Written by: Siddhartha Krishnan | 2 Min Read
Finally, a film that restores faith in the magic of cinema and the art of storytelling. Lokah proves you don’t need an extravagant budget to create a visionary film—passion is enough to drive creativity, and sheer audacity.
Several moments left me wondering: How did they shoot this? How did they even think of this? Especially, some of the transitions! For the first time in a long while, I walked out of a theatre with a genuine smile.
At its heart, Lokah is powered by strong writing—something Malayalam cinema is consistently excelling at. Though described as a “female superhero film,” it is far more ambitious: an entire universe has been conceived, with its characters, its world, its politics and the arcs of how it may all unfold. Nothing feels improvised; it feels as though every beat was already on paper. That’s the mark of great storytelling and intelligent screenwriting.
The performances add to this conviction. Not once do the actors veer into the over-the-top theatrics that superhero films often invite. Kalyani Priyadarshan, in the titular role, completely owns her part, grounding the story with both power and restraint.
Yes, the film has its flaws. The first half moves at a slightly measured pace as the makers take time to set up the world and its players. Yet sharp, well-written comedic moments keep the audience engaged, nudging them towards an interval that immerses you fully into the universe of Lokah.
Rooted in Kerala’s folklore and myths yet reimagined with modern conviction, Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra delivers a fresh, powerful, and deeply satisfying cinematic experience. Kudos to the makers for daring—and succeeding.
Go watch Lokah in a theatre next to you.
IMDb rating: 8.2/10
My rating: 4/5
Pic credit: Wayfarer Films
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About the author:
Siddhartha Krishnan is the author of ‘Two and a Half Rainbows – A Collection of Short Stories’. An enthusiastic blogger he shares his articles, essays, travelogues, book and movie reviews on his blog (www.whatsonsidsmind.com).
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