Kalyani Priyadarshan’s Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra, Produced By Dulquer Salmaan, Hits Theatres Today
Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra, one of the most anticipated Malayalam films of the year, released in theatres across India today. Directed by Dominic Arun and produced by Dulquer Salmaan under his Wayfarer Films banner, the film marks the launch of what is being positioned as the first large-scale superhero franchise in Malayalam cinema.
The movie stars Kalyani Priyadarshan in the titular role of Chandra, alongside Naslen as Sunny. The supporting cast includes Arun Kurian, Chandu Salimkumar, Nishanth Sagar, Raghunath Paleri, Vijayaraghavan, Nithya Shri, and Sarath Sabha.
Adding to the star power, cameo appearances by industry stalwarts like Dulquer Salmaan and Sunny Wayne have already generated buzz among fans.
With Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra, Malayalam cinema introduces a homegrown female superhero to the big screen. Kalyani Priyadarshan underwent extensive martial arts training to prepare for the role.
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Director Dominic Arun, known for his 2017 film Tharangam, has described the project as a long-gestating idea that began taking shape in 2020.
He has emphasised that creating a female superhero was not a “deliberate attempt to break the mould” but a natural outcome of the story’s development.
The film is planned as the first instalment in a larger “Wayfarer Cinematic Universe,” inspired by Kerala’s cultural, folkloric, and mythological traditions. This approach distinguishes Lokah from Western superhero franchises, grounding its world-building in regional narratives.
Dulquer Salmaan, speaking about his production venture, said that the aim is to create “a cinematic universe that is indigenous, rooted in local culture, and speaks to both mass audiences and younger viewers who have grown up on global superhero cinema.”
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The technical crew brings together leading names from Malayalam cinema. Nimish Ravi has handled cinematography, Chaman Chakko is the editor, and Jakes Bejoy has composed the music.
Action sequences were choreographed by Yannick Ben, while Banglan worked on production design. Costume design was helmed by Melwy J., with Archana Akhil Rao collaborating on Kalyani Priyadarshan’s looks.
The film’s promo song, “Thani Lokah Murakkaari”, sung by Jyoti Nooran (making her Malayalam playback debut), has already become popular online. The lyrics, written by filmmaker Muhsin Parari under the pseudonym Mu.Ri, combine contemporary energy with cultural motifs.
Pre-production began in September 2024, with principal photography commencing on 12 September 2024 following a traditional muhurath pooja. Filming wrapped on 30 January 2025 after 94 days of shooting.
With a runtime of 149 minutes and a reported budget of ₹30 crore, Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra has been released across India today in its original Malayalam version, distributed by Wayfarer Films in association with AGS Entertainment, Sithara Entertainments, and Pen Marudhar Cine Entertainment.
