'Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra' Wins Acclaim From Bollywood Stars And Audiences

'Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra', Malayalam cinema’s first female-led superhero film, is earning widespread praise from audiences, critics, and prominent Bollywood celebrities. The film, which merges high-energy superhero action, marks a bold step forward for regional cinema and has sparked conversations about the evolution of Mollywood’s storytelling.

The film is written and directed by Dominic Arun and produced by actor-producer Dulquer Salmaan under the Wayfarer Films banner. Kalyani Priyadarshan plays Chandra, the protagonist, supported by a cast that includes Naslen, Sandy, Arun Kurian, and Chandu Salimkumar.

Bollywood actor Alia Bhatt lauded Kalyani Priyadarshan’s performance and the film’s unique narrative, describing it as a “fresh blend of folklore and mystery.” She expressed her excitement over its Hindi release in a social media post, writing, “So happy to see the love it's getting. This is a step in cinema that I will always be eager to support.”

Akshay Kumar also endorsed the film ahead of its Hindi version release, praising Priyadarshan’s acting and acknowledging her father, acclaimed filmmaker Priyadarshan. “Talent runs in the family... suna tha, ab dekh liya,” he wrote on social media. “Hearing lovely things about the brilliant acting chops of Kalyani Priyan. My best wishes to her and the entire team of 'Lokah'.”

Other Bollywood actors, including Ishaan Khatter, Rashmika Mandanna, and Sharvari, have also expressed admiration for the film, contributing to its growing recognition beyond regional boundaries.

The movie has been met with enthusiastic applause from audiences and critics, who have praised its cinematic scale, strong performances, and ambitious storytelling. With its box-office success and cultural resonance, 'Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra' is being celebrated as a landmark for Malayalam cinema, setting the stage for a larger superhero universe deeply rooted in Indian folklore.

The production’s technical achievements, including visual effects, world-building, and action choreography, have also drawn attention as a new benchmark for the industry. The film’s success is seen as a significant moment for Mollywood, which has long been recognised for its strong storytelling but rarely for large-scale superhero narratives.