In a time when big-budget, star-studded blockbusters flood cinemas, it’s a mid-sized Malayalam superhero film that’s quietly captured the imagination of audiences and critics alike.
Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra, starring Kalyani Priyadarshan and produced by Dulquer Salmaan, is being praised as one of the best superhero stories India has produced in recent years — and it’s particularly notable for putting a strong female lead centre stage in a genre usually dominated by men.
Due to the film's success, fans are clamouring for a sequel and are excited to see the plot develop into a complete cinematic universe.
The creators have confirmed that Lokah Chapter 1 is just the beginning of the Wayfarer Cinematic Universe (WCU), and a clever post-credits scene has already dropped some tantalising hints.
In that scene, Tovino Thomas appears as Chathan, a mischievous goblin-like figure who supports Neeli, the protagonist, and her friends. Things get intriguing when an unknown character confronts Chathan about a botched archaeological mission, showing a photo that seems to feature Chathan himself.
In response, Chathan jokingly claims it could be one of his “389 siblings” — a playful nod that has sent fans buzzing with speculation about multiple versions of the character making an appearance in the sequel. This concept is reminiscent of the Marvel multiverse, particularly the Loki series, in which the same character exists in innumerable variations.
It's interesting to note that director Basil Joseph has confirmed that Tovino Thomas already starred in Minnal Murali (2021), another well-known Malayalam superhero movie that will get its own sequel and universe.
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This positions Tovino uniquely at the heart of two emerging Malayalam superhero franchises — an exciting prospect that he has yet to comment on.
Lokah Chapter 1 skilfully blends folklore with contemporary issues, following Kalyani’s Chandra, who returns from Sweden to Bangalore and discovers her powers as a Yakshi. Alongside fighting her new identity, she also confronts corruption and organ trafficking.
Arun Kurian and Naslen both give noteworthy performances in the movie, and Dulquer Salmaan and Tovino Thomas make brief appearances. Legendary actor Mammootty also voices the enigmatic character Moothon.
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