Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra (2025) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 8 May 2026
Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra (2025) Review
Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra (2025) — a Malayalam action, fantasy film directed by Dominic Arun. Starring Kalyani Priyadarshan, Naslen K. Gafoor, Sandy. The story follows Chandra , a mysterious, goth-influenced woman who has just moved to Bangalore and begins working night shifts at a café. Across the road from her apartment live Sunny and Venu, two aimless bachelors. Sunny becomes infatuated with Chandra, observing her odd routines, strange visitor... Our Rating: 3.5/5. Verdict: SUPER HIT. Released: 28 Aug 2025. Runtime: 2h 31m.


Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra(2025)
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
📖 Story
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
Strengths
- ✓Strong character development and performances
- ✓Thoughtful and layered screenplay
- ✓Visually appealing cinematography
- ✓Effective music and background score
Weaknesses
- ✕Slow pacing in the first half
- ✕Nonlinear narrative may challenge some viewers
🎬 Direction & Writing
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.
- - Cinematography by Nimish Ravi
- - Music and background score by Jakes Bejoy
- - Editing that supports the film’s pacing
- - Production design that enhances the film’s mood
📰 Ratings Sources
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 3.75 / 5 | |
| 3.50 / 5 | |
| 3.75 / 5 | |
| 3.50 / 5 |
Our Rating
💰 Box Office Collection
No collection data available yet.
🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards
No centers data available.
No awards data available.
😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 65% |
| Neutral | 25% |
| Negative | 10% |
Critics
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
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra release in theatres?▾
Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra released on 28 August 2025 (2025).
Is Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra a hit or flop?▾
Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra is declared a SUPER HIT at the box office.
Where to watch Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra online? OTT release date?▾
Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra is available on TBA from 30 October 2025.
Who directed Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra?▾
Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra directed by Dominic Arun. Produced by Dulquer Salmaan.
Who are the main cast members of Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra?▾
Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra stars Kalyani Priyadarshan, Naslen K. Gafoor, Sandy, Chandu Salimkumar, Arun Kurian.
What is the Tollybo rating for Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra?▾
Tollybo rates Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra 3.5/5. Verdict: SUPER HIT.
Who composed the music for Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra?▾
Music for Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra composed by Jakes Bejoy.
What is the genre and runtime of Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra?▾
Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra — Genre: Action, Fantasy, Runtime: 151 minutes, Language: Malayalam.
