Lokha, nahi dekha ??

Lokah,nahi dekha ?? : My quick take on awesome Malyalam Movie “Lokah - Chapter I Chandra” (Theatrical release)

Way back in the 80s, the Malayalam industry gave us Chota Chetan—a cinematic sparkler that brought 3D to India long before anyone else even knew what 3D meant. It was our first rendezvous with Kuttichetans, those mischievous folklore sprites, and a bold leap into pan-India imagination. Fast forward four decades, and the industry has dusted off its folklore spellbook once again, this time conjuring Yakshinis and nocturnal supernatural beings in the world of Lokah - basically saying, “We learned our lesson, and now we’re back to haunt you in style.”

It’s genuinely heartwarming to see filmmakers tackle the superhero genre on a budget that would barely buy a decent VFX chair in Hollywood. Instead of a dumb War 2 , they’ve made ten Lokahs with the same coin. Hats off, and then some.

Once again, Malayalam cinema proves it’s the overachieving cousin in the Indian film family, translating imaginative plots to celluloid with more flair than Bollywood could muster even on its best day. In the fantasy genre, other industries are still fumbling for the “any key” while Malayalam filmmakers have already coded the entire matrix.

Chandra is a must-watch—whether you love superhero sagas or not—because skipping it would be like ignoring the first draft of history in the making. Kalyani Priyadarshan smashes stereotypes and expectations in equal measure. Bollywood might have rolled its eyes and labeled her a “nepo kid” (yes, she’s Priyadarshan’s daughter), but here she proves she’s more chip off the creative block than mere family inheritance.

Sure, the plot sometimes waddles along like a distracted puppy, and yes, the storyline has the occasional “been there, seen that” vibe. But let’s be honest—superhero movies aren’t about Shakespearean brilliance—they’re about flying punches and fantastical chaos. VFX and CGI may look modest, but given the shoestring budget, it’s a paisa-vasool magic trick that would make a Wall Street banker weep with envy.

And the cameos? Surprise appearances by big stars—not just window dressing, but hints that future Lokha chapters will be absolutely zakhass. Dulquer, Tovino, Mammootty—if this is just a warm-up, the next rounds are guaranteed to blow your popcorn away.

The Lokah Universe isn’t just a film; it’s a potential Indian answer to the DCU and MCU. With folklore-infused powers, jaw-dropping world-building, and a protagonist who kicks ass while looking effortlessly cool, it’s clear that Malayalam cinema isn’t playing catch-up—it’s running laps around the rest of the desi industries.

In short, Lokah: Chandra I ,isn’t just a film; it’s the birth of an Indian folklore superhero universe—with witty, scary, and zakhass storytelling, memorable performances, and a roadmap that promises bigger, bolder adventures. Skip it only if you enjoy missing history in the making.