Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra (2025) – Malayalam’s First Female

On August 28, 2025, Malayalam cinema witnessed a pathbreaking moment with the release of Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra, a female-led superhero saga that marks the ambitious beginning of the Wayfarer Cinematic Universe (WCU). Directed by Dominic Arun and produced by Dulquer Salmaan under Wayfarer Films, the movie blends Kerala’s folklore, superhero tropes, and cinematic spectacle in a way never seen before in regional cinema. With Kalyani Priyadarshan stepping into the role of Malayalam cinema’s first female superhero, and Naslen K. Gafoor adding humor and heart, Lokah is all set to redefine the superhero genre in Indian cinema.

A Unique Mythical and Modern Narrative

Lokah Chapter 1 introduces Chandra (Kalyani Priyadarshan), a young woman navigating personal struggles while awakening to her supernatural powers. The narrative unfolds across dual timelines, interweaving a modern-day city backdrop with ancient legends of Kerala, resulting in a story that feels both contemporary and rooted in tradition.

The teaser, released on July 28, 2025, teased a dystopian setup where Chandra battles armed forces in stylized action sequences. Guided by a mysterious mentor, her transformation into a superhero becomes the central arc of the film. Alongside her, Sunny (Naslen K. Gafoor) plays the unsuspecting friend who accidentally discovers her secret. His comic timing provides balance to the film’s darker undertones, offering audiences both thrills and laughs.

By blending action, fantasy, folklore, and emotional depth, Lokah Chapter 1 positions itself as more than a superhero film—it is also a story of destiny, courage, and cultural pride.

Stellar Cast and Crew

The film is backed by a powerhouse cast and an equally skilled technical crew:

Kalyani Priyadarshan as Chandra – Trained in martial arts for the role, she delivers a fierce yet emotional performance as Malayalam’s first female superhero.
Naslen K. Gafoor as Sunny – The comic relief who complements the story’s intensity.
Supporting Cast – Arun Kurian, Chandu Salim Kumar, and Shanti Balachandran add depth, while rumored cameos from Dulquer Salmaan and Tovino Thomas fuel fan theories.
Director Dominic Arun – Known for Tharangam (2017), he blends folklore with a global superhero aesthetic.
Writers Dominic Arun and Santhy Balachandran – Deliver a culturally resonant script.
Cinematography by Nimish Ravi – With striking visuals dominated by red, navy blue, and cosmic elements.
Music by Jakes Bejoy – The background score and the promo song Thani Lokah Murakkaari (sung by Jyoti Nooran) elevate the intensity.
Action Choreography by Yannick Ben – Brings international-quality fight sequences to the film.
Editing by Chaman Chakko, along with costume design by Melwy J. and Archana Akhil Rao, ensure technical finesse.

Production and Release

Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra is the seventh production under Wayfarer Films. The movie’s principal photography began on September 12, 2024, and wrapped on January 30, 2025, after 94 days of shooting.

Released strategically during Onam 2025, the film aimed for both cultural relevance and commercial impact. It was launched in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi, making it a pan-Indian release. Lokah also achieved the widest Onam release ever, dominating theaters across Kerala and major national markets such as Mumbai, Delhi NCR, and Kozhikode, along with select international screens.

The promotional campaign created massive anticipation. A poster showing Naslen, Chandu Salimkumar, and Arun Kurian fleeing a street while a silhouetted superhero appears on the rooftop instantly went viral.

Why Lokah Chapter 1 Stands Out

First Female-Led Superhero in Malayalam Cinema – Kalyani’s portrayal of Chandra is groundbreaking, offering a refreshing alternative to male-dominated superhero narratives.
Cultural Depth – Instead of copying Hollywood’s formula, Lokah draws inspiration from Kerala’s myths and folklore, making it authentic and relatable.
Technical Brilliance – Nimish Ravi’s visuals, Jakes Bejoy’s score, and Yannick Ben’s stunt choreography ensure an international-level cinematic experience.
Foundation for a Cinematic Universe – Lokah is not a standalone story but the first chapter in the Wayfarer Cinematic Universe, setting up sequels and spin-offs. Fans are already speculating about Lokah Chapter 2 based on post-credit hints.

Where to Watch

In Theaters – Now showing across Kerala, Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Kozhikode, Kochi, and international markets like Cineworld (UK) and Fandango (US).
Languages – Available in Malayalam (original) along with Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi dubbed versions.
OTT Release – Expected within 2–3 months post-theatrical run on a major platform, likely Disney+ Hotstar or Netflix.
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Conclusion

Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra (2025) is not just another superhero film—it’s a milestone in Indian cinema. With Kalyani Priyadarshan’s powerful performance, Naslen’s comic charm, and Dominic Arun’s visionary direction, the film blends mythology, modern action, and cinematic spectacle into a truly immersive experience.

By being the first female-led Malayalam superhero film and the beginning of the Wayfarer Cinematic Universe, Lokah paves the way for bigger stories, sequels, and a cultural revolution in regional cinema. Whether you’re a fan of superhero films, folklore, or innovative storytelling, this is a movie that demands to be watched on the big screen.

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