Last updated: 8 May 2026


They live among us
Malayalam · Action, Fantasy
2h 31m · 28 Aug 2025
Music: Jakes Bejoy | DOP: Nimish Ravi | Writer: Dominic Arun, Santhy Balachandran
Ratings
Our Rating
3.5
Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra is a Malayalam-language film that explores the emotional and psychological journey of its protagonist, Chandra, set against a backdrop of contemporary societal challenges. The narrative delves into themes of identity, relationships, and self-discovery, weaving a story that balances personal drama with broader social commentary. The screenplay unfolds through a nonlinear structure, gradually revealing the complexities of the characters and their intertwined destinies.
Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra impresses with its nuanced storytelling and strong character development. The screenplay by Dominic Arun is layered, offering a thoughtful exploration of human emotions without resorting to melodrama. The pacing is deliberate, with the first half setting up the emotional stakes and the second half delivering a satisfying, introspective resolution.
The film's cinematography by Nimish Ravi is visually striking, capturing the mood and tone of the narrative with a keen eye for detail. Jakes Bejoy’s music and background score complement the film’s atmosphere effectively, enhancing the emotional depth without overpowering the scenes. The songs are well-placed, blending seamlessly into the narrative and adding to the film’s contemplative mood.
While the film maintains a steady rhythm, some viewers might find the pacing slow, especially in the first half, which focuses heavily on character exposition. However, the payoff in the latter half justifies this approach, making the overall experience rewarding for audiences who appreciate character-driven cinema.
Kalyani Priyadarshan: Delivering a nuanced and emotionally resonant performance, Kalyani anchors the film with her portrayal of Chandra’s inner turmoil.
Naslen K. Gafoor: Naslen brings authenticity and subtlety to his role, providing a strong supporting presence that complements the lead.
Sandy: Sandy’s performance adds layers to the narrative, effectively portraying complex emotional states.
Chandu Salimkumar: Chandu offers a grounded and convincing portrayal, contributing to the film’s realistic tone.
Arun Kurian: Arun delivers a restrained and impactful performance, enhancing the film’s dramatic weight.
Vijayaraghavan: Vijayaraghavan provides a seasoned and compelling presence, enriching the film’s generational dynamics.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Dominic Arun’s direction is assured and sensitive, balancing the film’s emotional depth with a restrained narrative style. His writing reflects a mature understanding of character psychology and social context, making the film both intimate and relevant.
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 3.75 / 5 | |
| 3.50 / 5 | |
| 3.75 / 5 | |
| 3.50 / 5 |
Our Rating
No collection data available yet.
No centers data available.
No awards data available.
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 65% |
| Neutral | 25% |
| Negative | 10% |
Critics have generally praised Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra for its strong performances, particularly by Kalyani Priyadarshan, and its thoughtful screenplay. The film’s visual style and music have also been highlighted as key strengths. Some reviews noted the slow pacing in the first half but agreed that the film’s emotional payoff and narrative depth make it a worthwhile watch.
Final Box-Office Result
Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra released on 28 August 2025 (2025).
Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra is declared a SUPER HIT at the box office.
Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra is available on TBA from 30 October 2025.
Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra directed by Dominic Arun. Produced by Dulquer Salmaan.
Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra stars Kalyani Priyadarshan, Naslen K. Gafoor, Sandy, Chandu Salimkumar, Arun Kurian.
Tollybo rates Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra 3.5/5. Verdict: SUPER HIT.
Music for Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra composed by Jakes Bejoy.
Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra — Genre: Action, Fantasy, Runtime: 151 minutes, Language: Malayalam.