Exploring the Success of Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra - A New Era of Malayalam Superheroes

Introduction to Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra

Warning: Spoilers for Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra ahead

What exactly is Lokah? Is it a bird, a plane, or perhaps a new superhero? The Malayalam film Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra, directed by Dominic Arun, marks the beginning of a superhero saga aimed at combating evil. The term “lokah” translates to universe.

Produced by Dulquer Salmaan’s Wayfarer Films, Chandra introduces audiences to its central character, the young heroine, along with her future allies, adversaries, and other league members. The cast features Kalyani Priyadarshan as Chandra and Naslen as Sunny, who develops feelings for her.

Supporting roles include Arun Kurian and Chandu Salimkumar as Sunny’s friends, while Sandy portrays Nachiyappa, a corrupt police inspector who encounters Chandra. Tovino Thomas, Dulquer Salmaan, and Sunny Wayne also join as Chandra’s companions.

Since its release on August 28 in Kerala and other regions with English subtitles, this supernatural fantasy adventure has gained immense popularity. Chandra is celebrated as another testament to Malayalam cinema's ability to deliver engaging narratives with well-defined characters and progressive themes.

Dominic Arun co-wrote Lokah with actor Santhy Balachandran, who also makes a cameo in the film. The screenplay adheres to genre norms while also challenging them, contributing to Lokah’s success.

Let’s delve into the elements that have propelled Lokah to fame.

1. A Strong and Independent Heroine

Prior to its release, Chandra was promoted as the first female superhero from Kerala. She showcases her abilities and combat skills, demonstrating her independence and capability to fend for herself.

In a humorous twist, Sunny admits he thought he would be rescuing Chandra, only to witness her effortlessly handle the situation. When he learns her true identity, he faints, flipping the traditional gender roles often seen in such narratives.

Chandra is portrayed as a solitary figure, a mysterious newcomer in Bengaluru who dresses in Goth style, works night shifts, and avoids social interactions.

Similar to the ghost in Amar Kaushik’s Stree (2018), Chandra initially appears as an elusive love interest for Sunny, captivating due to her enigmatic nature. However, she possesses a rich backstory that adds depth to her character.

2. A Compelling Origin Story

The film’s approach to subverting genre expectations extends beyond Chandra. Like many Indian superhero films, Lokah draws from local folklore, monster legends, and mystical traditions. What sets Lokah apart is how it modernizes these folk tales to craft Chandra’s origin.

Chandra embodies a vengeful spirit whose strength stems from historical oppression. She channels her formidable powers for good, as seen when she protects a woman from an acid attack.

Her companions are also reimagined; for instance, Tovino Thomas’s character, Chathan, is not a grotesque creature but a charming magician, while Salmaan portrays the ninja Charlie.

3. Subversive Political Themes

Chandra acquires her powers through mutations caused by an unidentified virus found in caves and forests. A central theme of the film explores the intersection of divinity and nature, granting certain individuals enhanced abilities.

Her powers can only be transferred to those with “pure bodies.” The morally ambiguous Nachiyappa, a non-drinker and vegetarian, inadvertently gains these abilities, contrasting with the good-hearted but often drinking Sunny – a clever commentary on dietary restrictions.

The film clearly delineates who holds power in society. Chandra, along with Sunny and his friends, is labeled a public enemy, as a government team with ulterior motives fabricates charges against them.

The narrative aligns with the carefree, fun-loving youth, who face suspicion from figures like Nachiyappa. In a telling moment, Nachiyappa attempts to frame Sunny’s friends, revealing his misogynistic tendencies and reinforcing the film’s feminist message.

4. Effective Universe-Building

Chandra’s journey in Bengaluru, her interactions with Sunny and his friends, her clash with Nachiyappa, and her discovery of her true identity follow a classic superhero narrative structure, yet it is localized.

At pivotal moments, Arun and co-writer Balachandran introduce elements that hint at future franchise expansions, including glimpses of Chandra’s colleagues and their potential roles in upcoming films. Characters played by Soubin Shahir, Ahaana Krishna, Balu Varghese, and Vijay Menon are teased for future installments.

Additionally, the film features two post-credit scenes, one of which appears at the very end of the 149-minute runtime, hinting at a character's return in future narratives.

5. An Entertaining Experience

Despite its serious themes, Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra is an enjoyable watch. Dominic Arun maintains a brisk pace, seamlessly transitioning between present events and flashbacks.

The film tailors its socially aware themes to resonate with millennial and Gen Z viewers. Sunny and his friends provide comic relief, with Naslen perfectly capturing Sunny’s innocent charm and his infatuation with Chandra.

Sandy also stands out as the despicable Nachiyappa, while cameos from Tovino Thomas and Dulquer Salmaan add excitement, enhancing the film’s entertainment value.

Lokah successfully meets its ambitious objectives without over-relying on visual effects, instead leveraging a strong premise and well-developed characters to establish a cinematic universe with the potential for further exploration.