Lokah: Blending Mythology and Modern Superhero Storytelling

I will say it now and I will say it forever. Indian mythology is a golden treasure waiting to be discovered. The various tales and myths from states across our country have a million stories to tell that resonate with people all around the world.

Today, I think it's safe to say and I hope that Lokah is the start of this culture. We have seen the West draw parallels and references from Chinese mythology, Greek mythology to make movies and games, and this has connected well across audiences all over the world. I think the time has come for Indian mythology too. Inspired by the Kerala folklore of kings, tribes, yaakshis, chaathans, gods and goddesses, the film draws interesting parallels into the modern-day world.

At its heart, Lokah blends the tale of Kalliyankattu Neeli in the modern-day superhero aspect, creating a terrific and intense drama, which gives everything you wish from a superhero film.

Despite following the template approach for a superhero film, you don't actually feel it, because here we have a woman who is kicking ass and the boys looking at it with their mouths wide open. This is long overdue and boy, is it so good to watch, because it's so convincing. Yup, we have officially got a legit feminist superhero film that everyone loves. Never in my wildest dreams did I think a 48-frame shot of a Female superhero would get claps and whistles in a theater.

The best part about the film is the backstory for Kalyani Priyadarshan (Chandra). The way it organically blends folklore into it and how Neeli becomes Chandra is easily one of the best action blocks made and written this year. The setups are laid brilliantly for a second half that mostly lives up to it despite a few hiccups.

The world-building of Lokah is magnificent and you can actually see the effort that's gone into the film. The reason for the film to take place in Bangalore is brilliant. As culturally diverse as the place is, the film too reflects this. You have a Malayalam-speaking superhero and friends, a Tamil cop and a crime syndicate led by Kannadigas. With a lot of people coming to work in Bangalore while staying away from their families, it brings in a lot of loneliness. Things like these affects even Chandra. Guess some things don’t change even if you are a superhero!

Technically speaking the film is mind-blowing. The fact that this film was made in a mere budget of 30 crores and just in shot is short span of 94 days, makes it look unbelievable as the film is nothing short of a visual spectacle.

The colors and cinematography by Nimish Ravi will be a textbook for upcoming superhero films made in India, as every frame looks like a visual painting done with immense aesthetic sense and touch. Be it the Neeli reveal, the frame of Chandra flying over the moon or a slow-motion shot of Chandra saving Naslen (Sunny) where the streak of red hair, along with her uber cool black jacket with red stripes, moves in slow motion – all of these can be framed.

Jakes Bejoy sets the screen on fire with a terrific background score. His blend of folk music with modern themed EDM's just makes the visuals even better. Chaman Chakko’s Editing is sleek and neat. The beautiful transition shot of the drink spilt on the table to the starry night sky and the transition of lamp lights into ice cubes are so smooth that it stays with you even after all the exciting things that take place on screen. His choice of cuts in the action blocks enhances the overall viewing experience.

In a country that loves action, Lokah offers some of the greatest set pieces that are done with sheer dedication and conviction.  Yannick Ben’s action choreography is off the roof.  The action block in the basement, the interval block tribal sequence, hand-to-hand combat in Chandra’s room and the final sequence are perfect and keep you hooked throughout.

Casting-wise, the film is perfect. Kalyani Priyadarshan delivers her career-best performance. She oozes charisma in every frame. Her flexibility in action sequences, vulnerability in spot spots and anger and menace in action sequences hit the right chords. 

Comedy is serious business and to pull off a huge number of laughs in such a serious film can be very tough. Naslen as Sunny excels here and has my heart. His comical timing, reactions to Chandra are spot on and support the film beautifully. Though his character depth is shallow, his performance makes up for it.  

Sandy Master is honestly terrifying as a misogynistic cop. His reactions, dialogue delivery and motives are so apt; it makes you feel he has been acting for a very long time, though he has just started his acting career.

Also Read: Hridayapoorvam: A Simple Story Straight from the Heart

Dominic Arun has laid the foundation for one of the most exciting cinematic universes in India, with his sensibilities of emotions, grandeur and writing in the right place. His choice of storytelling, action sequences and drama is what a modern-day commercial film requires. Last but not least, the cameos in the film land well and enhance the theater experience. The most important thing here is, it all happens organically. And just when you think it’s over, the film leaves you with not one but two end-credit scenes that raise the stakes and tease the madness yet to come in this promising universe.

Verdict: Lokah is a milestone for Indian superhero cinema, which doesn’t just borrow from folklore but embraces it fully.