A Thrilling, Stylish Superhero Adventure Worth Watching – “Lokah – Chapter 1: Chandra” – Movie Review

Chandra (Kalyani Priyadarshan), a superpowered woman, hides her mysterious past and tries to live a simple life in Bengaluru. Working at a bakery, she catches the attention of three young men — Naslen, Chandhu Salimkumar, and Arun Kurian — who are drawn to her charm. Meanwhile, the city is gripped by fear as a dangerous gang abducts people and harvests their organs. When Chandra’s path crosses with Police Inspector Sandy, her true identity is revealed. Who is she? Why is she in Bengaluru? These questions keep the audience hooked.

Kalyani Priyadarshan shines as Chandra, effortlessly portraying a superhero with style and restraint. Even with limited dialogues, her body language brings depth to the character, making her believable and captivating. The comic timing and natural performances of Naslen, Chandu Salimkumar, and Arun Kurian add humor and warmth throughout the film.

As the antagonist, Inspector Sandy delivers a menacing and impactful performance. Special appearances by Tovino Thomas and Dulquer Salmaan are well-handled, raising expectations without overshadowing the story.

The technical aspects of the film stand out — Jakes Bejoy’s background score adds intensity, Nimish Ravi’s cinematography gives the film a grand and vibrant look, and Yannick Ben’s fight choreography along with high-quality VFX contribute to its visual appeal. Editor Chaman Chacko skillfully simplifies the complex narrative, especially in the first half, keeping the audience engaged.

Superhero films are rare in South Indian cinema, and director Dominic Arun takes on this challenge impressively. The film’s portrayal of Chandra’s childhood, her journey to gaining superpowers, and her struggles is crafted in a way that appeals to both children and adults alike.

However, the second half struggles to maintain momentum as the superhero world expands. Key questions — why Chandra came to Bengaluru and who she’s fighting against — are left unanswered, which makes parts of the narrative feel slower.

Despite these flaws, Lokah – Chapter 1: Chandra succeeds in introducing a fresh superhero experience. The first half’s exploration of Chandra’s origin and powers draws viewers in, and although the latter half stumbles, the film’s ambition and presentation make it a commendable effort.

Rating: 3.75/5