Ever since the COVID-19 lockdown, cinephiles across India have discovered the brilliance of Malayalam cinema. Known for its grounded storytelling, realistic characters, and masterful filmmaking, Mollywood has been going through a golden phase of content-driven hits. Now, the industry takes a giant leap with its own superhero universe, the Wayfarer Cinematic Universe, produced by Dulquer Salmaan. The first instalment, Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra, directed by Dominic Arun, stars Kalyani Priyadarshan and Naslen, supported by Chandu Salimkumar, Arun Kurian, and Sandy Master. With promises of a female-led superhero story that remains relatable to Malayali audiences, the hype has been high. Does it live up to expectations?
The story follows Chandra (Kalyani Priyadarshan), who moves into an apartment in Bangalore across from Sunny (Naslen) and his friends Venu (Chandu Salimkumar) and Naijil (Arun Kurian). Their lives take a dangerous turn when they cross paths with an organ-trafficking gang led by Inspector Nachiyappa Gowda (Sandy). As trouble looms large, Chandra must harness her special abilities to protect herself and the youngsters, setting the stage for an action-packed and emotionally engaging superhero drama. From the very beginning, the film grabs attention. The first half is engaging and crisp, balancing edge-of-the-seat thrills with laugh-out-loud humour. The character introductions feel organic, and the interval block is brilliantly staged, leaving viewers craving more. The second half carries forward the same energy, though it slows down momentarily in the middle. However, the film builds up to a fantastic climax that rewards patience with a satisfying payoff. Writers Dominic Arun and Santhy Balachandran deserve immense praise for crafting a screenplay that seamlessly blends supernatural elements, humour, and thrills, while still feeling rooted and relatable to Malayali audiences. Writing a superhero story in an industry that thrives on realism is no small feat, but the duo pulls it off with intelligence and conviction.
Director Dominic Arun proves himself to be one of the most exciting new voices in Malayalam cinema. Taking on such an ambitious project and delivering it with clarity and vision is no easy task, yet he does it with style. His ability to balance a superhero narrative with the authentic sensibilities of Malayalam cinema is what makes Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra stand out. With this film, Arun not only delivers a winner but also sets a strong foundation for what could be a spectacular cinematic universe in the years to come. Credit must also go to Dulquer Salmaan, who has showcased his acting prowess across industries, and now he delivers a winner as a producer. By backing such an ambitious project, Dulquer showcases his bold vision of taking Malayalam cinema to the next level. His conviction in creating a homegrown superhero franchise is commendable, and the success of this film will only cement his legacy further as a game-changer for Mollywood.
Kalyani Priyadarshan is simply outstanding as Chandra. She brings immense screen presence, portraying the character’s mysterious, emotionally guarded nature with conviction, while also excelling in action sequences with sheer panache. This is easily one of her finest performances to date. Naslen, riding high after Premalu and Alappuzha Gymkhana, proves once again why he is one of the most promising young actors in the industry. His comic timing is impeccable, and he seamlessly transitions into emotional beats when required. Chandu Salimkumar and Arun Kurian add excellent comic relief and provide strong support to the leads. Sandy, known primarily as a choreographer, continues his successful transition into acting. After his short and chilling performance in Leo, he shines once again as the menacing antagonist here, making for a solid counterweight to Kalyani.
Technically, Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra is nothing short of spectacular. Nimish Ravi’s cinematography delivers breathtaking visuals, blending natural frames with slick VFX to elevate the larger-than-life sequences. Chaman Chakko’s editing is seamless, ensuring smooth transitions and maintaining an engaging narrative. Jakes Bejoy, yet again, shows why he is one of the most sought-after music directors, finding success across industries. His music perfectly complements the tone of the film, while his background score amplifies the tension, humour, and action in equal measure, adding to the grandeur of the cinematic experience.
Overall, Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra is a trailblazing attempt that delivers on its promise of being a superhero film rooted in Malayalam sensibilities. With a strong screenplay, fantastic performances, a visionary director, producer and top-notch technical work, the film becomes more than just an entertainer; it is a possible milestone moment for Mollywood. For fans of Malayalam cinema, this Onam feels special, as Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra not only dominates the box office with strong word of mouth but also leaves audiences excited for the future of the Wayfarer Cinematic Universe.
Rating: 4.5/5