Hollywood has given the world countless superhero, supernatural, and fantasy films. In India, a few filmmakers have experimented with the genre, with some achieving success while others fell flat. Adding to this list is the Malayalam film ‘Lokah: Chapter 1, Chandra’, a fresh attempt where director Arun brings his vision to life. The film marks a milestone as Kalyani Priyadarshan takes on the role of a female superhero.
Lokah Story Overview
Chandra (Kalyani Priyadarshan) moves from Sweden to Bengaluru, where she begins working at a hotel. There she meets Sunny (Naslen), who soon becomes a part of her mysterious journey. Though warned not to mingle much with the outside world, events spiral out of control. Why did Chandra come to Bengaluru? Was her meeting with Sunny a coincidence or destiny? The film keeps audiences guessing until the very end.
Kalyani Priyadarshan in a New Avatar
Known mostly for her charming and romantic roles, Kalyani takes on a completely different shade in this film. As a superhero, her performance is the highlight of every frame. While her beauty captivates audiences at first, her powerful transformation into a hero adds depth and surprise to the character.
Supporting Characters and Villain
Sunny, played by Naslen, adds humor and natural energy to the story. Every superhero tale needs a villain, and here it comes in the form of Inspector Nachiyappa Gowda, portrayed by Sandy. His gradual transformation into a supervillain is handled with intensity and purpose, giving the story a strong conflict. The film also features cameo appearances by Tovino Thomas, Sunny Wayne, Dulquer Salmaan, and Soubin Shahir, each bringing excitement and curiosity to the narrative.
Direction and Technical Brilliance
Director Arun successfully crafts a gripping superhero tale, balancing action with emotional depth. His storytelling ensures clarity about Chandra’s mysterious background and what led to her transformation. The film’s VFX is another strong point, delivering goosebump-worthy moments. The background score enhances the atmosphere, while the cinematography offers fresh and visually appealing dimensions.
Bengaluru as the Backdrop
Just as Dulquer Salmaan’s blockbuster Bangalore Days won hearts, ‘Chandra’ too unfolds entirely in Bengaluru. Though a Malayalam production, the use of Kannada in several scenes makes the film feel relatable to Kannada-speaking audiences. With modest budgets, the producers have managed to create impressive sets and high-quality VFX, showcasing how effective filmmaking can be achieved with smart execution.
Weak Spots
While the movie delivers on action and visuals, some characters lack depth and background explanations. A few roles come and go without leaving a strong impact. However, these shortcomings may be addressed in the next chapter of the franchise, as the film clearly sets the stage for future installments.
‘Lokah: Chapter 1, Chandra’ ultimately stands out as an ambitious superhero film in Indian cinema, with Kalyani Priyadarshan’s performance stealing the spotlight. For fans of fantasy and action, this film offers a refreshing take on the genre while highlighting the cultural blend of Malayalam storytelling with Bengaluru’s urban setting.