Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra has landed in theaters, and it’s already sparking conversations across audiences and critics alike. Touted as one of the most ambitious Malayalam films in recent years, the movie is receiving generally positive reviews for its technical brilliance, world-building, and standout performances. At the same time, some reviewers have pointed out issues with its script and pacing.
Top Media Ratings
- The Indian Express: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
- The Times of India: ⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5/5)
- The Week: Positive Review
- 123telugu: ⭐⭐⭐¼ (3.25/5)
- Koimoi: Positive Review (no rating, but praised technical aspects)
- India Today: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
- Gulte: ⭐⭐¾ (2.75/5)
What Critics and Audiences Loved
🌌 World-Building Rooted in Folklore
One of the most celebrated aspects of Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra is its rich cinematic universe inspired by Kerala’s folklore and mythology. Critics like Baradwaj Rangan praised the bold attempt to weave tradition into a modern superhero narrative, calling it a refreshing step forward for Mollywood.
🎥 Technical Brilliance
From the cinematography by Nimish Ravi to the high-quality VFX, the film punches well above its reported modest budget. Many reviewers compared its visuals favorably with big-budget Indian blockbusters.
🌟 Stellar Performances
- Kalyani Priyadarshan delivers a career-defining performance as Chandra, impressing in both intense action and emotional moments.
- Naslen provides much-needed charm and comic timing, earning warm praise from fans.
🎶 Music and Score
Jakes Bejoy’s background score is singled out for its intensity, especially during action scenes. Many viewers felt the music elevated the emotional weight of the story.
🔥 Interval Block and Cameos
The interval twist has been widely called “goosebump-inducing,” with several critics noting that the first half of the movie is near-perfect.
Additionally, cameos from Mollywood stars Tovino Thomas and Dulquer Salmaan created huge excitement, teasing a potential larger cinematic universe.
Where the Film Fell Short
📜 Thin Script and Plot
Multiple reviews (Koimoi, India Today) note that the central story feels “wafer-thin” and more like a character introduction exercise than a complete standalone film.
🕒 Pacing Issues
While the first half shines, the second half dips slightly in pace. The sheer number of new characters and subplots makes it feel rushed and overcrowded.
😈 Weak Antagonist
Inspector Nachiyappa Gowda is interesting on paper, but many felt the character lacked true menace to stand as a formidable rival for a superhero origin story.
💬 Dialogue and Comedy
Some dialogues and comedic stretches didn’t land effectively, especially in the first half.
Final Verdict
Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra is a bold and commendable step forward for Malayalam cinema, particularly in the superhero and fantasy genres. While it suffers from a thin script and pacing hiccups, the film’s technical mastery, ambitious world-building, and strong lead performances make it a highly engaging watch.
If this is only Chapter 1, then audiences can expect bigger and better things in the sequels.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5 overall)
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