Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra (2025) Movie ft. Sandy, Kalyani, and Naslen

Malayalam cinema finally gets its superhero moment with Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra. Director Dominic Arun teams up with producer Dulquer Salmaan to create something different. Kalyani Priyadarshan plays Chandra, a woman hiding secrets in Bangalore.

The film mixes Kerala folklore with superhero action, bringing local myths to life on screen. The visuals pop with neon colors, and the story promises bigger things ahead. With Nimish Ravi handling cameras, Chaman Chakko on editing, and Jakes Bejoy composing music, the technical side looks promising.

The Story Unfolds

Chandra works night shifts at a café in Bangalore. She lives across from Sunny (Naslen) and Venu (Chandu Salim Kumar), two friends who soon discover she’s not ordinary. When gangsters trouble her coworker, Chandra fights back, revealing powers nobody expected.

The story slowly peels back Chandra’s identity. She’s Kalliyankattu Neeli from Kerala legends, now living among regular people. The first half introduces everyone and builds curiosity. The second half brings fights and teases future films through surprise appearances.

Kalyani Owns This Role

Kalyani Priyadarshan transforms completely for Chandra. She learned martial arts, and you see that effort in every punch and kick. I was impressed by how she carried the weight of a centuries-old being. Her eyes tell stories without words, mixing toughness with hidden pain.

The fight scenes showcase her dedication. She moves with both elegance and fury, making Chandra feel real and powerful. Sayanora’s voice dubbing adds depth, making Chandra sound wiser than her young face suggests.

The Supporting Squad

Naslen brings his usual charm as Sunny. His comic timing makes you laugh even during tense moments. Watching him stumble into Chandra’s supernatural world provides the audience perspective. Chandu Salim Kumar matches his energy perfectly as the loyal friend Venu.

Their friendship feels genuine, giving the film heart between action scenes. Arun Kurian adds spark as Nigel, completing their group. These three keep things light when mythology gets heavy.

Sandy Plays the Bad Guy

Sandy Master steps into acting as cop Nachiyappan. He plays a man who hates women in power, making him Chandra’s opposite. His performance works despite some stiff line delivery. The character embodies old-school thinking that Chandra challenges just by existing.

I felt his character needed more depth beyond just being sexist. Better writing could have made him a memorable villain instead of just an obstacle. Still, Sandy brings enough threat to keep things interesting.

Visual Feast for Eyes

The film looks gorgeous, especially on big screens. Nimish Ravi’s camera work captures Bangalore’s neon-lit nights beautifully. Red becomes Chandra’s color—in her hair, clothes, and the glow around her during fights. This visual choice makes her instantly recognizable.

Jakes Bejoy’s music pumps energy into every scene. The background score doesn’t just play; it becomes part of the storytelling. Fight choreography by Yannick Ben feels grounded and real, not overly reliant on computer effects.

Building Something Bigger

The world-building stands out as the film’s strength. Taking Kerala folklore and mixing it with superhero ideas creates something fresh. Using Kalliyankattu Neeli’s legend as foundation gives the story cultural roots that feel authentic.

Bangalore’s diversity comes through naturally. Characters speak different languages—Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam—making the city feel real. The celebrity appearances aren’t just for show; they hint at stories yet to come without confusing this one.

Room for Improvement

The story feels stretched thin. Spending two and a half hours setting up future films means this one’s plot suffers. Some scenes drag, particularly when characters gather but nothing significant happens. I found myself checking the time during these slower stretches.

The emotional connections need work. Chandra and Sunny could have a deeper bond, but the film doesn’t explore it enough. Sandy’s villain lacks layers—he just hates women and wants respect, which feels too simple. Better antagonist writing would have raised the stakes.

Visual effects wobble in quality. Early action scenes look less polished than later ones, probably due to budget allocation. This inconsistency can pull you out of the experience when effects suddenly look cheap.

Reception and Reviews

Critics praised the film’s ambition. The Indian Express gave 4/5 stars, loving how it goes beyond just looking good. The New Indian Express rated it 3.5/5, calling it a bold start for Malayalam cinema’s mythic universe. Gulf News awarded 4/5, impressed by the folklore and Hollywood action blend.

Viewers responded positively too. Many appreciated the technical quality and Kalyani’s performance. Social media buzzed with excitement for future chapters. The IMDB score of 7.9 reflects solid audience approval, though some echoed concerns about thin plotting.

My Take

Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra makes a statement for Malayalam cinema. It shows regional film industries can create superhero universes with their own cultural flavor. Kalyani Priyadarshan proves she can carry action films, supported by a capable cast.

The film succeeds in blending mythology with modern storytelling. Visuals impress, music elevates scenes, and the world feels worth exploring. The plotting could tighten up, and emotional beats need strengthening, but the overall vision shines through.

This deserves a theater viewing where the technical achievements really pop. It lays groundwork for what could become something special. While it doesn’t revolutionize superhero films, it shows Malayalam cinema can compete in this space with unique stories.

Rating: 3.5/5