Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra

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Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra
Lokah Chapter 1 Chandra Poster.jpg
Theatrical release poster
Directed by Dominic Arun
Screenplay byDominic Arun
Santhy Balachandran
Story byDominic Arun
Produced by Dulquer Salmaan
Starring Kalyani Priyadarshan
Naslen
Sandy Master
Arun Kurian
Chandu Salim Kumar
Cinematography Nimish Ravi
Edited by Chaman Chakko
Music by Jakes Bejoy
Production
company
Distributed byWayfarer Films [1]
Release date
  • 28 August 2025 (2025-08-28)
Running time
151 minutes(theatrical) [2] 149 minutes (original) [3]
CountryIndia
LanguageMalayalam
Budget₹30 crore [4]
Box officeest.₹270 crore [5]

Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra is a 2025 Indian Malayalam-language superhero film directed by Dominic Arun and produced by Dulquer Salmaan under his banner Wayfarer Films. It stars Kalyani Priyadarshan in the titular role as Chandra, a mysterious woman who arrives in Bengaluru and gets entangled with a gang involved in organ trafficking. The film also features Naslen in the male lead role with Sandy Master, Arun Kurian and Chandu Salim Kumar in supporting roles.

Contents

Pre-production began on 12 September 2024, with principal photography commencing under the working title Production No: 7, and was completed by 30 January 2025 lasting for 94 days. Title Lokah Chapter One: Chandra was unveiled on 8 June 2025. Nimish Ravi, Chaman Chakko, and Jakes Bejoy formed the technical crew as the cinematographer, editor and music director respectively.

Lokah was released theatrically on 28 August 2025 to critical acclaim. It was praised for the cast performances, visuals, world-building, cinematography, production and soundtrack. The movie has emerged as the highest grossing Malayalam film of all time, sixth highest-grossing Indian film of 2025 and one of the highest-grossing Indian films featuring a female lead.

Plot

In an introductory scene, Chandra Ananya retrieves a mysterious package in a building in a war-torn city and narrowly escapes an encounter with an agent of Ishtar. In the present, she summoned from Sweden to Bangalore, where she crosses paths with Sunny Kurian, an unemployed graduate, and his friends. Chandra keeps to herself, working night shifts, but intervenes when her co-worker is attacked, revealing supernatural strength.

As an organ trafficking ring led by crime boss Gajendran operates with police support, Inspector Nachiyappa begins investigating Chandra. After she is kidnapped and attacked, Chandra transforms into a yakshi, a supernatural being, and kills her assailants, revealing her true identity: Kalliyankattu Neeli, a mythical vampire recruited by the ancient priest Kadamattathu Kathanar to serve Moothon, a secretive protector of balance. Sunny, who follows the assailants to save Chandra, witnesses the murder and faints.

As Nachiyappa begins turning into a yaksha himself, Chandra and her allies go into hiding. After a government strike led by a special Garuda Force, Chandra defeats Nachiyappa in a climactic battle and goes underground, promising to return if needed.

In a mid-credits scene, a mysterious ninja-like Odiyan named Charlie eliminates the trafficking ring. A post-credits conversation hints at deeper supernatural forces as Chathan, a goblin, is questioned about an ancient cave expedition tied to his origins.

Cast

Cameo Appearances

Production

Lokah Chapter: 1 Chandra is the seventh production venture of Dulquer Salmaan's Wayfarer Films. [10] [11] It is intended as the beginning of a full-fledged Malayalam superhero cinematic universe titled Lokah, a project being mounted on a large scale with a possibility of multiple chapters. [10] Dulquer Salmaan aims to build an indigenous cinematic universe rooted in local culture, folklore, and mythology. [12] [13] Kalyani Priyadarshan and Naslen joined as the main cast. Kalyani had practiced martial arts for the film. [14]

The film is written and directed by Dominic Arun, known for Tharangam (2017). [15] Dominic Arun revealed that the idea for the film was discussed as early as 2020 and developed organically, emphasizing that creating a female superhero was not a deliberate attempt to break the mold. [15] Santhy Balachandran has contributed to the additional screenplay and dramaturgy. [15] [16] The technical crew includes Nimish Ravi as the cinematographer, [16] Chaman Chakko as the editor, [16] Jakes Bejoy for music, [16] Banglan as the production designer, [16] and Yannick Ben handling action choreography. [16] Melwy J. handled the costume design, collaborating with Archana Akhil Rao for specific sequences, including Kalyani Priyadarshan's looks. [15] Jom Varghese and Bibin Perumballi served as executive producers. [11] [10]

The film's pre-production began on 12 September 2024, [17] and the principal photography commencing with a muhurat pooja ceremony on the same day under a working title Production No: 7, marking Kalyani's first film with Naslen and her second feature with Dulquer Salmaan's production banner. [17] [18] The shooting for the film was completed by 30 January 2025. [19] Shooting lasted for 94 days. [20] The film's title Lokah – Chapter One: Chandra was unveiled on 8 June 2025, [21] with the cast including Chandu Salimkumar, Arun Kurian, Vijayaraghavan, Raghunath Paleri, Sarath Sabha, Nithya Shri, and Nishanth Sagar. [22]

Music

Lokah Chapter 1–Chandra
Soundtrack album by
Jakes Bejoy
ReleasedAugust, 2025
Genre Filmi
Length6 m 44s

The film's promo song, titled "Thani Lokah Murakkaari", sung by Jyoti Nooran of the Nooran Sisters in her Malayalam debut. The track, composed by Jakes Bejoy with rap portions by Reble, carries lyrics penned by writer-filmmaker Muhsin Parari, credited under his pseudonym "Mu.Ri". [23]

Track listing

Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra Original Soundtrack
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Thani Lokah Murakkaari"Mu.Ri Jyothi Nooran, Reble (Rap)3:53
2."Shoka Mookam" Vinayak Sasikumar Benny Dayal, Pranavam Sasi, J’mymah2:51
Total length:6:44

Controversy

Some dialogues by the character of Inspector Nachiyappa Gowda received outrage for negatively portraying the residents of Bangalore. The dialogue referred Bengaluru as the "the hub of parties and drugs" and equating women in the city to prostitutes. Later the production house Wayfarer Films issued an open apology for hurting the sentiments of the people. [24] [25] [26]

Release

Theatrical

The original Malayalam Lokah was released in theaters on 28 August 2025. [27] [28] It was also dubbed and released in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada. Sithara Entertainments distributed the film Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. AGS Entertainment distributed the film in Tamil Nadu, while Lighter Buddha Films distributed the film in Karnataka. Pen Studios acquired the distribution under Pen Marudhar Entertainment, in North India. [29]

Home media

Netflix has acquired the streaming rights for the film. [30]

Reception

Box office

Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra opened to ₹2.71 crore in Kerala and ₹6.66 crore worldwide. [31] [32] The film went on to collect ₹65 crore in its first four day weekend run worldwide. [33] [34] Within seven days of release, the film's worldwide gross crossed the ₹100 crore mark, [35] [36] [37] The film had grossed ₹270 crores globally till date, making it the highest grossing Malayalam film of all time, and one of the highest-grossing Indian films featuring a female lead. [5]

Critical response

Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra received generally positive reviews from critics and considered as blockbuster hit.

Anandu Suresh of The Indian Express gave 4/5 stars, noting that "What makes the Kalyani Priyadarshan and Naslen-starrer far better than other massive-budget fantasy spectacles is that its magnificence extends beyond visual brilliance to include impeccable writing". [38] Vivek Santhosh of The New Indian Express gave the film 3.5/5 stars stating that " A bold, imperfect but unforgettable step into Malayalam cinema's first mythic universe, where Kalyani Priyadarshan's Chandra embodies folklore, fire, and neon spectacle in a world still finding its full shape". [39] Manjusha Radhakrishnan of Gulf News rated 4/5 and wrote, "Superhero saga done right blending Indian folklore with Hollywood swagger." [40]

Roopa Radhakrishnan of The Times of India gave the film 3.5/5 stars and noted that while Lokah Chapter: 1 Chandra has its flaws, such as a slow start, overstretched feeling of cameos, and some jokes that don't land, its positives outweigh the negatives. The review praises the film for its commendable and ambitious world-building, strong cast performances, striking cinematography, and "is more about consistent world-building rather than instant payoffs." [41]

Swathi P. Ajith of Onmanorama praised Lokah Chapter: 1 Chandra for its "bold" visual design and "immersive" world-building, noting its unique blend of Kerala folklore and the modern-day superhero genre. While the review commended Kalyani Priyadarshan's physical performance, "her portrayal falters slightly" in her emotional range. The film was described as a "visual treat" with its bold colour scheme and a technically well-rendered design. However, it was also noted that the momentum dropped in the second half of the film. She wrote: "Lokah – Chapter One: Chandra may not rewrite the superhero rulebook, but it earns full marks for effort." [42]

Athira M of The Hindu noted that Lokah Chapter: 1 Chandra handles the superhero genre with expertise, praising its "catchy" cinematic quality, visual effects, production design, and background score. The review highlighted Kalyani Priyadarshan's performance as "the first female superhero of Malayalam cinema", stating she "steals the show" with her confidence and poise, while also commending the "well-structured flashback" and supporting cast. The review concluded that the film lays a solid foundation for a bigger cinematic universe and wrote: "The film is not without flaws, but they are minor ones that can be ignored." [43]

References

  1. ↑ "Lokah – Chapter One: Chandra' clears censor, set for grand Onam release..." onmanorama. 30 August 2025. Retrieved 30 August 2025.
  2. ↑ "CBFC | Search Film". cbfcindia.gov.in.
  3. ↑ "BBFC | BBFC". www.bbfc.co.uk.
  4. ↑ "Sanjay Gupta Calls Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra 'Best Indian Film In Years'". News 18. 1 September 2025. Retrieved 1 September 2025.
  5. 1 2 "'Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra' box office collection update: Becomes all-time no.1 Mollywood grosser worldwide beating 'Empuraan'". The Week . Retrieved 21 September 2025.
  6. ↑ "Will Mammootty return as Moothon in future Lokah films? Director Dominic Arun says it'll take 'lot more convincing'". Hindustan Times. 14 September 2025.
  7. ↑ "Lokah: Dulquer Salmaan as Odiyan, Tovino Thomas as Chathan officially join the universe. What are their superpowers?". The Economic Times. 14 September 2025.
  8. ↑ "Kathanar: Who is this formidable sorcerer played by Sunny Wayne in Lokah Chapter 1- Chandra?". OTTPlay.
  9. ↑ "Lokah's 2 post-credits scenes, star cameos in Kalyani Priyadarshan's film explained: Here's how the sequel is set up". Hindustan Times. 1 September 2025.
  10. 1 2 3 "Dulquer Salmaan launches superhero universe: Naslen-Kalyani Priyadarshan to lead 'Lokah – Chapter One: Chandra'; First look poster out". The Times of India. 8 June 2025. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  11. 1 2 "Dulquer Salmaan's Wayfarer Films Launches Malayalam Cinema's First Superhero Universe with 'Lokah: Chapter One – Chandra'". OnlookersMedia. 8 June 2025. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  12. ↑ "Dulquer Salmaan launches Malayalam cinema's first superhero universe with Lokah – Chapter One: Chandra". Bollywood Hungama. 8 June 2025. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  13. ↑ "'लोका – चैप्टर वन: चंद्रा' में सुपरहीरो अवतार में दिखेंगी कल्याणी प्रियदर्शन, पोस्टर देख फैंस में बढ़ी एक्साइटमेंट". NDTV. 8 June 2025. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  14. ↑ "ദുൽഖർ നിർമിക്കുന്ന ചിത്രത്തിനായി മാർഷ്യൽ ആർട്സ് അഭ്യസിച്ച് കല്യാണി പ്രിയദർശൻ". Mathrubhumi News. 11 April 2025. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  15. 1 2 3 4 "Dominic Arun on helming a female superhero film: Not a deliberate attempt to break the mould". The Times of India. 14 June 2025. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  16. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Naslen-Kalyani Priyadarshan film titled 'Lokah Chapter One: Chandra'". The New Indian Express. 8 June 2025. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  17. 1 2 "Dulquer Salmaan's Kalyani Priyadarshan and Naslen starrer goes on floors – See post". The Times of India. 12 September 2024. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  18. ↑ "Kalyani Priyadarshan and Naslen team up for new film". Cinema Express. 12 September 2024. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  19. ↑ "Kalyani Priyadarshan and Naslen's film wrapped up; here's latest update about Dulquer Salmaan-produced film". OTTPlay. 30 January 2025. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  20. ↑ "കല്യാണി പ്രിയദര്‍ശന് നായകൻ നസ്ലെൻ; ടൈറ്റിലും ഫസ്റ്റ് ലുക്കും എത്തി, പോസ്റ്റർ കണ്ട് ഞെട്ടി മലയാളികൾ". Asianet News. 7 June 2025. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  21. ↑ "Lokah – Chapter One Chandra: Kalyani Priyadarshan to star in Kerala's first superhero franchise". Mid-day. 8 June 2025. Retrieved 6 September 2025.
  22. ↑ ""Lokah – Chapter One: Chandra" Launches Malayalam Superhero Universe". The Hindu Press. 13 June 2025. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  23. ↑ "'Lokah – Chapter 1: Chandra': Kalyani Priyadarshan and Naslen headline Lokah – Chapter 1: Chandra Gets a Release Date Promo Song Out". Cinema Express. 20 August 2025. Retrieved 20 August 2025.
  24. ↑ "'Lokah' dialogue sparks controversy, Dulquer Salman issues an apology, and the film's success continues despite the row". The Times of India. ISSN   0971-8257 . Retrieved 2 September 2025.
  25. ↑ "Malayalam movie 'Lokah' faces Karnataka's ire: Dulquer Salman's Wayfarer Films issues apology, to remove "offensive dialogue"". The Hindu . 2 September 2025. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 2 September 2025.
  26. ↑ "Despite success, 'Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra' is in headlines for the wrong reasons; big trouble". India Forums. 2 September 2025. Retrieved 2 September 2025.
  27. ↑ "Lokah: Naslen & Kalyani Priyadarshan's fantasy thriller to clash with Mohanlal's Hridyapoorvam?". OTTPlay. 16 June 2025. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  28. ↑ "Malayalam's superhero universe, spearheaded by Dulquer's production house, features Kalyani in a never-before-seen avatar". Mathrubhumi News. 8 June 2025. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  29. ↑ "Lokah Chapter 1 Chandra Release Date is 28 August, Here is The List Distributor Partners of the Movie". Kerala TV. 22 August 2025. Retrieved 14 September 2025.
  30. ↑ "Lokah Chapter 1 maker Dominic Arun reveals timeline for the next film in franchise". OTTPlay. 12 September 2025. Retrieved 14 September 2025.
  31. ↑ "കോടികൾ പെട്ടിയിലാക്കി ലോക, പിന്നിലല്ല ലാലേട്ടനും... ഓണത്തല്ല് തിയേറ്ററുകളിൽ". ReporterNews.
  32. ↑ "Kerala Box Office 2025: 'Lokah' and 'Hridayapoorvam' break into top-5 opening days among Malayalam films". The Week. Retrieved 6 September 2025.
  33. ↑ "ഇനി മുന്നിൽ ആ രണ്ട് ഹിറ്റ് മോഹൻലാൽ സിനിമകൾ മാത്രം;ആദ്യ വീക്കെൻഡിൽ ഞെട്ടിപ്പിക്കുന്ന പ്രകടനവുമായി ലോക". Reporter (in Malayalam). Retrieved 6 September 2025.
  34. ↑ "Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra box office report: Film crosses 60 crore globally". www.business-standard.com.
  35. ↑ "Lokah box office collection Day 7". India Today. 4 September 2025. Retrieved 4 September 2025.
  36. ↑ "Lokah Chapter 1 box office collection Day 7". Hindustan Times. 4 September 2025. Retrieved 4 September 2025.
  37. ↑ "Lokah Chapter 1 Chandra box office collection Day 7". The Times of India. 4 September 2025. Retrieved 4 September 2025.
  38. ↑ "Lokah Chapter 1 Movie Review: Kalyani, Naslen deliver India's finest superhero film; what Brahmastra and Kalki 2898 AD should have been". The Indian Express. 29 August 2025. Retrieved 29 August 2025.
  39. ↑ Santhosh, Vivek (28 August 2025). "Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra Movie Review: A blazing reimagination of a home-grown world of myth". The New Indian Express . Retrieved 30 August 2025.Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg
  40. ↑ Radhakrishnan, Manjusha (1 September 2025). "From folklore to superpowers: Why Lokah Chapter 1 – Chandra is Malayalam cinema's boldest leap yet". Gulf News. Retrieved 6 September 2025.
  41. ↑ Radhakrishnan, Roopa (27 August 2025). "Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra Movie Review: A commendable superhero film with gradual payoff". The Times of India . Retrieved 3 September 2025.Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg
  42. ↑ P. Ajith, Swathi (28 August 2025). "'Lokah – Chapter One: Chandra' review: A bold visual treat with Kalyani Priyadarshan at the helm". Onmanorama . Retrieved 3 September 2025.
  43. ↑ M., Athira (29 August 2025). "'Lokah Chapter 1 : Chandra' review: Kalyani Priyadarshan steals the show in this unprecedented fantasy thriller". The Hindu . Retrieved 3 September 2025.
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