Dulquer Salmaan’s Kaantha release postponed after Lokah’s box office success

Dulquer Salmaan’s Kaantha release postponed after Lokah’s box office success

Dulquer Salmaan’s upcoming period horror-thriller Kaantha will no longer arrive on its original September 12 slot. The makers announced that the release has been postponed to give way to the runaway success of Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra, another film backed by Dulquer that is still packing theatres.

The decision was revealed through a joint statement by Salmaan and co-producer Rana Daggubati. "We've been truly moved by the love and support you've shown since the release of our teaser. With the resounding success of Lokah, we want Chandra's rampage in the box office to keep soaring. We are putting together something equally special."

A little delay for a bigger experience❤✨#kaantha

A @SpiritMediaIN and @DQsWayfarerFilm production 🎬#Kaantha#DulquerSalmaan#RanaDaggubati#SpiritMedia#DQsWayfarerfilms#Bhagyashriborse#SelvamaniSelvaraj#Kaanthafilmpic.twitter.com/jCk0owOyED — Wayfarer Films (@DQsWayfarerFilm) September 11, 2025

The move is less about shelving and more about strategy. With Lokah still drawing huge numbers, the team didn’t want to split the audience’s attention between two big-ticket titles so close together. A new release date for Kaantha will be announced in the coming weeks.

Fans were both surprised and a little disappointed. Many had marked September 12 on their calendars, especially since Kaantha has been generating buzz for its unique setting, 1950s Madras, and its intriguing mix of period drama and horror thriller.

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Directed by Selvamani Selvaraj, the film stars Dulquer alongside Samuthirakani and Bhagyashri Borse, with the story revolving around a legendary director from that era.

For now, the spotlight remains firmly on Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra, which has turned into one of the year’s most talked-about successes. And while Kaantha waits its turn, anticipation has only grown bigger.