Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra

Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra

File:Lokah Chapter 1- Chandra.jpg
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

Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra is a 2025 Malayalam dark fantasy superhero film directed by Dominic Arun and produced by Dulquer Salmaan under Wayfarer Films. Arun Kurian, Chandu Salimkumar, Nishanth Sagar, Raghunath Paleri, Vijayaraghavan, Nithya Shri, and Sarath Sabha play supporting parts in the movie, which stars Kalyani Priyadarshan, Naslen, and Sandy.

Pre-production began on September 12, 2024, and the 94-day shoot (known as Production No. 7) ended on January 30, 2025. On June 8, 2025, Lokah – Chapter One: Chandra was officially released. The technical team consisted of Jakes Bejoy (music), Chaman Chakko (editing), and Nimish Ravi (cinematography).

The cast, visuals, world-building, music, and cinematography all garnered favorable reviews for the August 28, 2025, release. It became the third highest-grossing Malayalam film of 2025 and the fourth-highest-grossing Malayalam film of all time.

Plot

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

• Kalyani Priyadarshan as Chandra
• Naslen as Sunny
• Sandy Master as Nachiyappa Gowda
• Tovino Thomas as Chathan
• Arun Kurian as Naijil
• Chandu Salimkumar as Venu
• Nishanth Sagar as Prakash
• Vijayaraghavan as Mammootty
• Mammootty as Moothon (voice)
• Dulquer Salmaan as Charlie / Odiyan
• Aadam as Garuda Commando Chief
• Santhy Balachandran (Additional Screenplay & Dramaturgy)
• Durga C. Vinod as Young Chandra
• Sam Mohan as Johny
• Nithyashri as
• Raghunath Paleri as
• Amith Mohan Rajeshwari
• Sarath Sabha
• Sunny Wayne as Kathanar

Production

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.

Soundtrack

The film’s promo song is called “Thani Lokah Murakkaari”. It is sung by Jyoti Nooran (from the Nooran Sisters) and marks her Malayalam debut. The music is composed by Jakes Bejoy, with rap parts by Reble. The lyrics are written by Muhsin Parari, who is credited under his pen name “Mu.Ri”.

Release

The Malayalam film Lokah released in theaters on 28 August 2025. It was dubbed in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, and Kannada. Distribution was handled by Sithara Entertainments (AP & Telangana), AGS Entertainment (Tamil Nadu), Lighter Buddha Films (Karnataka), and Pen Marudhar Entertainment (North India).

Reception

Critical response

• Anandu Suresh (Indian Express, 4/5): Praised the film’s writing along with visuals.

• Vivek Santhosh (New Indian Express, 3.5/5): Called it bold, imperfect but unforgettable and applauded Kalyani’s role.

• Manjusha Radhakrishnan (Gulf News, 4/5): Said it’s a superhero saga done right, mixing folklore with Hollywood style.

• Roopa Radhakrishnan (TOI, 3.5/5): Noted flaws like slow start and cameos, but praised world-building, cast, and cinematography.

• Swathi P. Ajith (Onmanorama): Admired the visuals and folklore blend, but felt second half lost pace; Kalyani’s emotional range slightly weak.

• Athira M (The Hindu): Applauded VFX, production design, music; praised Kalyani as first female superhero of Malayalam cinema and said the film lays a strong foundation for a universe.

Box office

Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra opened with 2.71 crore in Kerala and 6.66 crore worldwide. It collected ₹65 crore in its first 4 days, crossed 81 crore on day 5, 93 crore on day 6, and entered the 100 crore club within 7 days. By day 8 it reached 120 crore, day 10 touched 150 crore, and in 12 days grossed 200 crore worldwide.

External links

• IMDB