Lokah: Chapter 1 - Chandra

Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra is a bold and refreshing entry into the Indian superhero genre, blending folklore, fantasy, and social realism with surprising finesse. Directed by Dominic Arun and produced by Dulquer Salmaan under the Wayfarer Cinemas banner, the film introduces audiences to Chandra, a mysterious woman with supernatural powers, played with quiet intensity by Kalyani Priyadarshan.

Set in Bengaluru, the story begins with Chandra arriving from Sweden and taking up a night shift at a café. Her interactions with Sunny (Naslen) and his group of friends slowly unravel her enigmatic past. But beneath her calm exterior lies Kalliyankattu Neeli, a yakshi from Kerala folklore—reimagined here as a vigilante force against a sinister organ trafficking ring. This fusion of myth and modernity is one of the film’s strongest assets.

Kalyani delivers a compelling performance, balancing vulnerability and power with grace. The supporting cast, including Naslen and a chilling antagonist, add texture to the narrative. Dominic Arun’s direction is stylish and assured, with slick cinematography and a haunting score that elevate the film’s atmosphere.

What sets Lokah apart is its world-building. It’s not just a superhero origin story—it’s the foundation of the Wayfarer Cinematic Universe (WCU), promising interconnected tales rooted in Indian mythology. The film’s pacing occasionally falters, and some exposition feels heavy-handed, but its ambition and originality more than compensate.