Malayalam cinema has broken new ground with Lokah – Chapter 1: Chandra, released on August 28, 2025. At the center of this ambitious production stands Kalyani Priyadarshan, who delivers a commanding and emotionally resonant performance in the industry’s first-ever female-led superhero saga. The film not only marks a milestone in scale and vision but also sets the foundation for a sprawling cinematic universe inspired by Indian myth and modern storytelling.

A bold new narrative

Directed by Dominic Arun and produced by Dulquer Salmaan’s Wayfarer Films, Lokah – Chapter 1: Chandra introduces audiences to Chandra a young woman who awakens to her extraordinary powers while confronting malevolent forces determined to upend her world. The narrative, while deeply rooted in homegrown mythologies, reframes those elements through the lens of fantasy and science fiction, offering something at once familiar and daringly fresh.

Rather than racing through a conventional superhero arc, the film takes its time to establish an expansive world one that hints at future conflicts, heroes, and villains. This deliberate world-building signals the birth of a multi-film franchise designed to rival global superhero sagas while retaining a uniquely Indian soul.

Kalyani Priyadarshan at her best

The film belongs, unquestionably, to Kalyani Priyadarshan. As Chandra, she exudes both quiet vulnerability and fierce determination, crafting a heroine who is relatable yet extraordinary. Her nuanced performance ensures that the character is not defined by her powers alone but by her humanity, struggles, and choices.

Audiences have singled out the interval block as one of the most powerful sequences in recent Malayalam cinema. Described as “goosebump-inducing,” it showcases Kalyani’s ability to command the screen with intensity and emotional depth, elevating the film beyond its fantasy trappings. Critics agree that her portrayal anchors the story, making her the emotional and narrative core of the new franchise.

Spectacle with substance

On a technical level, Lokah – Chapter 1: Chandra is a triumph. Cinematographer Nimish Ravi crafts a bold visual style from neon-drenched skylines to fiery battle sequences that gives the film its mythic grandeur. Jakes Bejoy’s pulsating score blends orchestral sweep with electronic undertones, heightening both the action and the emotional beats.

The film’s scale, visual effects, and production design set new benchmarks for Malayalam cinema, pushing the industry into global competition. Reviewers have noted that the technical brilliance is not merely ornamental but integral to immersing viewers in the world of Lokah.

Critical and audience reception

The release has been met with enthusiasm across the board. On social media, fans have hailed the film as a landmark, celebrating its visual spectacle, Kalyani’s performance, and the audacity of attempting such a large-scale project in regional cinema.

A turning point for Malayalam cinema

Lokah – Chapter 1: Chandra is more than a movie it is a cultural milestone. For the first time, Malayalam cinema has embraced the superhero genre at scale, and it has done so by placing a woman at the very center of the narrative. This choice, combined with its myth-inspired storytelling, makes the film both progressive and rooted in tradition.

Kalyani Priyadarshan emerges from the film not just as its star but as the face of a potentially era-defining franchise. With her performance, she redefines what a superhero can look like in Indian cinema strong yet empathetic, mythic yet modern.

Verdict

Lokah – Chapter 1: Chandra is a daring, visually spectacular, and emotionally grounded beginning to what promises to be a groundbreaking franchise. With Kalyani Priyadarshan delivering her most powerful performance yet, the film doesn’t just expand the horizons of Malayalam cinema it signals the start of a new cinematic universe with global ambitions.