Kotha Lokah: Chapter 1 - Chandra: A bold and ambitious entry into the superhero genre, Kotha Lokah is a first for Malayalam cinema - a female-led superhero saga. Directed by Dominic Arun and produced by Dulquer Salmaan’s Wayfarer Films, this Telugu-dubbed version of the Malayalam original, Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra, is a mix of Kerala folklore, modern superhero tropes and urban setting. Starring Kalyani Priyadarshan as Chandra, alongside Naslen, Sandy, and a bunch of talented actors, the film sets out to create a cinematic universe based on Indian mythology and deliver a visually stunning and emotionally engaging film.
The story is about Chandra, a mysterious woman with supernatural powers, who comes to Bengaluru from Sweden to lead a low profile life, working night shifts at a café. Her enigmatic presence draws the attention of her carefree neighbors - Sunny (Naslen), Venu (Chandu Salimkumar) and Naijil (Arun Kurian) - a trio of aimless young men whose lives take a dramatic turn when they discover her true identity. Meanwhile, an organ trafficking ring is plaguing the city and Inspector Nachiyappa Gowda (Sandy), a corrupt and misogynistic cop, is suspiciously obsessed with Chandra. The story unfolds as a darkly comic fantasy thriller, introducing a shadow world where myths and reality collide, setting the stage for a bigger cinematic universe.
Kalyani Priyadarshan is a powerhouse as Chandra; she has the perfect balance of strength, vulnerability and mystique. She brings to life a larger than life character and grounds her in relatable humanity, especially in the scenes that hint at her mystical past. Naslen is superb as Sunny; he steals the show with his impeccable comic timing and natural charm. Even the most mundane lines sound spontaneous and heartfelt. The chemistry between the three friends adds a layer of humor to the film and Sandy is chilling as the antagonist Nachiyappa Gowda is the perfect counter to Chandra’s heroism.
Director Dominic Arun deserves a thumbs up for his bold vision, he has created a world that is both fantastical and grounded. The film’s strength lies in its seamless blending of Kerala folklore with contemporary superhero elements; it avoids the mythological tropes that we see in other Indian fantasy films. The pre-interval sequence is outstanding for its narrative structure; it has action, emotion and a big reveal all mixed in perfectly. But the film is not without its flaws. The second half falters as the film tries to juggle multiple elements, a romantic subplot and cameos which sometimes feel overstretched. Some of the supporting characters, especially the antagonists are underdeveloped and some of the comedies in the first half don’t work and disrupt the flow of the film.
Technically, Kotha Lokah is a win. Nimish Ravi’s cinematography turns Bengaluru into a cyberpunk city, drenched in reds, blues and oranges that add to the mythological feel. Jakes Bejoy’s background score is good for the action and emotional beats but gets conventional at times. Yannick Ben’s action choreography is a highlight, and Chandra’s fight scenes are precise and intense, especially in a standout flashback sequence that shows her origin. Production design and VFX is top notch, rivaling international standards with a low budget, proving that vision and creativity can trump budget.
While the film prioritizes world building over immediate payoffs, it lays the foundation for the Wayfarer Cinematic Universe. The cameos and two post credits scenes are exciting for what’s to come. But the chapter based storytelling leaves some character arcs and motives unresolved, which might frustrate viewers looking for a self contained story. Chandra, as a superhero feels underdeveloped; she’s more focused on self preservation than saving others, which is a departure from traditional superhero expectations that might not sit well with all audiences.
Kotha Lokah: Chapter 1 - Chandra is a great step for Indian superhero cinema where culture meets style. It doesn’t break new ground and is based on familiar tropes, so if you are a superhero style fan, you will be disappointed. But the heart, technicalities and performances are good enough to watch. The film’s ability to create a world on a low budget is a testimony to Malayalam cinema’s ability to experiment. For mythology, action and human driven stories, this is a theatrical experience that gives you more than enough to buy a ticket. With a promise of a bigger universe, Kotha Lokah leaves you wanting more of the next chapter.