The Malayalam film industry has witnessed a historic moment with the release of Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra, a superhero saga that has captured the imagination of audiences across India and overseas. Produced by Dulquer Salmaan under his banner Wayfarer Films, the movie has emerged as a cultural milestone—both for its bold storytelling and its extraordinary box office success.
A Superhero with Roots in Kerala
Unlike formula-driven superhero tales, Lokah stands out by weaving mythology, folklore, and contemporary themes into its narrative. At the heart of the story is Chandra, played by Kalyani Priyadarshan, who rises as India’s first female superhero from Kerala’s cultural roots. Her performance has been widely praised, not just for the action sequences but also for the emotional depth she brought to the character. The strong chemistry between Kalyani and actor Naslen added another layer of charm that kept audiences engaged.
Unstoppable Box Office Journey
The film was released on August 28, 2025, and within days, it set the box office on fire. It crossed the ₹100-crore mark in its opening week, making it the highest-grossing female-led South Indian film. By the ninth day, Lokah collected ₹7.75 crore in India alone, pushing its domestic total to over ₹60 crore. Internationally, the film has grossed nearly ₹120 crore worldwide, proving its universal appeal.
Theaters in Kerala have reported near-full occupancy, with some centers recording more than 85% attendance even during weekdays. Overseas too, the film is holding strong, particularly in the Middle East, where Malayalam films traditionally perform well.
A Creative Triumph
The screenplay by Santhy Balachandran, an Oxford-educated writer, has been hailed as one of the film’s biggest strengths. Her layered storytelling and ability to balance mythology with contemporary struggles gave Lokah its unique edge.
Director Dominic Arun, along with cinematographer Nimish Ravi and composer Jakes Bejoy, ensured that every frame and sound contributed to building an immersive world. The stunts choreographed by Yannick Ben added international flavor, giving the film a polished, world-class feel.
Dulquer Salmaan’s Emotional Connect
At the Hyderabad success meet, Dulquer admitted that he had never experienced such an overwhelming response before. He described the project as a “very, very expensive indie film” that unexpectedly grew into a national phenomenon. His decision to share a portion of the profits with the crew has been praised as a refreshing move in an industry often criticized for overlooking its technical teams.
Star Support and Fan Love
Bollywood star Alia Bhatt applauded the film after watching its Hindi release, calling it “a refreshing blend of folklore and mystery.” Even South Indian icons like Suriya and Jyotika personally congratulated the team, showing how the film has cut across industries and language barriers.
Handling Controversy with Grace
Amidst the celebrations, Lokah faced a setback when a dialogue sparked controversy in Karnataka. The filmmakers quickly issued an apology, removed the line, and ensured it did not affect the movie’s run. The dignified handling of the issue reinforced the team’s professionalism and commitment to their audience.
OTT Anticipation Builds
While the film continues its golden run in theaters, fans are already eagerly waiting for its OTT release. Industry buzz suggests a Netflix premiere around September 26, though no official confirmation has been made. The digital release is expected to expand Lokah’s reach to global audiences, further boosting its cultural impact.
Setting New Benchmarks
Lokah’s success isn’t just about numbers; it’s about breaking barriers. A female superhero at the center of a blockbuster, a producer willing to share profits with the crew, and a story deeply rooted in regional culture yet celebrated globally—these factors make Lokah a landmark in Indian cinema.
With sequels already being planned, it’s clear that Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra is just the beginning of a larger cinematic universe. If the current success is any indication, audiences can expect more powerful storytelling, more groundbreaking visuals, and more representation in the chapters ahead.
