Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra review: A successfully launched first ever Indian mythological superheroine with an untapped potential
Opening: Setting the stage
Malayalam cinema has always dared to push boundaries, and with Lokah: Chapter 1, it attempts something Indian cinema has rarely explored, an original female superheroine rooted in mythology. The film begins with a chauvinistic policeman who dismisses women as “sluts” and insists they should remain at home. This opening teases a feminist conflict, one that promises a bold, fresh take on the superhero genre.
Yekshi reimagined
The heart of the story is the rise of a mysterious woman with superpowers. Some call her “Yekshi,” others “Goddess.” In traditional Malayalam folklore, a Yekshi is considered a demon. But here, she is recast as a superheroine.
This shift resonates historically: many women once condemned as witches and burned alive were later revealed to be victims of patriarchal power, punished for rejecting advances or questioning injustice. By portraying Neeli as both demon and goddess, the film cleverly introduces a feminist arc.
The missed arc of feminism
The setup is grand, but the film doesn’t follow through. The feminist themes remain underdeveloped, leaving viewers with the sense of an incomplete arc. The potential for a strong ideological clash, between a feminist superheroine and a chauvinistic supervillain, never fully materialises. Such a showdown could have elevated the film without altering the core story.
Narrative and mythological elements
Despite the thematic gaps, the narrative remains gripping. True to Malayalam cinema’s style, the film is layered, slow-burning, and peppered with progressive undertones. The introduction of beloved actors as Kerala’s mythological gods adds both surprise and charm, enriching the fantasy world.
Visual style and symbolism
The film’s visual language is striking. The recurring blue-and-red color palette creates a heightened, almost otherworldly atmosphere, evoking a real superhuman world while giving the action sequences an anime-like dynamism. These moments are executed with near perfection.
One standout example is a farewell scene where the lighting isolates Sunny (Naslen K. Gafoor) in a glow. For Chandra, a night-dweller trapped in darkness, this touch suggests that Sunny represents the only light in her otherwise shadowed life.
Music: The film’s strength
The music is a triumph. The background score and songs perfectly complement the visuals, amplifying the intensity of every scene. The sound design stands out as one of the film’s strongest assets,an absolute feast for the ears.
Weaknesses: Pacing and predictability
At times, however, the film suffers from predictability. Some revelation scenes about Kalliyankattu Neeli feel stretched and lose their intended adrenaline punch. With sharper editing and stronger buildup, these moments could have been much more impactful.
Casting and performance
Kalyani Priyadarshini, though a capable actor, falls short of fully embodying India’s first direct female superhero. Neeli is a character who has lived for centuries, carrying the weight of pain and wisdom. Priyadarshini often conveys a blank face where restrained maturity was needed.
For comparison, Blake Lively in The Age of Adaline and Gal Gadot in Wonder Woman both portrayed immortal women with emotional depth and restraint, never blankness. Here, that nuance is missing.
Personally, Vincy Aloshious (fiery and elegant in Rekha) or Anna Ben (who displayed warrior grit in Kalki 2998 AD) could have brought more dimension to the role.
Takeaway
Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra review: It is an ambitious attempt—mythology meets feminism in a superhero narrative. While its feminist arc remains underdeveloped and the central performance lacks depth, the gripping narrative, mythological reinventions, and outstanding music make it a noteworthy cinematic step.
It may not be the complete feminist superhero tale audiences hoped for, but it marks an important milestone: Malayalam cinema once again proves it leads the way in originality and daring imagination.
Rating: 3/5
