANDRA (MALAYALAM) (2025)

 

This is an ambitious amalgam of local myths, legends with superhero world building that works to a large extent. 

Kalyani is convincing in the titular role of Chandra and Naslen, with his buddies, presents an apt foil for her more serious part. The surprise cameos spike up the narrative flow and kindle our interest in future movies from this universe.

Director Dominic Arun is able to mix familiar elements from popular cinema with a narrative which one usually associates with Hollywood fare. 

The production design, cinematography and VFX complement each other to belie the limited budget and succeed in creating rich visuals. There is no comparison to MCU or DC movies in terms of the budget and spectacle value. But, the success of the movie is finding a happy balance between remaining rooted while daring to tread a road less traveled which is enough to overlook its faults.

In true MCU style, there is a mid-credit and post-credit scene too hinting at future movies. 

Malayalam cinema, which has hitherto found its forte in deeply affective, albeit, simple human dramas, makes a formidable mark in its initial foray into superhero-verse. 

AN IMPRESSIVE FIRST STEP INTO AN EXCITING NEW WORLD !

RATING - 3.5/5

COOLIE (TAMIL) (20225

Coolie is a POWERHOUSE which, when it hits its peak output - in patches, packs a punch with loads of nostalgia, an ensemble starcast and above all, vintage Rajni vibes. 

It is also a powerhouse that struggles and sputters to keep the spark on consistently.

Nag & Soubin make a mark. But, Loki fails to soar.

Overall, an above average outing, at best, that doesn't actually have an "Arangam Adhirattume" outcome.

SUPER (on & off) !

RATING - 3/5

3BHK (TAMIL) (2025)

This is the story of a middle class family's quest to rise up the economic ladder and realise their long cherished dream of buying a home that they can call their own.

An affective drama that unfolds at an unhurried pace radiating lived-in feelings and warmth. It is elevated by the pitch-perfect performances of the entire main cast lead by Sarath Kumar and Siddarth. They are ably supported by Devayani, Meetha Ragunath and Chaitra Achar.

Director Sri Ganesh who had made an impressive debut with 8 Thottaakkal is in fine form. 

Overall, this is a simple drama done neatly without exaggerated melodrama and nowadays, that is indeed rare.

WORTH A WATCH !

RATING - 3/5

PS - Streaming on Amazon Prime.

SU FROM SO (KANNADA) (2025)

Horror comedies are a done-to-death genre by now, and can barely squeeze a laugh for the life of the makers. But, Su From So, which is more a comedy with just a hint of horror, comes as a refreshing new entry to this league and succeeds spectacularly. 

Set in Marlur in rural Karnataka, populated with a plethora of characters with their own eccentricities, the story follows the sequence of unfolding events when a love-struck young man's risqué behaviour goes sideways.

Debutante director JP Thuminad keeps his narrative simple and firmly rooted in the rural milieu with its own peculiar social dynamics as well as belief systems. He has filled his canvas with a rich palette of colourful characters played by an excellent cast of non-stars, including himself, who render full justice to their respective parts.

Thuminad mines the quirks of this setting and the characters for a near non-stop laugh riot. It has been a long time that I had laughed so hard in any movie. He also sneaks in an affective story arc that resonates without overpowering the lighter note that movie intends to strike and that underlines his calibre as a creator to look forward to.

A MUST WATCH !

RATING - 4/5