Dominic Arun’s ‘Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra’, a groundbreaking Malayalam superhero film produced by Dulquer Salmaan and starring Kalyani Priyadarshan, has stormed the box office, becoming the highest-grossing Malayalam movie of all time. This unique blend of action, fantasy, and crime mythology captivated audiences with its compelling world-building and striking visual storytelling. The introduction of a female superhero like Lokah marks a significant milestone in Malayalam cinema, following its theatrical debut on August 28, 2025.
When and Where to Watch
While the film continues its successful run in cinemas, fans eagerly awaiting its online premiere will have to be patient. Producer Dulquer Salmaan recently clarified on social media platform X that ‘Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra’ is not slated for an OTT platform release anytime soon. He urged viewers to disregard any rumors and await official announcements, confirming that the movie will remain exclusively in theaters for the foreseeable future.
Trailer and Plot
The film’s trailer immediately hooked audiences with its portrayal of supernatural powers, a distinctly dark visual aesthetic, and an enigmatic protagonist. The story follows Chandra as she relocates to Bengaluru and begins working a night shift. Strange events unfold around her, drawing her into a fierce battle against an organ-trafficking syndicate. As the plot progresses, Chandra’s extraordinary abilities come to light, transforming her into a formidable force for justice. Adding to the intrigue, the film features crucial post-credit scenes that lay the groundwork for future installments in the expansive Lokah universe.
Cast and Crew
Kalyani Priyadarshan delivers a powerful performance as Chandra, whose true identity is eventually revealed to be a mythical Yakshi. Naslen plays Sunny, the male lead, while Sandy Master, Arun Kurian, and Chandu Salimkumar round out the supporting cast. The film also boasts special cameo appearances by Dulquer Salmaan, Tovino Thomas, and Anna Ben, among others. Dominic Arun directed the feature, which he also co-wrote with Santhy Balachandran.
Reception
Since its release, ‘Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra’ has received overwhelmingly positive reviews and achieved phenomenal box-office success, solidifying its place as the highest-grossing Malayalam film in history. It currently holds an impressive rating of 8.1 out of 10.