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