“Lokah – Chapter One: Chandra” is originally a Malayalam film, now presented as a multilingual feature with a Tamil release by AGS Cinemas. The film is produced by Wayfarer Films and directed by Dominic Arun, who has attempted a bold fusion of Indian folklore with modern-day cinematic storytelling. With Hollywood-inspired visual effects, the movie aims to bring a new dimension to South Indian fantasy thrillers.
The story revolves around three friends – Sunny (Naslen K Gafoor), Venu (Chandu Salimkumar), and Naijil (Arun Kurian) – who share a flat. Their lives change when a beautiful young woman named Chandra (Kalyani Priyadarshan) moves into the opposite apartment. Initially, they are fascinated by her charm, but after a birthday party, Sunny discovers that Chandra is not an ordinary girl. Through a flashback, the audience learns that she is actually a Yakshi (Neeli) – a mystical being from centuries ago who continues to live among humans to help those who are good at heart.
Chandra, however, has her weaknesses. She cannot expose herself to direct sunlight, and if someone strikes her in the heart, she could die. Yet, she also possesses the power to return with magical forces. The film takes a twist with the entry of Nachiyappa Gowda (Sandy), a cop who crosses paths with Chandra. During a clash, Chandra bites him, turning him into a dark and dangerous Yaksha, setting off a battle of powers that threatens the people around her.
Performance-wise, Kalyani Priyadarshan stands out with a fresh makeover and convincing action sequences. She carries the weight of the superwoman character with confidence, balancing beauty and intensity. Naslen K Gafoor as Sunny plays the innocent youngster effectively, and his comic timing adds a natural touch. Chandu Salimkumar and Arun Kurian bring good support as loyal friends. On the other hand, Sandy surprises with his strong negative role, portraying the cop-turned-antagonist with the right intensity.
From a technical standpoint, Dominic Arun has attempted a daring mix of fantasy and folklore. The cinematography by Nimish Ravi adds grandeur with well-composed visuals, especially in the supernatural sequences. Chaman Chakko’s editing keeps the narrative steady, though the 149-minute runtime could feel slightly stretched. Jakes Bejoy’s music and background score enhance the emotional and fantasy elements, giving the film a larger-than-life feel.
The climax offers a pleasant surprise with a special appearance by Dulquer Salmaan, hinting at future chapters in this fantasy series. Overall, “Lokah – Chapter One: Chandra” is an engaging attempt at creating a superwoman fantasy rooted in Indian mythology. While the story has some predictable turns, the performances, technical finesse, and visual effects make it an interesting watch for audiences who enjoy supernatural thrillers with a cultural twist.
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Verdict: A bold fantasy entertainer with strong performances and stylish visuals.
