Kotha Lokah – Chapter 1: Chandra Movie Review – A Bold Start to a Superhero Universe
Release Date: August 29, 2025
Cast: Kalyani Priyadarshan, Naslen, Chandu Salimkumar, Nishanth Sagar, Raghunath Paleri, Vijayaraghavan, Nithya Shri & others
Director: Dominic Arun
Producer: Dulquer Salmaan
Music: Jake Bejoy
Cinematography: Nimish Ravi
Editing: Chaan Chakko
Story:
Chandra, also known as Neeli (Kalyani Priyadarshan), is an immortal with hidden strengths and vulnerabilities. Narrowly escaping her pursuers, she relocates to Bengaluru to lead a quiet life, guided by the mysterious Moothon (voice of Mammootty). There, her neighbor Sunny (Naslen) befriends her, but when he discovers her real identity, fear and doubt creep in. Meanwhile, Inspector Nachiyappa Gowda (Sandy Master) begins to suspect her. Who is Chandra really? What secrets from her past threaten her present? The answers unfold in Kotha Lokah – Chapter 1: Chandra.
Plus Points:
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Female-led superhero film: A rare feat in Indian cinema, with Kalyani Priyadarshan’s performance standing tall.
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Folklore + superhero fusion: Kerala legends meet modern superhero storytelling.
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Strong world-building: Instead of rushing into clichés, the film sets up a cinematic universe.
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Technical brilliance: Jakes Bejoy’s thumping score, Nimish Ravi’s stunning visuals, effective CGI, and polished production values.
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Standout moments: The pre-interval block, action sequences, and crowd-pleasing cameos (especially Tovino Thomas).
Minus Points:
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Underdeveloped emotions: The Chandra–Sunny bond loses weight in the second half.
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Weak antagonist: Nachiyappa Gowda doesn’t feel menacing enough.
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Pacing dips: Screenplay slows post-interval due to heavy universe-building.
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Too many side characters: Some remain shallow, leaving narrative gaps.
Technical Aspects:
Director Dominic Arun deserves praise for ambition and vision, though sharper writing was needed. Technically, the film excels in sound, visuals, CGI, and dubbing, but editing could have been tighter.
Verdict:
Kotha Lokah – Chapter 1: Chandra is a bold and ambitious start to a new superhero cinematic universe. Powered by Kalyani Priyadarshan’s strong performance, superb visuals, and rooted in Kerala folklore, it brings something fresh to Indian cinema. Despite pacing issues and a weak villain, this female-led superhero film is a must-watch for its novelty and vision.
Rating: 3.25/5
Watch it for the beginning of an exciting new universe.
