Kotha Loka (Lokah) Movie Review: A Folklore-Rooted Superhero Tale

Premier Snapshot

Kotha Loka, the Telugu-dubbed version of the Malayalam film Lokah, released with minimal buzz. There were a couple of promotions, but no real hype. Many, like me, walked into the theatre without expectations. What unfolded was an ambitious take on the superhero genre that blends folklore, philosophy, and action.

Plot in a Nutshell

Chandra (Kalyani Priyadarshan), a mysterious woman with extraordinary powers, moves to Bengaluru after leaving behind a troubled past in Sweden. She lives quietly while working in a cafe until her path crosses with three carefree youngsters: Sunny, Venu, and Naijil. Their lives become entangled with Nachiyappa (Sandy), a corrupt cop involved in organ trafficking. The story unfolds as Chandra’s origin, the source of her powers, and her clash with these forces come to light.

Performances to Remember

Kalyani Priyadarshan leads the film with a layered performance, fierce yet vulnerable, breaking away from her usual rom-com roles. Naslen as Sunny provides natural comic relief that never feels forced. Sandy delivers a chilling antagonist in Nachiyappa. Chandu Salimkumar and Arun Kurian add lighter moments. Brief appearances by Tovino Thomas and Dulquer Salmaan set the stage for future chapters, supported by two post-credit scenes.

Technical Brilliance

The film is strong on its craft. Director Arun Bose carefully builds a world that feels lived-in and mythical at once. Nimish Ravi’s cinematography turns Bengaluru into a neon-soaked playground with vibrant reds, blues, and oranges, while flashbacks carry a haunting, desaturated tone. Jakes Bejoy’s music elevates both quiet and explosive moments, reaching the standards of international superhero scores. Writing balances humor, action, and philosophy though some parts stretch unnecessarily to set up sequels. Editing by Chaman Chakko keeps the momentum alive despite a few extended comedy beats.

Moments to Watch For

• The flashback where Chandra gains her powers. It is emotional and heavy, staying with you.
• The hospital fight and the cafe confrontation. Both are charged with energy and well executed.
• The interval sequence that reshapes the narrative and raises the stakes.

Where It Fails

The film’s ambition sometimes works against it. The organ trafficking subplot feels underdeveloped when compared to the folklore-rich main story. Some parts in the second half drag and feel more like groundwork for sequels than a conclusion to the current chapter. Chandra’s arc takes a hit after being portrayed as nearly unstoppable in the first half. Her vulnerability later is explained but slightly weakens the impact of her build-up.

Verdict and Rewatch Value

Kotha Loka is not your typical superhero film. It is rooted in folklore, visually striking, and emotionally balanced. Despite its flaws, it deserves a theatre watch for its scale, craft, and unique world-building. It is also a film you can revisit for the setup it promises.

Rating: 3.5/5