Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra
‘Lokah Chapter One: Chandra’ is an intriguing superhero film written and directed by Dominic Arun. The story is based on ancient Kerala folklore involving female spirits (yakshis), and one in particular called Kalliyankattu Neeli. Neeli/Chandra is immortal and has been sent to Bengaluru to fight the evil of organ trafficking happening there. As she sets up a normal-looking life, Neeli/Chandra crosses paths with Sunny. Sunny, an ordinary guy, is drawn to her even though he senses danger, and their relationship is the heart of the movie. Kalyani Priyadarshan is perfect as the otherworldly Chandra. She is vulnerable, intense, and capable of fierce action. Naslen, as Sunny, brings sweetness and comic relief to the part. The movie mixes thrills, humor, and emotion in a fast-paced and entertaining story. You can watch it on Hulu for JioHotstar.
Eko
‘Eko’ is one of the most interesting movies I have seen this year. The story centers around an old Malaysian woman, Mlaathi, and her pure-breed Malaysian dogs, and how they came to live in the Kaattukunnu Hills of Kerala. Peeyous, a young man who we assume has been hired as her caretaker by her son, comes to know her story, told in flashbacks. During World War II, a young Mlaathi lived with her much older husband, Yoishi, who bred dogs for a living. The couple lived in an isolated area, and Mlaathi lived a lonely existence with only the dogs for company. One day, two Indian men came back with Yoishi, interested in buying dogs for the military. They stayed the night and returned to the city with Yoishi the next day. Several days later, they showed up again, but without Yoishi. It appears Yoishi had died, and Kuriachan and Pothan had returned to give her the news. But did they give her the whole truth? Kuriachan brought her back to India, married her, and set her up in a similar isolated situation, guarded by the dogs. This is only the beginning of this fascinating, one-of-a-kind story. The landscapes are visually stunning and filled with melancholy. The theme of ‘Ekocan be summed up in the words of Kuriachan “Sometimes protection and restriction, they both look the same.”
Thalavara
