Kalyani Priyadarshan’s supernatural thriller Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra has achieved a historic milestone by surpassing the Kerala box office record previously held by Baahubali 2.
According to data from Sacnilk, the film has collected ₹74.7 crore in Kerala within 15 days of release, edging past Baahubali 2’s ₹73 crore benchmark in the state.
The film's box office momentum hasn’t slowed globally either. Lokah has grossed over ₹200 crore worldwide within 13 days, securing its position as the fourth-highest-grossing Malayalam film of all time—trailing behind Empuraan, Manjummel Boys, and Thudarum. On day 15, the film continued to perform strongly with an estimated ₹3.85 crore in earnings.
Directed by Dominic Arun and produced under Dulquer Salmaan’s Wayfarer Films, Lokah is a fantasy drama set in pre-independence India.
The story follows Chandra, a young woman who discovers supernatural abilities after the mysterious disappearance of her father. Kalyani Priyadarshan's portrayal of the titular character has been widely praised for its depth and intensity.
Penned by Santhy Balachandran, the screenplay has been highlighted as a driving force behind the film’s critical acclaim. The film is characterised by its blend of traditional folklore and modern superhero elements, and is referred to as the "first female superhero thriller flick" in Malayalam cinema.
The film also features Naslen, Sandy, Arun Kurian, and Chandu Salimkumar in key supporting roles. Following its commercial and critical success, discussions about a sequel are already underway, with industry speculation suggesting actor Tovino Thomas may join the cast for the next chapter.
Lokah’s record-breaking run signals a new chapter in Malayalam cinema, blending genre innovation with box office muscle.
Bd-pratidin English/ ANI
