The trailer of Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra, starring Kalyani Priyadarshan and Naslen, has been unveiled ahead of its Onam release. Written and directed by Tharangam filmmaker Dominic Arun, the project also sees actor Santhy Balachandran serve as additional screenplay writer and dramaturgist.
Running two minutes and thirteen seconds, the trailer opens in a war-ravaged landscape, flames and gunfire filling the frame before the camera moves inside a building to reveal Kalyani’s character crouched in the shadows. The mood then shifts to a stark dystopia where she questions Nishanth Sagar’s character on why she has been summoned. He replies that another man will provide the answers.
From there, the teaser cuts between mythical and futuristic settings. A voiceover informs Kalyani’s character that she has not changed, while visuals place her in a contemporary outfit. Another voice cautions her to stay unnoticed and avoid trouble.
It also introduces Naslen, Arun Kurian, and Chandu Salimkumar, with Tamil actor-choreographer Sandy making his Malayalam debut as a police officer. His character recalls his father’s words about women being either virtuous or otherwise, delivered with contempt. Naslen later tells his friends that Kalyani’s character remains a mystery, and her true identity is unknown to them. Sandy is seen remarking that men should settle matters without involving women.
The trailer then turns to a flurry of slick action sequences centred on Kalyani. In one lighter moment, Chandu asks Naslen in disbelief if she can really fly. This is followed by glimpses shifting between ancient and dystopian worlds, as Kalyani’s voiceover asks, “Do you have any idea how many so-called myths and legends are actually real?”
The footage then closes on a hand holding a mythical staff, hinting at a significant star cameo, promising an ambitious fantasy entertainer that blends myth and dystopia in a cinematic language completely novel to Malayalam cinema.
Produced by Dulquer Salmaan under his banner Wayfarer Films, Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra releases worldwide on August 28, clashing with Mohanlal’s Hridayapoorvam. Fahadh Faasil’s Odum Kuthira Chaadum Kuthira, also featuring Kalyani, opens a day later.