Kalyani Priyadarshan's most recent book, Lokah: Chapter 1-Chandra, marks a significant turning point in her career. The superhero drama, which was produced by Dulquer Salmaan and directed by Dominic Arun under the Wayfarer Films banner, has changed the course of Malayalam box office history. The film has officially become the highest-grossing Malayalam movie of all time, marking a monumental win for female-led cinema in the industry.
An iconic blockbuster
With its eye-catching graphics, profound emotional content, many people have praised Kalyani's portrayal of Chandra, a young woman discovering her cosmic powers, for being sensitive and strong. Weeks after its premiere, the movie is still doing well in theaters.
Sacnilk.com reports that the movie has made an astounding Rs 152.96 crore worldwide, of which Rs 119.46 crore has come from the Malayalam version alone.
These figures have pushed Lokah past previous record-holders like Mohanlal’s Thudarum and L2: Empuraan, cementing its place as a global Malayalam blockbuster.
OTT premiere details
According to 123Telugu, Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra will debut on JioHotstar on October 20, 2025, right before Diwali, though the official OTT release date has not yet been confirmed. The announcement is eagerly anticipated by fans who are eager to watch the movie again at home.
The ensemble and artistic genius
Naslen, Mammootty, Tovino Thomas, Sandy Master, and Sunny Wayne are among the ensemble cast members who play important parts in the movie. The film's grandeur and emotional intensity are ideally complemented by Jakes Bejoy's music. The film's narrative, visual aesthetics, and ability to strike a balance between spectacle and soul have all received praise from critics.
The follow-up and the growing "Lokah" universe
The creators have already revealed Lokah: Chapter 2, a sequel, in anticipation of the enormous success of Chapter 1. The recently released first-look teaser generated a lot of buzz on social media. Tovino Thomas will play the main character in the next chapter, and Dulquer Salmaan will also be appearing. Mammootty's role may go beyond a cameo, according to reports, suggesting deeper ties within the growing Lokah superhero universe.
A new chapter in Malayalam filmmaking
Beyond its box office success, Lokah: Chapter 1-Chandra is regarded as a landmark film in Malayalam culture. It demonstrates that big-budget, high-concept films with a female lead can succeed at the box office and in reviews. The film's universal themes and cinematic scope have attracted viewers from a wide range of linguistic and geographic backgrounds.
One thing is certain as Lokah prepares for its digital release: Malayalam cinema has entered a daring new era, and Kalyani Priyadarshan's Chandra will go down as the catalyst for it all.
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