Movie Spotlight: Lokah Chapter 1

Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra - Box Office Triumph and Cinematic Brilliance

The Malayalam superhero film Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra, produced by Dulquer Salmaan’s Wayfarer Films, has redefined box office success in 2025, earning a staggering ₹38.95 crore in India by its sixth day. With a 300% surge in show count and robust word-of-mouth, this cinematic gem, directed by Dominic Arun, has outshone competitors like Param Sundari and Hridayapoorvam. Starring Kalyani Priyadarshan as the trailblazing superhero Chandra, alongside Naslen K. Gafoor, Sandy Arun Kurian, and Arun Kurian, the film marks the dawn of the Wayfarer Cinematic Universe. Its innovative storytelling and cultural resonance have made it the third highest-grossing Malayalam film of 2025, trailing only L2: Empuraan and Thudarum. 

Box Office Breakdown

Released on August 28, 2025, Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra opened with ₹2.7 crore domestically, despite starting with just 649 shows. The film’s collections skyrocketed over the weekend, reaching ₹4 crore on Friday, ₹7.6 crore on Saturday, and a peak of ₹10.1 crore on Sunday. Monday and Tuesday maintained strong performances with ₹7.2 crore and ₹7.35 crore, respectively, totaling ₹38.95 crore net in India, as per Sacnilk. With a budget of ₹30-33 crore, the film has achieved a 3.5% ROI, marking it a commercial success. Globally, it has grossed approximately ₹81 crore, with ₹45 crore from overseas markets, particularly the Middle East and North America.

The film’s show count surged to 1,810 by Tuesday, with 1,236 Malayalam and 574 Telugu screenings, reflecting a 300% increase. Occupancy rates stood at 52.41% for Malayalam and 22.53% for Telugu, with limited Tamil shows contributing modestly. The upcoming Hindi release on September 4 is expected to further boost its earnings, potentially pushing it past ₹100 crore worldwide.

Cast & Crew

Directed by Dominic Arun, Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra is a visionary project under Dulquer Salmaan’s Wayfarer Films. Kalyani Priyadarshan leads as Chandra, delivering a commanding performance as Malayalam cinema’s first female superhero. Naslen K. Gafoor, Sandy Arun Kurian, and Arun Kurian shine in supporting roles, with cameos by Dulquer Salmaan, Tovino Thomas, and Soubin Shahir adding star power. The technical team, including cinematographer Nimish Ravi, editor Chaman Chakko, and composer Jakes Bejoy, elevates the film with stunning visuals and a powerful soundtrack.

Dominic Arun
Director

Kalyani Priyadarshan
Actor

Naslen K. Gafoor
Actor

Sandy Arun Kurian
Actor

Official Trailer

The official trailer for Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra, released on August 10, 2025, set the stage for its blockbuster run, generating massive buzz with its high-octane action, stunning visuals, and glimpses of Kalyani Priyadarshan’s superhero transformation. Clocking in at 2 minutes and 47 seconds, the trailer introduces Chandra’s origin story, blending Kerala folklore with modern superhero aesthetics. It has garnered over 15 million views on YouTube, with fans praising its cinematic quality and Jakes Bejoy’s electrifying score. The trailer teases a thrilling narrative, hinting at the Wayfarer Cinematic Universe’s ambitious future.

Pros & Cons

Cultural Impact and Audience Reception

Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra has ignited a cultural phenomenon, blending Kerala’s rich folklore with modern superhero tropes. Audiences have lauded its stylistic production design and Kalyani Priyadarshan’s commanding performance, with social media platforms like X buzzing with praise. One user remarked, “#Lokah is Malayalam cinema’s finest hour—stylish, heartfelt, and action-packed!” Critics, including The Indian Express (4/5 stars) and Cinema Express (3.5/5 stars), have praised its world-building and visual spectacle, despite minor pacing issues. The film’s Onam release and regional resonance, particularly in Kochi (61% occupancy) and Kollam (87%), have solidified its status as a crowd-pleaser.

Despite minor controversies over alleged “anti-Hindu” elements, the film’s universal appeal has driven its success, with overseas earnings reflecting strong diaspora support. Its ability to outshine Bollywood heavyweights like War 2 and Coolie underscores its disruptive potential, making it a benchmark for regional cinema’s global ambitions.