Introduction

Kotha Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra marks a milestone for Malayalam cinema as it launches India’s first female-led superhero cinematic universe.

Set between folklore and cyberpunk Bengaluru, it crafts an ambitious blend of mythology, mystery, and contemporary drama that has captured the audience’s imagination since its release on August 28, 2025.

Release Details

The film released theatrically across India on August 28, 2025, timed with the Onam festival. Directed by Dominic Arun and produced by Dulquer Salmaan under Wayfarer Films, it is presented in multiple languages—Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, and Hindi.

With an approximate runtime of 149 minutes and a budget near ₹30 crore, it quickly became a box office draw, crossing ₹50 crore globally in its opening weekend.

Cast

Naslen as Sunny: the jobless, fun-loving neighbor whose fate intertwines with Chandra’s secrets.
Sandy as Inspector Nachiyappa Gowda: a morally rigid, menacing cop.
Supporting roles: Chandu Salimkumar, Nishanth Sagar, Arun Kurian, Raghunath Paleri, Vijayaraghavan, Nithya Shri, Sarath Sabha, with cameos by Dulquer Salmaan and Mammootty

What is in the Movie?

The story throws Chandra, an immortal vampire living under the alias “Neeli,” into Bengaluru’s underbelly, escaping hunters intent on her destruction.

Seeking anonymity, she befriends her neighbor Sunny, who is soon entranced by the strange woman but grows fearful upon discovering her supernatural identity.

The city is plagued by an organ trafficking ring run with the blessing of Inspector Gowda, who disapproves of women’s independence and suspects Chandra of hiding more than she admits.

Attempted attacks, dramatic rescues, and secretive powers escalate suspense as the plot unfolds, blending gripping action with hints of romance and emotional connection.

What Works

World building & suspense: The fusion of Kerala folklore with cyberpunk visuals creates an atmospheric, immersive universe unlike anything in Indian superhero cinema.

Kalyani Priyadarshan’s performance: She anchors the film with a nuanced portrayal, balancing Chandra’s vulnerability and mystical strength.

Supporting performances: Naslen’s comic timing and emotional range flesh out the central bond, while Sandy’s underplayed villainy adds an unsettling edge.

Technical brilliance: Cinematography by Nimish Ravi and music by Jakes Bejoy provide a visually striking and aurally intense experience.

Narrative hype & intrigue: The movie builds hype effectively, with urban legends and secret identities fueling suspense throughout, keeping audiences invested in the mystery.

Cultural authenticity: The film draws authentically from regional myth (Kalliyankattu Neeli), giving depth and distinctiveness to its mythology.


What Doesn’t Work

Emotional disconnect: The friendship and chemistry between Chandra and Sunny lose steam in the second half, missing the chance for a deeper impact.

Pacing issues: After a dynamite start, the film drags while focusing on world-building, sometimes sacrificing narrative momentum for universe setup.

Weak antagonist
: Inspector Gowda, while creepy, lacks the gravitas of a truly memorable villain, impacting the stakes.

Overloaded supporting cast
: Too many side characters leave some storylines underdeveloped, occasionally confusing the audience.

Controversial dialogues: Remarks by Inspector Gowda about Bengaluru women stirred real-life controversy, prompting an apology from the studio.

Final Thoughts

Kotha Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra is a bold, imaginative leap for Indian genre films, successfully weaving regional myth into a suspense-laden superhero setting.

Kalyani Priyadarshan’s compelling performance, atmospheric visuals, and adrenaline-fueled action help establish an exciting cinematic universe.

Despite emotional shortcomings and a somewhat tepid villain, the film’s hype and suspense are palpable, making it a must-watch for superhero and mystery fans alike.

Dominic Arun and team have carved out a new space for Malayalam cinema, setting the stage for future chapters sure to draw even greater anticipation.

This is the start of something special—and cinematic.

Written By : Indori Nerd

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