Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra
| Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Dominic Arun |
|---|---|
| Produced by | Dulquer Salmaan |
| Story by | Dominic Arun |
| Starring | Kalyani Priyadarshan Naslen Sandy |
| Music by | Jakes Bejoy |
| Cinematography | Nimish Ravi |
| Edited by | Chaman Chakko |
| Production company | Wayfarer Films |
| Distributed by | Wayfarer Films |
| Release date | August 28, 2025 |
| Running time | 149 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Malayalam |
| Budget | ₹30 crore |
| Box office | est. ₹180 crore |
Chandra, a mysterious woman from Sweden, is called to Bangalore by Prakash, an agent of Moothon, a secret leader who controls superpowered beings around the world. She rents an apartment there and meets Sunny, an unemployed youth, and his friends Venu and Naijil. Sunny likes Chandra, but she avoids people and works night shifts at a café.
At the same time, an organ trafficking gang operates with the support of Inspector Nachiyappa Gowda, a strict policeman who pretends to be moral but is corrupt. When one of the gang members, Murugesan, tries to attack Chandra’s workplace with acid, she secretly uses her powers to save Sunny and others. Sunny briefly sees her powers, and Murugesan reports this to Nachiyappa.
Later, Chandra is kidnapped by Murugesan’s gang. When they try to kill her, she reveals her true form—a yakshi (a supernatural being)—and kills the attackers. She tells Sunny that she is actually Kalliyankattu Neeli, cursed centuries ago after her tribe was massacred by a king. She became a yakshi after being bitten by bats from a shrine. Over time, she was recruited by Kadamattathu Kathanar to fight evil and protect the world.
Back in Bangalore, Nachiyappa discovers Chandra’s secret and is bitten by her during a fight. This slowly turns him into a yaksha. He becomes dangerous and even causes his own mother’s death while trying to transform her.
Nachiyappa hunts Chandra, but she and her friends are rescued by Chathan, who takes them to a secret hideout managed by Kathanar’s descendants. Soon, the government forms a special unit called Garuda Force to capture Chandra. In the final battle at an abandoned clinic, Chandra kills Nachiyappa by stabbing his heart. She then says goodbye to Sunny and his friends, promising to return if danger rises again.
Plot
Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra is set in a mystical world where ancient legends meet modern conflicts. The story follows Chandra (Kalyani Priyadarshan), a brave young woman destined to maintain the balance between humans and a forgotten celestial realm.
When a strong force threatens to bring chaos to Earth, Chandra joins Aadi (Naslen), a rebellious warrior with his own secrets, and Sandy, a mysterious guide who understands the hidden truths of the Lokah. Together, they set out on a dangerous journey through realms filled with magical creatures, fierce battles, and secrets about immortality.
As Chandra discovers her true lineage and faces her inner fears, she realizes her destiny is bigger than she thought. She must lead the first battle in a war that will determine the future of both worlds.
The film mixes fantasy, action, and mythology, ending on a gripping cliffhanger that paves the way for the Lokah saga to unfold in future chapters.
Cast
Production
Here’s a clear and concise **Production section** for *Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra*, written in a neutral tone similar to Wikipedia:
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- Development
- Wayfarer Films**, founded by **Dulquer Salmaan**, announced the project as an effort to create a **Malayalam superhero franchise**. Director **Dominic Arun**, known for his work in experimental and youth-driven films, came up with the idea for a fantasy action movie inspired by Indian mythology. He co-wrote the screenplay with **Santhy Balachandran**, an actress and writer with a background in literature and performance.
The film is intended to be the first part of a **multi-chapter cinematic universe**, with Dulquer Salmaan actively involved in shaping its direction and long-term vision.
- Casting
Producer **Dulquer Salmaan** stated that casting **Kalyani Priyadarshan** in the lead role of *Chandra* was an easy choice, commending her dedication and preparation. **Naslen K. Gafoor** was selected for the male lead, while **Sandy**, a Tamil choreographer turned actor, was cast as *Inspector Nachiyappa Gowda*, making his Malayalam debut.
Supporting roles included **Chandu Salimkumar**, **Arun Kurian**, **Nishanth Sagar**, **Raghunath Paleri**, **Vijayaraghavan**, **Nithya Shri**, and **Sarath Sabha**. The film also features cameo appearances by **Dulquer Salmaan**, **Tovino Thomas**, and **Sunny Wayne**.
Casting was managed by **Vivek Anirudh**, who put together a mix of well-known stars and emerging talent.
- Filming
Principal photography started in **2024**. Most scenes were shot around **Kerala** and at select elaborate sets. **Nimish Ravi** handled cinematography, employing dynamic camera work and a colorful style to reflect the fantasy theme. **Banglan** served as the production designer, creating detailed environments inspired by mythology, supported by art director **Jithu Sebastian**.
- Action & Visual Effects
Action sequences were choreographed by **Yannick Ben**, a French stunt director, marking his first work in Malayalam cinema. The film includes large-scale stunts, wire rigs, and fantasy fight sequences. Visual effects were produced by **Little Hippo Studios** and **Pictorial Fx**, blending CGI with practical effects to establish a new look for Mollywood.
- Music & Editing
The music was composed by **Jakes Bejoy**, combining orchestral sounds with folk influences to enhance the mythological atmosphere. **Chaman Chakko** edited the film, structuring the 149-minute runtime to balance character moments with exciting action.
- Challenges
With an estimated budget of **₹30 crore**, *Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra* is one of the most expensive Malayalam productions. The team faced challenges in crafting a fantasy narrative in an industry known for its realism while making sure it appealed to both local and international audiences.