Lokah - Chapter 1: Chandra - Queen of the Night

Lokah - Chapter 1: Chandra

Malayalam - Fantasy / Action

151 min

Jio Hotstar

2024’s Kalki 2898 AD led the way with a first homegrown big-budget sci-fi fantasy— its success rooted in reimagining the Mahabharata within a futuristic world. Lokah carries forward the giant strides Indian regional cinema is making, with a well-made fantasy grounded in mythology set in contemporary times. Dulquer Salmaan, who starred in Kalki, deserves kudos for backing this project.

Director Dominic Arun and his co-writer Santhy Balachandran do a swell job in crafting the boldly imagined universe of Lokah. The rich production design and brilliant cinematography by Nimish Ravi translate the world building beautifully on the big screen, seamlessly set in the modern times.

The origin story of Chandra (Kalyani Priyadarshan) does more than introduce a protagonist — it lays the foundation for a larger saga. Some wonderful cameos (including one that is just a voice!) hint that the “Chathan,” “Odiyan,” and “Yakshas” live among us, suggesting there is more for us to experience in the Lokah. The scale of ambition is vast and this film lays a solid base for what is ahead.

The musical score by Jakes Bejoy is immersive. The background songs complement the narrative well. The 1.90:1 expanded frame gives room for beautifully composed visuals, enhancing the sense of scale. The visual texture stands toe-to-toe with the best of the genre, the detailing is excellent — observant viewers will spot red herrings that pay off smartly (right from the titles)

The VFX is largely impressive — a few rough edges aside, what the team has achieved on a relatively modest budget deserves praise.

Kalyani Priyadarshan, as the brooding and mysterious Chandra, looks the part and performs with conviction. Credit also to her dubbing artist — the voice lends a haunting allure to her character. Naslen is in his familiar “KaLLu-and-Chillu” mode as Sunny— clothes, parties and aimless fun. There is an easy charm about him, though one hopes he takes on more varied roles in the future. Their interactions are playful and warm (The O negative sequence(s) will bring a smile).

Choreographer (most recently for "Monica" from Coolie) Sandy (also the nutty henchman from Leo — “Chocolate Coffee!”) is superb as Inspector Nachiyappa Gowda. He is fit, menacing, and convincingly hateful as the antagonist.

For all the strong writing, there are a few quibbles. 

• The second half moves briskly, packed with reveals and payoffs, but you cannot help feeling that the first third lingers too long. Given how clearly the film hints at its direction, why not get there faster?
• Nativity inconsistencies — Nachiyappa speaks Tamil, his mother wears the nine-yard saree in the Iyer style, yet he’s called a “Gowda.” a very noticeable goof. 
• Though the story is set in Bangalore, several Malayali actors get the accents wrong. If Nachiyappa can speak Tamil throughout, why not have Kannada-speaking actors for the peripheral roles instead.

These minor missteps aside, Lokah – Chapter One: Chandra remains a strong origin piece — clear in ambition, solid in craft, and brimming with promise. The world has been built, the engine has started; now to shift gears with Chapter Two.