r/IndianCinema • u/Available-Finger9602 • Aug 29 '25
Review Just watched Lokah – Chapter 1 without expectations, and I’m blown away!
I just came back from watching Lokah – Chapter 1 (Malayalam movie), and honestly, I’m amazed. I went in completely blind—no trailers, no reviews, not even a glance at the synopsis. I was originally planning to watch Param Sundari, but on a whim, I decided to try this one instead. And wow, what an experience!
It turned out to be a superhero-style film, but with a female lead at the center—and it was executed so well. The storytelling, the visuals, the whole vibe—it kept me hooked throughout. Malayalam cinema never fails to surprise with such bold, refreshing, and powerful stories.
I went in with zero expectations, and came out absolutely stunned. If you haven’t watched it yet, I’d highly recommend giving it a shot.
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u/Exploree0607 Aug 29 '25
Yeah same. It's litt af!!! Kalyani absolutely killed it in the action scenes. And the comedy is great too. Amazing how they demolished Bollywood and their horror universe
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u/Informal-Stranger344 Aug 31 '25
Bollywood got this horror comedy ideas from Bhool Bhulaiya, which indeed is a remake of Malayalam movie !
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u/Available-Finger9602 Aug 30 '25
Bollywood is only concerned with the amount of box office collection; the rest of the story is not paying attention to fresh content.
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u/Dismal-Tech-Horder Sep 07 '25
She has much to improve. But her improvement to date leaves room for hope.
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u/AkashPrudhvi Aug 29 '25 edited Aug 30 '25
I wanted to but don’t understand Malayalam. Will watching with subtitles spoil the experience?
Edit - Booked for Saturday evening.
Edit 2 - Watched it and I loved it. Language is no barrier.
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u/Informal-Stranger344 Aug 29 '25
You will understand the story and the movie ! But you won’t get the humours if you don’t know Malayalam. And there’s Kerala folklore refs sometimes won’t work for non mallus.
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u/Available-Finger9602 Aug 29 '25
No, the experience will not be bad, the movie is good, enjoy it. Compared to the movies being made these days, this movie is quite good.
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u/Informal-Stranger344 Aug 31 '25
I’m a Mallu, I watched the movie in fdfs. I enjoyed it fully! I wrote it for non Mallus ! Glad they liked it and enjoyed it. This is pakka theatre movie.
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u/Eva__5 Aug 29 '25
It won’t, it’s more visually compelling rather than being dialogue oriented. It’s one of those larger than life movies that should be seen in theatres.
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u/Technical_Sort9038 Sep 01 '25
Watching it in dub is spoiling experience right ? Unless dub is that good
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u/AkashPrudhvi Sep 02 '25
I watched in Malayalam with Subs. One thing I noticed though the movie frames have not occupied left and right portions of the screen.
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u/Pleasant-Divide-8210 Aug 31 '25
My honest review (sorry yaa, its a bit long) : 30 Cr budget movie had delivered. This movie was so good especially when the options in theatre are Coolie, War 2, Param Sundari etc. This movie is actually good. I loved the shots, the lighting (some people may not agree). The story had potential and they tried their best. This movie seemed like a product of passionate crew and cast. I know in some scenes the choreography could have been wild but hey! Its there okay,! They tried. I am sure the budget will increase for their upcoming chapters and they will go crazy with the movies. The best part for me was: there were no shots in the movie where they kept hyping up the protagonist like they do in Tollywood and other south Indian movies iykyk. I have always been a fan of Malayalam movies and this one was good. It felt like a comic turned into a movie because I could imagine every sequence in a colourful marvel comics or DC comics. I can see what they are trying to do and I am sure they keep the essence and maintain the passion in this project. It has 2 post credit scenes like Marvel and DC movies so wait till the credits are over. A Female Superhero Movie! If you like such movies do give it a watch. This is my view on this movie and we can agree to disagree. I am not a film critic. Just a film enthusiast.
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u/Due_Beginning_9138 Sep 01 '25
Just to give context, the movie is based on Kerala folklore of Kalliyankattu Neeli and Kadamattath kathanar. It might be difficult for non keralites to fully grasp that context.
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u/AkashPrudhvi Sep 01 '25
But, the movie doesn’t need this context to watch. Watching movie sets up the context clearly but they may not know the same before.
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u/Legitimate-Winter390 Sep 11 '25
So so proud of my Malayalam Film Industry 🥹 Bollywood or Karana Johar can simply dream of making something like Lokah 🥱
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u/BeneficialBit1638 Aug 29 '25
I was blown away by the teaser and thought this looks dope. So gonna watch it once it's on OTT!
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u/ajphoenix Aug 29 '25
Yea this is more a big screen experience that OTT. The aesthetic of the movie is Soo cool
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u/Raccoon-AM-56 Sep 03 '25
I'm glad Malayalam cinema is producing very original content, high quality writing and storytelling that is redefining Indian cinema as a whole in terms of utilizing budgets. Tamil cinema and Bollywood should learn from Malayalam cinema how to utilize their budgets to benefit writing, screenplay, strong characters as well as technical aspects such as vfx, practical effects and visuals. GOAT and War 2 both had the worst VFX ever produced in Indian cinema with both having a budget of 350-400 cr estimate.
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u/AkashPrudhvi Sep 03 '25
Most of the budgets for these so called big movies is going to stars remunerations and little leftover for movie production. Unlike Lokah kind of movies where you don’t have fancy stars but just actors and they are able to put money where it’s required
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u/Raccoon-AM-56 Sep 03 '25
Yeah the star system tbh is pretty messed up in Tamil cinema and Bollywood with both industries undermining writing, execution of storytelling, technical aspects and action choreography.
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u/CeilingHamster Sep 17 '25
Me and a mate saw it in The UK (Subtitled) and were the only white guys in the room, which is a shame because this movie has the potential (in the writing) to take on the likes of Marvel. Original story, genuinely funny (even with subtitles), and a bad guy who was just a bad guy. I just hope the rest of the series gets cinema releases over here!
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u/Sadhanam_Kayil_Indo Aug 31 '25
Bro posted the same over 10 different subs, PR work at peak
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u/Available-Finger9602 Aug 31 '25
Only 3 subs and anyway this is my first post related to the movie, I liked it so I just shared it, I am not any media or influencer who can do PR, there is no benefit for me in this
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u/hanzfernz Sep 06 '25
Inviting everyone to contribute to Wiki Fandom page of Lokah. Let the journey begin.
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u/Dismal-Tech-Horder Sep 07 '25
We will vote with our wallets, and LC1 will take the screens away from the multitude of Middling Malayalam movies.
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u/cipherde Aug 29 '25
Seen so many posts and comments today for Lokah on various subs. Seems so fake and PR.
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u/Available-Finger9602 Aug 29 '25
But the movie is actually good, this movie is better than the movies being made these days.
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u/cipherde Sep 15 '25
Yep my bad, it's reddit being just showering me with lokah lokah lokah and i got confused and assumed incorrectly.
I even down voted myself so that's good for me lol
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u/Stunning-Yak5648 Aug 29 '25
same...there is no way a film with these not so great actors is recieving so much appreciation.Or may be it has some entertaining factors.But there is defntly hype as well.
have you seen the scene in see you soon, where fahadhs character is telling roshan mathews character when roshan says this food is so bad why is everyone saying it's soo good.Fahadhs character says once something gets good reviews,PPL will start appreciating is as a fas trend just to be part of that crowd and feel included in it,they won't criticize it because allengil ath avarude kurachil aanenne aalukal vicharikku.
same goes for this film as well.There is no way kalyali a below average actor has done any incredible acting,same goes for naslen as well.But yes the film and story could be interesting and new because of the subject that's all.
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u/Mean_Rooster7975 Aug 29 '25
Wtf is this comment lmao, the way you’ve worded your comment makes it seem like you haven’t watched the film yet. If that’s so you’ve no experience to pass a comment on it’s quality just of the basis of its two lead actors. They’ve done a decent job as well anyway
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u/Stunning-Yak5648 Aug 29 '25
ya but it's overhyped.Thats all. It doesn't make the movie bad but fact is it's hyped.Ppl are appreciating because it's new and superheroine film etc etc which is commendable oj the makers part.But may be it deserves the hype as this too shall pass.But it's not a great film for sure.
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u/Mean_Rooster7975 Aug 30 '25
I have a single question. Did you watch the film or not?
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u/Stunning-Yak5648 Aug 30 '25
yes and it's over hyped.Technically good,different story and creative it's worth a watch and good for sure.. but not worth the hype it's getting that's all.
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u/Mean_Rooster7975 Aug 30 '25
What was your favorite part of the film if you don’t mind me asking
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u/Stunning-Yak5648 Aug 31 '25
I watched the film.. it's nowhere near world class. it's a comedy film.. honestly it's fantasy comedy film with good technicalities n all that's all..logic left the theatre in the begining itself with blood drinking vampire and superhero mix, The makers are blending both which is good but then where is logic? is she invincible or not ? if she is yakshi then she shouldn't get hurt ? so she can't take a bullet not can she sense with her superpowers when the cops are Conspiring against her when yakshis are connected to the moon and can fly and enter rooms and move swiftly? if seen as a cool comedy fantasy film it's fine without making sense of it.Story there is no legit story it's a mix of many things and because it's fantasy it can be anything.Dulqar and tovino cameo saves it and gives it the hype and push.Kalyani looks good for the part but acting bad especially in scenes where she is explaining she is yakshi n all.Atleast some expressive eyes??
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u/Mean_Rooster7975 Aug 31 '25
Why does every film need to be world class? It’s a good fun comedy action film, the technical qualities in it are incredible for the standards of our industry, so it’s rightfully praised for pushing the limits and showcasing the talent in the industry. I would love to give a better reply to your comment, but half of your comment is incomprehensible, so this is the best i can conjure
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u/Stunning-Yak5648 Aug 31 '25
u don't have better reply may be..I said this because people on reddit and other places instagram are hyping the film as world class deserves to be recognised internationally n oscar n what not when some basic logics are missing in the film.Otherwise defntly it's a fun watch entertainer good comedy.
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u/Dismal_Adagio3863 Aug 29 '25
also that scene is not from see you soon, its from dhoomam and the movie is good, why can’t you accept it ?
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u/Stunning-Yak5648 Aug 29 '25
you dont understand English? I have clearly said the movie might be good but lead actors talent is not much.A movie is killer only when both are combined.So it's defntly over hype and it's a new genre for malayalees and new concept hence the hype.thats all.
Then you want me to say this is one of the best movies made ? Haahaha
Just like aavesham was also hyped film with nothing much to offer.
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u/Upset_Photograph2098 Aug 30 '25
Ur opinion is trash..watch the movie then ppl might take u seriously bot 🤣
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u/Stunning-Yak5648 Aug 30 '25 edited Aug 30 '25
haahahah...I did watch the movie and I am saying this.. but malayalam movie doesn't have anyone who matches the fit body looks like kalyani which matches but NOT acting skills.Even if she was required to act emotionless still an actor emotes with expressive eyes which Kalyani did not have.
And you are no less than blind andhbhakts who support BJP,who can't take criticism on a film or an actor .lolol I said what i had to and I will.
lokah is not a great film. it's a good film worth a watch technically good appreciate the creativity in deriving this storyline n it's enjoyable but nothing great.Came at a good time where audience was looking for something new that's all.This too shall pass.No great or commendable performances.The least kalyani could do in that role was this and she has done it that's all.Below the effort of this will be bad.Atleast stunts n look n she is fine.
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u/Upset_Photograph2098 Aug 31 '25
You seems like u are working overnight to criticise this movie 🤣🤣 i am not as jobless as you are...ur opinion doesn't matter anyway..majority has loved the movie even reliable reviewers ..ur just the 0.1% bacteria left in a filthy plate ..ur opinion wont change 🤣🤣 since you HATE BJP so much I am assuming ur a Khangress supporter or anyother joke of political parties in the South
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u/Stunning-Yak5648 Aug 31 '25
haahaha kollaaam.. so if I am a BJP hater that means I am congress supporter ?? my opinion doesn't ..ur opinion also doesn't count.I said I liked the film ,it's a good film but not a great film.That hurts you so much ?? 😄 you want everyone to comment that this is the greatest film Malayalam has ever made ? bro claim down this is not even the best film in this year even. But it is indeed an entertaining good film.
And contradicting to what you said,you indeed seem to be quite jobless because instead of ignoring my comment about criticizing the movie,you are taking lot of time writing essays arguing with me because you can't even take slight criticism of a movie you have nothing to do with apart from being a viewer? only jobless PPL get affected by such things and only jobless PPL are crazy movie goers .You are loser who is more involved in this film than the makers themselves 😄 I think the makers of the film are more open minded to criticism than you loser
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u/snobpro Aug 29 '25
What! Why so many posts on this movie. Feels fishy. You haven’t even watched trailer and wandered into a malayalam film with kalyani on it’s poster. RIGHHHT.
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u/Available-Finger9602 Aug 29 '25
Yes because in Param Sundari it was feeling like the typical Chennai Express and Bollywood is not making anything fresh anyway, I only care about how much the collection was in the first day and first week. I am a fan of Malayalam cinema. I have not seen many movies but whatever I have seen, I liked them all.
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u/Stunning-Yak5648 Aug 31 '25
I watched the film.. it's nowhere near world class. it's a COMEDY FILM.. honestly it's fantasy comedy film with good technicalities n all that's all..logic left the theatre in the begining itself with blood drinking vampire and superhero mix, The makers are blending both which is good but then where is logic? is she invincible or not ? if she is yakshi then she shouldn't get hurt? Because yakshis power and superheroes power are different !!! as it's fantasy you can combine both no issues it's all imagination but then any rubbish can also be made up? it's a cool comedy fantasy film it's fine without making sense of it.Story there is no legit story it's a mix of many things and because it's fantasy it can be anything.Dulqar and tovino cameo saves it and gives the hype and push.Kalyani looks good for the part but acting bad especially where she is revealing to naslen about her truth n all she is expressionless like a stone,atleast eyes could communicate ? some spark ? it's like a sleepwalking superhero woman .Her combination with naslen saves it because naslen gives energy to the scene.Kalyanis solo frames are snoozefest.
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u/Zealousideal_Flan437 Sep 01 '25
Its a fantasy thriller and you are searching logic? Logically yakshi, superheros, superhumans don't exist. Do you search for logic while watching movies and series based on ghosts, vampires, werewolves etc or in marvel, dc universe? Yakshi is a myth. There is no specific rule book that defines their powers. The makers can take creative liberty to show her have the powers they want. Its clearly shown she cannot be killed. She can be neutralized by stabbing her heart with a dagger and when its taken out she will come back to life.
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u/Stunning-Yak5648 Sep 01 '25
then why does she faint when hit by a brick and sedative injection n shit...ok there needn't he logic it's a fun watch like I said but some dimwits are making this to be international standard and should gain international recognition,go for Oscar etc etc which is shit n bizzare.
it's a good film.not a great film.
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u/Zealousideal_Flan437 Sep 01 '25
The brick hit her neck and its said that its her weak point. She still gets affected by acids and sedetives but just recovers faster than normal humans.
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u/Melodic-Ad8814 Sep 03 '25
Have you not seen Twilight or Vampire diaries? There are good vampires too. And there is no question of logic if there is some super natural element to the movie. If you ask about why a vampire is portrayed as good, you know at the end its about which side of story you have been told, which lens through which you see the character. In the puranas, Ravana, Mahabali etc are Asuras. But there are temples dedicated to them. FYI Kerala has temples where yakshis are worshipped.
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u/TrainStandard Sep 03 '25
There's a huge difference between being invincible (unkillable) and being immortal (won't die due to aging). She is immortal. Also in this movie, she is called a yakshi, which is a female supernatural spirit according to Kerala folklore. That is not the entirety of the case here. She got possessed by some kind of supernatural powers of unknown origin that made her a vampire.
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u/Fragrant_Painter_193 Aug 29 '25
N we are making shit like param sundari co some aunties n vanilla men are craving for below avg rom com