Lokah Movie Review: A New Superhero Rises From Kerala
Indian cinema has given us great mythological heroes, but it has often struggled to create modern superheroes with a strong local identity. Hollywood dominates this space with Marvel and DC, while in India, most attempts either imitate Western models or stick to larger-than-life masala heroes. That changes with Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra, a bold new film from Malayalam cinema that dares to start a completely original superhero universe rooted in Indian folklore and everyday struggles.
The film released in theatres on August 28, 2025 across multiple languages. Produced by Dulquer Salmaan under his banner Wayfarer Films and directed by Dominic Arun, Lokah is already being called one of the most daring experiments in recent Indian cinema. It mixes the thrill of superhero storytelling with Kerala’s folk legends, offering audiences a superheroine who feels authentic, relatable, and truly Indian.
Story Without Spoilers
The story follows Chandra, played by Kalyani Priyadarshan. She lives quietly, almost like an outsider, hiding strange powers she barely understands. Two young men from her neighborhood become curious about her life, and through their eyes we slowly discover the mystery of who Chandra really is.
The film avoids long and boring explanations. Instead, it reveals Chandra’s powers bit by bit. Her origins come not from some alien world or scientific accident, but from deep Kerala folklore. The myth of Kalliyankattu Neeli, a vampiric figure from local stories, plays a central role. This makes Chandra’s rise as a superheroine unique—she belongs to the culture and the soil, not to borrowed myths from the West.
Writing and Direction
Director Dominic Arun doesn’t follow the usual superhero formula. Instead of giving us endless CGI action from the start, he spends time showing us the city at night, the loneliness of young people, and the invisible social pressures that surround Chandra. This choice pays off, because by the time the action explodes, we care deeply about her journey.
The writing mixes pulp energy with poetic depth. It balances fun comic-book thrills with meaningful social commentary. The film talks about power, fear, and survival in a way that feels natural and never forced. Many critics have said that Lokah is one of the best-written superhero films to ever come out of India.
Performances
Kalyani Priyadarshan gives the performance of her career. She makes Chandra both fierce and vulnerable. Her body language, her silence, and her sudden bursts of rage all make her feel real. She is not a loud, wisecracking superhero; she is someone haunted by her past but determined to fight back.
Naslen plays one of her neighbors and brings humor and warmth to the story. His presence balances Chandra’s intensity. The supporting cast, including Arun Kurian and Vijayaraghavan, give grounded performances that keep the story believable.
This balance between realism and myth is why audiences connect so strongly with Lokah. The characters feel like people we could meet in our own neighborhoods, not just costumes in a fantasy world.
Action and Visuals
The action scenes feel sharp and practical. The filmmakers don’t rely on expensive effects alone. Instead, they use clever camerawork, silhouettes, and sudden bursts of violence. Some fight scenes feel like urban horror, with Chandra appearing and disappearing like a shadow.
Of course, a few computer-generated shots look stretched, because the budget cannot match Hollywood’s billions. But the film turns this limitation into a strength by focusing on mood and atmosphere. The dark, rainy streets and the glowing night skies make the world feel gothic and tense.
The background score by Jakes Bejoy lifts every scene. Sometimes it uses heavy industrial beats, and sometimes it shifts into ritual chants, reminding us of the folklore roots. Nimish Ravi’s cinematography paints Bangalore’s nights in deep blacks and glowing neon, giving the movie a style we rarely see in Indian cinema.
A Feminist Superhero Without Preaching
One of the most powerful aspects of Lokah is its feminist perspective. Chandra’s journey is not about being a token “female superhero.” Her story grows naturally from the folklore itself. The film also shows how many threats come not from magical monsters but from ordinary men and everyday institutions that abuse power.
This makes her battles feel more real and more urgent. When Chandra fights back, the audience cheers not just because of the action, but because it feels like a victory against real-world evils.
A Universe in the Making
Lokah is only Chapter 1 of a planned superhero universe. The film plants seeds for bigger stories to come. The mid-credit and post-credit scenes hint at a larger “league” of heroes. There are exciting cameos from Dulquer Salmaan, Tovino Thomas, and Sunny Wayne, which fans loved. Rumors even suggest Mammootty might join in later chapters, though nothing is confirmed yet.
This approach excites fans because it feels like Malayalam cinema is creating its own version of a cinematic universe, but with stories rooted in culture, not just flashy effects.
Box Office Success
The numbers show how strongly the audience has responded. On its opening day, Lokah earned more than ₹2.6 crore in India. By the third day, Sunday, collections crossed ₹7 crore across languages. Worldwide, in just 72 hours, the movie grossed over ₹27 crore, with a strong push from overseas markets.
These are remarkable numbers for a Malayalam film that is not a sequel or remake but a brand-new superhero concept. It already stands among the top Malayalam films of 2025 in terms of box office performance.
Industry Reactions
Many respected filmmakers have praised the film. Jude Anthany Joseph, who directed the hit film 2018, called Lokah one of the best Malayalam movies ever. Director Nag Ashwin, known for Kalki 2898 AD, also admired its ambition.
This kind of support shows that Lokah has struck a chord not just with audiences but with the industry itself. It proves that regional cinema can take big risks and succeed without copying Bollywood or Hollywood.
OTT Release Plans
Although Lokah is still running in theatres, fans are already curious about its streaming release. There is speculation that it might land on Netflix or JioHotstar, given past partnerships, but nothing is officially confirmed yet. For now, the best way to experience it is still on the big screen, where the sound design and visuals create maximum impact.
Strengths
- Deep roots in Kerala folklore give it a unique flavor.
- Strong writing that values character over spectacle.
- Powerful performance by Kalyani Priyadarshan.
- Stylish cinematography and a haunting background score.
- Box office success proves audiences want original stories.
Weaknesses
- Some CGI moments look weak compared to bigger-budget films.
- The story leaves a few mysteries about Chandra’s powers unanswered, which might confuse some viewers. But since this is Chapter 1, more answers will likely come in the sequels.
Final Verdict
Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra is more than just another superhero movie. It is a cultural moment. It shows that India can create original superheroes who are tied to local history and folklore rather than copying Western models. It gives us a heroine who feels real, fierce, and inspiring.
Yes, the budget shows its limits in some places. But the heart, ambition, and originality of the film shine brighter than any flaw. Lokah doesn’t try to be the Indian Marvel. It tries to be its own myth, and that makes it special.
If the next chapters receive bigger budgets while keeping the same bold vision, we could soon see a full-fledged Indian superhero universe that the world will notice.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Recommendation: Watch it in theatres if you can. This is a superhero story that belongs on the big screen.
