‘Kotha Lokah’ Movie Review
Film: Kotha Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra
Release: 29 Aug 2025
CBFC Rating: UA
Run-time: 2h 31m
Banner: Wayfare Films
Cast: Kalyani Priyadarshan, Naslen, Sandy & others
Editor: Chaman Chakko
Cinematography: Nimish Ravi
Music: Jakes Bejoy
Producer: Dulqer Salmaan
Written & Directed By Dominic Arun
Kotha Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra is the Telugu dubbed version of the Malayalam movie Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra, which released in theaters on July 28 as an Onam special. The film marks India’s first superheroine led cinematic universe and has garnered attention from both reviewers and viewers. Directed by Dominic Arun and produced by Dulquer Salmaan’s Wayfarer Films, the movie features Kalyani Priyadarshan as Chandra, and Premalu fame Naslen as Sunny.
Plot
The story revolves around Chandra (Kalyani Priyadarshan), a mystery woman with extraordinary abilities who relocates from Sweden to Bangalore and begins working at a cafe, but only at night. Sunny (Naslen), a young man without a job, resides in the apartment across from Chandra’s apartment with his two friends, Venu and Naijil. A mafia group involved in human organ theft collaborates closely with police inspector Nachiyappa Gowda (Sandy) and his superior officer. The rest of the movie focuses on how Chandra and Nachiyappa meet, how Sunny and Chandra’s relationship changes over time, and Chandra’s past.
Performances
Kalyani Priyadarshan performs admirably and looks suitable in the character of Chandra from the world of Lokah. She is the center of the story and performed her stunts with ease. Naslen steals the show, doing a fantastic job portraying Sunny, and he does the humorous parts with ease. Chandu Salimkumar lends good support in the fun scenes throughout the movie. Sandy fits perfectly in the part of a bad police officer, and his act is horrifying when he transforms into something more menacing.
Highlights
Interesting Plot
Chandra’s Backstory
Couple of Fights
Fun Parts
Cameos
BGM, Cinematography
Drawbacks
Not So Strong Villains
No Real Twists
Slow Narration
Analysis
The film’s opening phrase, “All legends have an element of truth,” sets the tone for an intriguing story. Director Dominic Arun presents the question, “What if the legends in our folklore are still living among us?” in an innovative and amusing way. The initial episodes provide the perfect intrigue for the rest of the film. However, the second half stumbles with a stretched feel at a few places, and the organ trafficking part and Kalyani’s track could have been interlinked with more intensity.
Cinematography by Nimisha Ravi stands out with lighting and captures night shots in an aesthetic manner. Jakes Bejoy music is another highlight which enhances the impact of action sequences. Production values by Dulquer Salmaan Wayfarer Films are top-notch. Kotha Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra is a decent watch with an interesting setup and nicely included humor parts. The slow pace and some repetitive/ineffective moments work against it. With more interesting twists and turns, the film could have been on the next level.
Rating: 3/5
Bottom-line: Engaging & Entertaining Superheroine Flick
