Not all heroes wear capes. Sometimes, they sport black and red T-shirts, navigating the bustling streets of Bengaluru.
This is exactly the case for Kalyani Priyadarshan in the recent Malayalam blockbuster, Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra. The film has reportedly grossed over ₹200 crore at the box office, captivating audiences nationwide and introducing India’s first female superhero to the silver screen in a truly delightful fantasy thriller.
At the heart of this sensation is Kalyani Priyadarshan. Despite a demanding schedule of promotional events across cities – requests for which have surged dramatically since the film’s success – the actress recently battled a severe case of influenza, leaving her doctor to recommend much-needed vocal rest.
But in the whirlwind of success, how could she stay silent?
Kalyani’s compelling performance in Lokah has propelled her into an enviable position in the industry. Her recent ascent to the top spot on IMDb’s list of popular Indian celebrities, driven by fan votes, speaks volumes about her newfound popularity.
Her primary emotion at this peak of her career is profound gratitude. “It’s both humbling and incredibly energizing,” she shares in an exclusive conversation. “This success feels like a green light to explore even bigger, bolder stories. I’m truly excited for what the future holds.”
Kalyani Priyadarshan in ‘Lokah – Chapter 1: Chandra’
While future projects are still on the horizon, Kalyani is currently savoring the extraordinary box office success of the film, which was produced on a budget of ₹30 crores. More importantly, she is thrilled that audiences have embraced this fantasy film centered around a female superhero. “Our primary goal was always to tell this story to the best of our ability, so witnessing it surpass ₹200 crores is truly overwhelming,” she explains. “While the financial figures aren’t our personal focus, we recognize the immense value they bring, particularly in paving the way for more female-led narratives in cinema.”
Naslen and Kalyani Priyadarshan in ‘Lokah – Chapter 1: Chandra’
Read more: A look behind the ₹30-crore success of Lokah.
Queen of the Night
In Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra, Kalyani takes on the pivotal role of a young woman who discovers her mystical abilities. The narrative beautifully blends inspiration from Aithihyamala, a compilation of ancient Kerala fables, with a contemporary setting in Bengaluru. “I believe Chandra resonated with audiences because she feels relatable, not otherworldly,” Kalyani elaborates. “There’s an essence about her that makes viewers wonder if they might have encountered someone like her. She possesses a profound humanity, even with her emotionally detached and stoic facets. People connect with her solitude, her ordinary job, and the way she maintains her home just like anyone else. Yet, simultaneously, she is larger than life and deeply rooted in our folklore, enabling audiences to see their own cultural identity mirrored in her character.”
While Kalyani boasts a filmography of approximately 15 movies across Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu since her 2017 debut in Hello, embodying Chandra for this latest hit was an entirely different challenge. Physically, the role demanded months of rigorous training in boxing, Muay Thai, and strength conditioning, along with mastering ropes and harnesses for stunts. However, the most significant hurdle was delving into the psyche of Chandra, also known as Neeli. “Dominic (director Dominic Arun) envisioned a very particular portrayal for her, and I had to shed much of my inherent naturalism to truly grasp that,” Kalyani shares. “It was demanding, but profoundly gratifying, as it pushed me to evolve as an actor and reveal a facet of myself that audiences had never witnessed.”
Lokah: Chapter 1 concludes with a tantalizing glimpse into a vast cinematic universe, hinting at future appearances from acclaimed stars like Dulquer Salmaan and Tovino Thomas. The creators have already teased a five-part franchise, and Kalyani, like many fans, is eager to see the saga unfold. “What I can reveal is that Dominic has crafted a universe brimming with endless potential, a promise clearly evident in Lokah’s ending,” she says. “The next installment will be a full-fledged Chathan spectacle… and yes, you will certainly see me in it.”
Kalyani Priyadarshan in ‘Lokah – Chapter 1: Chandra’
Flying High
As India’s newest female superhero, Kalyani, who spent her formative years in Chennai and later pursued Architecture, reveals her own childhood was filled with superhero movies. “We are living in a Marvel era, after all,” she laughs. “However, we intentionally avoided basing Chandra on any specific existing character. Dominic was adamant that she needed to be uniquely herself, and our focus was on exploring the profound implications of her immortality. While it’s true that we all unconsciously draw inspiration from beloved characters, and audiences naturally link new creations to what they already know, any comparisons to Black Widow or Scarlet Witch were not deliberate choices on our part.”
Watch also: A commentary decoding the world of Lokah.
The triumph of Lokah has undoubtedly delighted fans of Kalyani and Malayalam cinema alike. But what has been the reaction from her parents, Priyadarshan and Lissy, both prominent figures in the film industry? “My mom views my work with the emotional depth of a mother, often becoming deeply invested,” Kalyani explains. “My dad, on the other hand, approaches it primarily as a director, offering incredibly specific and constructive feedback.”
Unsurprisingly, both are overjoyed by the widespread acclaim the film has garnered. “My dad even confessed that he probably hasn’t relished the success of some of his own biggest hits as much as he has enjoyed witnessing this victory,” she shares.
However, true to his fatherly nature, this outpouring of joy was accompanied by a valuable piece of advice. Kalyani recalls, “After the film’s opening weekend, my dad sent me a message that really resonated: ‘Remember one thing… Never let success go to your head, and never let failure get to your heart.’”
Kalyani Priyadarshan
What’s Your Story?
Produced by Dulquer Salmaan’s Wayfarer Films and featuring Naslen and Sandy Master in crucial roles, Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra delves into the fascinating concept of supernatural beings coexisting with humanity, with its female protagonist at the very core of the narrative. Does Kalyani believe this film will inspire young Indian women? “If it does, that would genuinely be the most rewarding aspect of this entire experience,” she states. “I never set out to be an inspiration; I was simply passionate about telling this particular story. But if young women watch Chandra and discover a greater sense of possibility within themselves, that makes it all incredibly special.”
While the excitement surrounding Lokah continues unabated, Kalyani has already transitioned to her next project: a Tamil film titled Marshall, co-starring Karthi. “It’s a distinct character, set against a rural backdrop in the Sixties,” she explains, adding, “Currently, most of my energy is dedicated to perfecting this role.” Looking ahead, she expresses a keen desire to explore a wider range of characters. “I’m a ‘greedy’ actor,” she admits. “I want to embrace every exciting opportunity, from intimate, small-scale films to grand action thrillers, charming love stories, and expansive, imaginative worlds. My unwavering focus is to participate in narratives that challenge me and enable me to transport audiences into diverse realms. Lokah has certainly bolstered my confidence to keep pushing boundaries and remain authentic to the kind of work I truly aspire to do.”